Amateur enthusiast- South Asian arts, culture, history, politics and 'development'

I enjoy outdoor activities- especially social science field work in geographically far off areas.

Beatles-Reading-Writing-Documentaries-Films-Public Discussions-Football

I grew up diverse cultures- mid hills, the river basin and 3 years on the top of a mountain- all in Helambu before coming to Kathmandu, Nepal's centre of all attractions, in 2002.

At around 9, I watched a monochrome TV for the first time feeling very shy to the newsreader constantly staring at me and got on an actual bus after a 15 km walk from home a couple of years later. That was life then, but it was very beautiful. Though Hindu and Brahmin by birth, I spent significant proportion of my life with people from Buddhist and other communities traditionally sadly considered 'uncivilized' (completely wrong) but that I have been able to love and respect so much. I am not religious but traditional religious practices (when non-discriminatory and non-patronizing) catch my eyes' attention.

Having lived half my life in the city, I still embrace the life in the villages but am well too occupied by the conveniences and the beauty of this traditional city.

CURRENT MISSION
Understanding Nepali arts, culture, history and politics through South Asian lens through reading, writing, movies and public discussions

Trying to set up a well organized, functioning and sustainable public library in Helambu as a long term goal

PHILOSOPHY
“I know nothing except the fact about my ignorance.”- Plato

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To learn from cultural exchanges

I used to host many couchsurfers in around 2014/15 and haven't been able to do so because of work, studies and other priorities. Now, this form of cultural interaction has become my area of interest again.

Interests

Social Development, Politics (esp. Informed Citinzenry), History, Progressive Society and Culture, Livelihood, Geography, Geology, Arts, Livelihood, Environment, Travelling, Photography, Running, Football

• arts
• culture
• books
• photography
• documentaries
• beauty
• environment
• politics
• traveling
• music
• soccer
• geography
• history
• religion
• films
• discussion
• research
• cultural festivals
• travelstories
• hillstations
• livelihood
• translation for newspapers

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC
CokeStudio- cross cultural fusion, Beatles, Linkin Park, Adele, Coldplay and Nepali traditional folk and ethnic, world music

MOVIES
Historical/Political, Experimental, Art Movies, Animations, Documentaries on Culture and Development

BOOKS
First generation student- only read the first book out of curriculum after high school but love to be surrounded by books and expand the culture of reading.
Mostly non-fiction with geographical, historical and socio-political contexts; Inspirational;
7 Years In Tibet, Homage to Catalonia, 3 cups of tea, Mother, We Indians
Inspirational- The Alchemist, Pursuit of Happiness, Tuesdays with Morrie, The Last Lecture, etc.
Catcher in the rye, To kill a Mockingbird

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

SEP-NOV 2014- Lived 45 days to the fullest in Kalimpong North-East India among the most hospitable friends one can imagine.

Traveled for 3 days in India- in Hindi language speaking area without having working knowledge of Hindi on my own and yet that trip has been one of the most memorable ones of my life

Teach, Learn, Share

Share knowledge on culture, history, politics and society of Nepal; share experiences from my work in Helambu; social development issues, etc.

Provide helpful tips for Couchsurfers with varying interests on suitable places to visit and activities to partake in Nepal

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share stories from my previous work in villages of Helambu region and my opinions on development, history, culture and politics especially in terms of Nepal.

I can share my small room that has some inconveniences for utilities if convenient with my schedules

Countries I’ve Visited

India

Countries I’ve Lived In

India, Nepal