India has shown its intention towards Nepal by imposing an indefinite economic blockade stopping the supply of all essential commodities including petroleum products, China, on the other hand, has really been kind to us. As a matter of fact, our northern neighbour has always been our all-weather friend. The second largest economy of the world has been supplying petroleum products to Nepal as grant considering the severity of crisis in Nepal. NOC has not terminated its contract with Indian Oil Corporation (IOL) but has now signed a deal with the Chinese Oil Corporation. Although it is a limited supply from China its supply will be increased in the days to come. In order to make the supply of petroleum products from China sustainable Nepal should take the initiative to construct pipelines from Kyirung, China to Syabrubesi customs points. This will help reduce the transportation cost by almost half. Nepal should also ask the Chinese side to increase the storage capacity at the nearest customs point as well as widen its roads linking Tibet. Nevertheless, what the country should do is to become self-sufficient in fuel to meet the local demand. The country should try to utilize its enormous amount of water resources that can reduce dependency on fossil fuel. Pratik Shrestha, Kathmandu Inspiration What is impossible to the rest of the world is possible in our country. There is hardly any country in the world where women occupy the highest position. Women had to wait for several decades to assume the highest post of governance, but in Nepal the President’s and Speaker’s posts have gone to women after the promulgation of the new constitution. Although the presidential post in ceremonial in Nepal it holds significance when it comes to uniting the nation at the time of crisis. Nepal is passing through a difficult political crisis even after the promulgation of the new constitution due to agitation by the Madhes-based parties which boycotted the constitution-drafting process. The office of the presidency can use its best office to encourage the agitating parties to reach a negotiated settlement with the major political parties which are in talks since the constitution came into force. The election of the first woman President and first Speaker is an indication that the major parties are liberal in giving such highest position to women who are now capable of handling these jobs. Given an opportunity, even women are not far behind men in delivering the goods to the people and the nation. However, electing women to the highest level of political posts is not enough. All girls, particularly those from backward communities, must be encouraged to go to schools and colleges so that they can assume political posts if they chose to do so. It is education that makes all women capable in their respective fields. Women’s representation in parliament, Pradesh Assembly and at the local bodies will make them stronger. Rabin Dumi, Patan campus