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Usha Pokharel

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The author is an educationist and has penned several children’s books. She has written articles for children and on parenting issues for Republica for the past 10 years.

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OPINION

Keep Smelling Fresh as You Age

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Ultimately, aging is a journey. By understanding our bodies—even down to their unique scents—we can navigate this phase with confidence and grace. With just a few simple lifestyle and dietary adjustments, we can enjoy our golden years feeling and smelling as fresh as ever.
Nov 11, 2025
OPINION

How the 20-Hour Work Policy Can Revolutionize Education, Eco...

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The impact of this policy extends far beyond individual students, promising significant benefits for the entire nation. Firstly, it serves as a critical strategy to mitigate brain drain. Nepal has long grappled with the exodus of its brightest minds, with many highly skilled graduates leaving the co...
Jun 16, 2025
OPINION

Navigating the Rapids of Change: Dealing with Adolescence

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Adolescence is a whirlwind of hormonal shifts, rapidly increasing independence, and a quest for identity that can rival a major search operation. While embracing modernity, it's crucial to gently guide our young adults toward the core values that define our Nepali culture: respect for elders, stron...
May 22, 2025
OPINION

Lowering Nepal's Marriage Age to 18 is a Step Backwards

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Lowering the marriage age would have devastating consequences, especially in a country where child marriage is still a persistent problem.
Apr 06, 2025
OPINION

Journey with Dolls

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Dolls,while being merely playthings, were also vessels of culture, history, and imagination. Dolls can also serve as a reflection of societal values and aspirations. Children’s doll play often mirrors the prevailing cultural norms and ideals of beauty, gender roles, and social status. 
Mar 20, 2025
OPINION

Embracing Fatherhood: Navigating the Unexpected Journey of P...

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Why am I discussing this topic? Simply because ‘no one talks about it’. Well, let’s face it, men are equal partners in their wives’ pregnancies. Even in Nepal, the number of nuclear families is gradually increasing. Pregnancy pushes the new family into the deep end of the unk...
Mar 03, 2025
OPINION

The Enigma of Dreams

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Perhaps the true meaning of dreams will forever remain an elusive mystery.  Are dreams simply a byproduct of neural activity, or do they hold a deeper significance? Do they offer glimpses into our deepest desires, fears, and aspirations? Or is it an inbuilt entertainment system? A means to dis...
Feb 18, 2025
OPINION

Mindful underparenting as a way of rearing children

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Power to observe and imitate is a very useful skill to have as children grow. By now, you must have realized that one of the best things parents can do — for their children and for themselves— is to go about their own lives while their children tag along. This I would call mindful under...
Jan 28, 2025
SOCIETY

A Tribute to PL Dai: A beacon of selfless service

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Similarly, PL Singh was PL dai to many of us. I remember him as a part of the Singh family. Mangala kaki often referred to PL dai as her elder son. She addressed him as PL, acknowledging his selfless dedication and invaluable contributions to her family.
Dec 17, 2024
OPINION

Stories matter for children's learning

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Stories have a powerful influence on children’s understanding of cultural and gender roles. Parents need to understand that stories develop their children’s literacy. Stories convey values, beliefs, attitudes, and social norms that shape children's perceptions and reality.
Apr 10, 2021