If I were stranded alone on an island, I wish to have a pen and a diary — my best friends, to scribble my feelings. A music player would be another perfect thing to have. Music can provide relaxation even in plight.

If I am given these three things, I will survive in a deserted island.

— Krisha Amatya, Kumaripati, Lalitpur

If I were stranded on a deserted island, the three things I would want are mobile phone, plenty of water and I would not lose heart in that situation. A mobile phone would help me contact the people who are concerned about me, so that they would come to rescue me. Secondly, enough water to quench my thirst. Lastly, I would not lose my heart facing any difficulty being stranded in a deserted island, because inspiration and will are great things in life to face any difficulties to solve any problems which might occur.

— Mohan Narshingh Shrestha, Kupondol

Lots of food (for energy), my Bible (for hope) and my guitar (for refreshment).

— Cool Cristofer, Lake Side

A sharp stick, reading material and warm clothes are the three things which I want with me. A sharp stick to kill animals for food — a gun is not a very wise option, what if I use up all the bullets? When one is alone and feeling bored with nothing to do, reading materials like novels and magazines will help to pass the days easily. In a place where there is no hospital, no doctors, health is important, so warm clothes are necessary. If the weather is hot, it may be fine, otherwise warm clothes are needed. Along with it I would also like to take a tent to take shelter from heavy rain and scorching sun.

— Shiva Pd Kandel, Sydney

The three things that I’d like to have if I were stranded on a deserted island are — a computer with Internet connection and runs on solar power (if there’s such a thing). I’d be in touch with the world and whether I am rescued or not, I could atleast be part of the world of cyberspace. It would be maddening to stay away from human civilisation but there are many who survive, confined to their rooms with just their computers, which is a bit similar to being stranded on a secluded island.

I’d like to have gun in order to ward off any predators because when the word ‘island’ is mentioned the first thought may be of a beautiful beach at sunset, but the next will surely be that of wild beasts and cannibals.

Then I’d like a great supply of toiletries like soaps, shampoos and toothpaste.

— Rhea Gurung, Maharajgunj

I would want my girlfriend to be with me. She is my life and my world. If she is with me, despite being on a deserted island, I will be in a world of love. The Himalayan Times will be another option. My loneliness will be removed by refreshing news in that paper. While reading I may reach the White House or the CA hall or a spectacular bench of EPL, and not be on a deserted island. Food is another must. So, I think I will also take a few bottles

of beer (for thirst) with sufficient snacks (for hunger). Then I will be in the ‘world of love’, ‘a world of news’ and a mug in my hand ‘just for survival’.

— Raju Thapa

I would choose first to have matches to light a fire and stay warm because islands get cold at night. I’m scared of the dark, so it would help me to find my way. It will help me to cook my meal. By lighting a fire I will also be able to see any ship approaching and ask for help. My next choice would be to have pocket knife which will help me cut coconut growing on trees. So, I can also get food and water from it. It will be important in many ways — it will provide me with a sense of protection, to use as a tool, to cut any obstacles. My third choice would be to have my beautiful lover with me, but with the option that we would both be very skilled in survival techniques. I believe we could prepare comfortable accommodation and survive quite well. We may even find a solution on how to get out from this particular situation as soon as possible.

— Shiva Kafle, Pokhara

If I were stranded on a deserted island, the first thing that I’d want to have with me would be a matchbox. I would use it to light fire during the dark, and to keep myself warm and safe from wild animals. Secondly, I would want to have a mirror, so that I could reflect out signals and get myself rescued in case an aircraft or a ship happens to pass by. Lastly, I would want to have a good book with me as it is certain that I’d get bored in the island with nothing to do.

— Sadichchha Pokharel, Kupondole

As an adventure lover, I would love to spend a week on a deserted island. First I’d need the courage and strength to go there. The second thing I’d need would be some basic requirements like water, food and sleeping material. Third and the most important thing is a partner with whom those moments would be golden. In an isolated place I can share everything from my life and get a chance to know him more closely, the person with whom I can spend the rest of my life.

— Gug, Pokhara

If I was stranded on a deserted island, I would want a camera, laptop and sound system with me. As life is impossible without fun and enjoyment, I think these three things will keep me happy and entertain me as well. I would use the laptop to play games, camera to capture scenes and my joyful moments and certainly a sound system to entertain myself by listening to music. But I’m sure that I will not forget to take my girlfriend with me so that I won’t be alone.

— Rajesh KC

If I were to stranded on a deserted island, sufficient food is going to be the most important thing for me. A notebook with wireless Internet and solar battery, in order to keep in touch with the outside world. Match boxes or lighter to light a fire. These would of course help me survive for several days.

— Bikram Dhoju, Kathmandu

If I were stranded on a deserted island, the first thing I’d like to have with me is The Himalayan Times as its my basic need. Another thing is the memory of a goldfish so that I don’t feel alone. Finally, I’d like to have a music player. Wow! I’d spend my entire life with my THT, listening to my favourite music and forgetting the selfish world. With a memory like a goldfish’s I’d always find everything new and adventurous and would get rid of this hunger.

— Rupa Khanal

If I were stranded on a deserted island, the first thing I would want to have is anyone from the list of my loved ones, that is my sister with whom I can gossip for hours or my friends so that we can establish a new village, where we can enjoy nature, live like early men and be away from the rush of today’s modern life. Secondly, I would want a pan to cook fish and crabs from the ocean to eat when I feel hungry. The third thing which I would want would be a blanket to cover and keep myself warm during the night.

— Namrta Shah

It will be hot on an island, so I would like to have some water, a camel and some food. Water is the most necessary thing for human beings. Our life is not possible on a deserted island without water. I would need a camel to travel around the island. Riding a camel will be a new and exciting experience for me. Finally, food will help me survive during my stay there.

— Bishnu Prasad Pokharel, Birendranagar

When I think of myself being stranded on an island, the first thing that knocks my mind is the photograph of my one and only dream guy — Shahid Kapoor. Gosh! I will miss his adorable and charismatic face that has always fascinated me ever since I got to see him in movies. So, I would love to have his photograph with me so that I don’t miss him in a place with no television and movies. Next thing would be paper and pen since I love to script extraordinary stuff and happenings of my life, and I am certain that I will have plenty of things to make a note of. Reading it afterwards would be cool and entertaining. Then I’d want my playful and cheerful pet dog Rusty with me. I am sure nobody would be as protective and responsive as him because he is the friendliest and most helpful creature I have ever met.

— Ashmita Neupane

The idea of being stranded on a deserted island sounds kind of scary yet fascinating to me. I would ensure an ample supply of ration. Secondly, I would like to take along a couple of books to read. The third thing that would accompany me to the isle would be my cell phone so that I can listen to music, click pictures and call for help whenever it would be needed.

— Nitya Pandey

Three things that I would like to have with me if I am stranded on a deserted island include water, cell phone and books. I would like to have water with me since this is essential. Phone would help me keep in touch with people who are concerned about me, book will give me a sense of being with friends and help kill boredom.

— Ambika Pandey, Chitwan

It’s usually in daydreams that I find myself stranded on a deserted island. And I rarely see myself with anything other than a notebook and a pen, a camera and a packet of biscuits. I would like a notebook with me because I’d certainly want to write about my time on the deserted island — maybe a short story about me finding an alien or simply about life (because I reckon there would be plenty of time and no better place to pen down my thoughts. The camera would be at its best use in that place. I could show my pictures when I would be back home or just paste the snaps in my journal for myself. As for the biscuits, they just came to my mind, I guess it would be nice to be able to munch on something other than fruits.

— Rahsmi, Pokhara

On an eerie deserted island, a scooter with never-ending fuel would be the first thing I’d want, along with an axe and sleeping bag. With a vehicle I can roam the island. An axe would be useful either to cut thorugh obstacles caused by wild trees or even to get food. A sleeping bag, where I can have plenty of rest after whole day’s tiring journey.

— Rajani Maharjan

The most essential things required to sustain in such a hostile environment is to have courage and optimism. Apart from that, the three things which I would like to have with me are plenty of food that would last for at least the period I’m confined there; being an avid reader, I would prefer to carry a bag full of romantic novels in order to free myself of boredom; if electronic gadgets were allowed, I would like to stick with my digital mp3 player.(But where would I be charging it if the battery dies?)

— Sandhya, Shantinagar

The first thing I would want with me is loads of packaged food and juices of various flavours, especially my favourite ones. The second thing I would take is a laptop in which I will store my all time favourite records and movies so that I can watch and listen to them when I want to. The last thing I would take is a camera so that I can capture my precious moments on the island.

— Aishwarya Rai