The Nepali Outpost

Sagun Lawoti: Crown, Crowd, and Crisis

Pro-monarchy protests are gaining traction in Nepal, but can they really undo the secular republic? In this episode, I sit down with Sajun Lawoti, spokesperson for the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), to discuss the movement’s goals, its chances of success, and why he believes Hindu Republicanism would be a mistake. I push him on the skepticism many Nepalis have toward his party, the RPP’s struggle to convert frustration into votes, and whether the political center-right has a future in Nepal. Tune in for a candid conversation about the country's shifting political landscape. Guest book recommendations: 📖 Seto Bagh by Diamond Shumsher Rana 📖 Imagined Communities by Benedict Anderson 📖 Mero Desh Mero Parivesh [https://himalpress.com/2024/06/144935/] by Padma Sundar Lawoti

Chef Bikram Vaidya: Aasan Tol, standardizing recipes, and demystifying the Nepali kitchen

In this episode of The Nepali Outpost, we sit down with acclaimed Chef Bikram Vaidya to discuss his newly released book, The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal. Join us as we explore his inspiring journey from Aasan Tol to the USA, delving into the challenges he faced while mastering French cooking and how his experiences have shaped his perspective on Nepali cuisine. Chef Bikram shares his insights into the evolving food culture of Nepal, highlighting how traditions blend and adapt over time. His book, a fusion of culinary art and travel narrative, celebrates the intricate Nepali culinary heritage with over 140 recipes and engaging anecdotes that transport readers through Nepal's breathtaking landscapes. Reflecting on the essence of food, Chef Bikram emphasizes that it is deeply intertwined with one's identity—nationally, ethnically, and personally. He discusses the philosophy behind cooking as a form of medicine, presenting Ayurvedic recipes that focus on seasonal eating for optimal health. Listeners (& readers) will gain insights into the multiple facets of Nepali cuisine, regional specialties, cooking techniques, and the integral role of herbs and spices. With a rich blend of practical tips and captivating stories, The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal is more than just a cookbook; it’s an invitation to experience Nepali food culture. Tune in to learn about how Chef Bikram is reconnecting us to the roots of these culinary traditions! Find out more about Chef Bikram Vaidya and his work at bikramvaidya.com [https://www.bikramvaidya.com/]. Link to buy [https://www.bikramvaidya.com/product-page/mystic-kitchens-of-nepal] The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal:

Dr. Bipin Ghimire on Nepal's unique borders & managing the two neighbors.

Our latest episode features the insightful Dr. Bipin Ghimire, an expert on South Asian geopolitics and border dynamics. In this episode, we take a look into the complexities surrounding Nepal's borders, both colonial and non-colonial, highlighting the historical implications and current challenges.  Dr. Ghimire discusses how Nepal's borders were shaped during colonial rule and the impact that legacy has on its present-day political landscape. We also discuss the "Chuche Naksha" and explore what it means for Nepal in the context of national identity and territorial integrity. Dr. Ghimire shares insights on how China's security concerns affect Nepal’s policies, regional dynamics, and people-centric border policy. Book Recommendations: * "Money: A Story of Humanity" by David McWilliams  * ‘Bhikshu, Byapar ra Bidroha & "Himal Pari Ko Huri" by Sudheer Sharma  Join us for this conversation that uncovers the intersections of history, geography, and contemporary global politics. #Nepal #Geopolitics #DrBipinGhimire #Podcast #ChucheNaksha #China #Borders #BookRecommendations

It's difficult to make predictions, especially about the future, with Dr Anil Sigdel

🎙️ New episode out now with Dr. Anil Sigdel! We cover: * What Trump’s re-election might mean for the Ukraine war, * Changes in Indo-Pacific security, * How New Delhi sees the election, * And why Nepali-Americans may have voted differently from Indian-Americans. Plus, Dr. Sigdel shares some thought-provoking book recommendations: * 📚 How Democracies Die – Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt * 📚 Why I Am a Hindu – Shashi Tharoor * 📚 The Rise and Fall of Great Nations – Paul Kennedy A mix of global insights and great reads—don’t miss it! 🎧 Listen now! #GlobalPolitics #UkraineWar #BookRecommendations #IndoPacific #Trump2024 #Podcast

Bangladesh: Spirit, State, Sharia with Md Mizanur Rahman

As the dust begins to settle after the "July Protests" in Bangladesh, we speak with political scientist Md Mizanur Rahman about what politics and society look like post-Sheikh Hasina. Mizanur guides us through the reasons for the protests and the key characters. We also speak about what these changes mean for the "spirit of Bangladesh", the state, and the future of secularism. Happy Listening!  Show recommendations include: * Laurence Gautier: Between Nation and ‘Community' [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/between-nation-and-community/64F5C9AB6429606B37F8F3BB7E06A7C9] * William Dalrymple: The Golden Road [https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/golden-road-9781408864418/] *  Ashfaque Nipun [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashfaque_Nipun]: Mohanagar [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14867276/] * Mejbaur Rahman Sumon: Hawa ( হাওয়া ) [https://archive.org/details/hawa-2022]