Though reeling under the acute fuel shortage, Nepalis are demonstrating that they are a people who will adapt to any given situation and take strides without losing hope or their sense of humour. There are many positive points to be taken from the current times say our readers

Just as the tremors lessened and Nepalis were sighing with relief, another problem hit us. Nepalis are once again pushed to a life of shortage of basic needs, which has made people think of alternatives — ways to cope until things go back to normal. While chatting with one of my friends abroad, he asked, “What do you do nowadays?” I replied, “I usually stand in line, sometimes for petrol, LPG...” The joke couldn’t do much but brought a smile to heal the situation.

Amidst difficulties people have not given up and will to do their best, smiling faces on roofs of vehicles and queues, jokes on social networking sites presenting the situation in a different way, helping hands to supply fuel and goods (though after receiving handsome commission) are some positive parts. Nepalis are well known for their complacency, but it’s time to show a sense of maturity and brotherhood to sort the problem out.

— Rabin

In the hour of crisis, be it destructive earthquake or this shortage, we Nepalis have gone through a lot. However, we have stood strong and faced all the problems as one. Our hopes have kept us going and this is depicted on all our faces. Our daily household chores are substantial but we have managed to survive. If there is no LPG, we have given ourselves various ways to cook like the traditional chulhos or the modified bricket or the electric stoves. We have valued the importance of alternative resources too. We may be unsatisfied with the government not working as expected but we have not given up our daily errands. We can acclimatise in any condition.

As for the public transport, Kathmandu Valley has seen many cyclists around from all age groups. Carpooling has also become common amongst many families. The Army has issued buses which provides service to the public free of cost! Walking on the roads has become easier as the pollution in Kathmandu is deteriorating. Isn’t this a good sign? The common man is mending his own ways to struggle for work and meal.

We are not giving up!

— Yugant Khand, Kathmandu

The most positive thing that I experienced during this crisis is the reflection of great resilience among the ordinary citizens of Nepal. Despite all odds, people have remained united and have been working efficiently under the existing hardship eke out a life for themselves while also extending support to others in need. The hardship has brought out the best from people and they are an example for the politicians and government as a source of inspiration. The complexities of politics and the power sharing has made life harder for the common man and economically pushed the nation backwards.

In recent times Nepal has reappeared as a stronger, confident, resilient nation and regenerated as a true survivor like the Greek mythological bird Phoenix that is reborn time and again from its own ashes. I sincerely believe that during this hard time, Nepal has been born again as a new nation of valiant fighters with an indomitable spirit and courage earning respect all across the globe. Kudos to the brave citizens of the Himalayan

paradise! Long live Democracy! Long live Nepal!

— Saikat Kumar Basu, Lethbridge, Canada

The condition of Nepal is not hidden from anyone across the globe. First the devastating earthquake hit the country and now this crisis, but our country survived both disasters — natural calamity and this blockade. Nepal imports many products from India but now the blockade has resulted in shortage of everything. This has altered the normal course of life of all people in Nepal. From the elite class to the poor, all have been affected by this. But I take great pride in saying that Nepal has stood strong and united in this problem. People still have hope that change will come soon and are doing everything in their reach to help their families. People still queue in front of petrol pumps and gas stations with a never-ending hope. Instead of using gas cylinders to cook food, they have started using induction stoves and chulhos. Also people have taken to walking rather than using vehicles. This problem has not only kept us united but also made us realise the importance of these resources. Let us all hope for a better Nepal in the future.

— Ayusha Agrawal

Though the lack of cooking gas is one of the challenges nowadays, it has led to a realisation too — that a nation must be independent and self-sufficient. Had Nepal generated adequate hydroelectricity, there would not be an obstacle for the smooth operation in running vehicles, cooking et cetera.

The critical situation of Nepal after the new Constitution has created a new environment for all Nepalis to work hand-in-hand for new ideas, plans and strategies that can help and solve the current problem some of which include encouragement in the use of electric and solar transportation, adapting the electrical method for cooking and so on. But the development of these sectors require the generation of hydroelectricity with proper consent of experts.

— Rachana Bhandari, Kapan-3, Kathmandu

It is not an easy phase for Nepalis who are running to depots with empty cylinders in hope of replacing it with a filled LPG cylinder and waiting at the never ending queues for petrol and diesel. Yet, we have not given up and have tried to make the best of the situation.

In this hour of difficulty, we rise with a sense of humanity that is evident when a rider gives a lift to a stranger or when a friend lends a litre petrol from his generator. Also fewer vehicles plying on the roads has resulted in lesser accidents. Due to the unavailability of fuel, people have developed a habit to either walk or ride a cycle. This has helped in maintaining fitness and indirectly helping in reducing illness.

— Aakriti Rai, Lalitpur

After the promulgation of the new Constitution, the major problem followed halting our day-to-day activities. Despite queuing up for petrol, diesel, and cooking gas, we have to return empty handed. Not sure when this situation will end, and Nepalis are looking for alternatives. There has been the best use of firewood instead of cooking gas. In the same way, we do not find unnecessary use of vehicles due to lack of petroleum products. More than this, there has been a realisation of not abusing the resources regardless of its availability.

— Anonymous

Well cultivating positive vibes at such time is indeed difficult. There are people who can’t even switch to alternatives. Alternatives like heaters, bricket, firewood in place of cooking gas are either unavailable or too expensive. People are already coping for more than a month through minimising number of meals or sharing food with each other. Despite all these negative scenarios, everyone is committed to manage daily needs with what they have. Everyone has assured themselves that situation will get normal very soon.

— Sudharshan Thapa

After reeling from the devastating earthquake, Nepalis are today coping with acute fuel crisis. Like the quake brought the feeling of brotherhood among the people, the crisis has put light on the extensive nationality and sovereignty that Nepalis live with. On the surface, the crisis has hit our life hard, but deeper it is making the people utilise natural resources and renewable resources. People are now visualising the prospects for an independent state which stakeholders neglected.

— Surya Sigdel

Definitely Nepalis are going through tough times due to the shortage of petroleum products. But no matter how hard the situation, Nepalis have proved that confidence, courage and determination are vital for surviving hard times. Fuel crisis has become the most common problem but still people have not lost hope. Nepalis have great hope and are ready to face the challenges. This complex and tough time has rekindled a new team spirit among all Nepalis. People these days have learnt to endure and overcome the instability and adversities. Through the virtue of their own difficulties for survival, Nepalis have come together to nourish the team spirit to survive even in this tough time. It is a hard time but it has made every individual strong in different ways and taught them to tackle the problem. Hope, courage, and unity are very important in this current state because it makes the present situation less difficult to bear. If we all believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear this hardship today.

— Sandhya Dangol, Bhainsepati, Lalitpur

Be it the ongoing agitation in Madhesh or the so-called unofficial blockade, it’s the people of Nepal reeling under acute shortage of petroleum products. It has crippled the economy of the nation at large. Nevertheless, this crisis has once again tested the patience of our people and brought us together to stand strong for our national integrity and sovereignty. It has provoked the authority to seek for alternative resources rather than being parasitic on a single nation. Likewise, it has triggered the realisation that no development is possible until and unless we become self-reliant by exploring our own resources.

— Abiral Pritam Bhandari, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur

It’s a well-known fact that fuel scarcity has been a serious problem for Nepal. Due to the blockade on our southern border, life in the country has been really hit hard. Although China has tried to give petroleum products mainly from Kerung trading point, the ongoing major problem doesn’t look as if it will come to an end. Thus, we can see people facing all sorts of hardships. We can say for sure that we are showing our determination by making good utilisation of fuel which are at our disposal. On top of that we are also making use of wooden blocks to cook foods instead of cooking gas mainly in rural areas. It can also be seen in cities like Kathmandu. Besides, we should not forget the fact that we humans are born in order to struggle our entire life.

— Pratik Shrestha, Buddhanagar, Baneshwor

Nepal is passing through rough times and we the common people are suffering the most. But within this dark and dreadful situation, there lies a ray of positivity that has been

motivating us to face it with patience and courage.

First thing, the current situation has definitely given a good shake as the decades of blind reliance has been disrupted and we have been forced to think of our survival on our own. This, I assume can be the first step towards independence and self-motivation. Alternative sources have been implemented and that in itself is an achievement. The other positive thing that we can see is the reinforcement of mutual love and friendly spirit among people. While people are hard hit by the fuel crisis, the introduction of carpooling — a system of offering lift has been evidenced clearly to reduce the suffering of many.

— Sahara Humagain, Lokanthali, Bhaktapur

Nepalis are facing several disastrous events this year following the awful earthquake. However people are not giving up hope and have held themselves together during hard times like this. Many people are optimistic and going on with their life. They are struggling and finding a reason for existence.

Many citizens are helping each other at times when petrol, gas cylinders and other rations are scarce. For instance, people have to go to their workplaces but it is difficult for those who don’t own a personal vehicle. I see people giving rides to the waiting passengers at certain bus stations. I have also been given a ride and I have tried to ask for rides when there were no vehicles on the road. Several times I have been denied by those people.

I hope this problem gets solved and we can again return to our normal lives soon. In such critical times, it is better if we all cooperate with each other and find alternatives to reduce the problem.

— Rojina Pradhan, Ravibhawan, Kathmandu

All the Nepali people in this time of crisis are struggling to live their life as good as they can despite the devastating earthquake of April 25 and this fuel crisis now. It is actually a kick to Nepali people to become a self-reliant country.

The positive aspects which can be seen are —

1. People have developed the feeling of nationality within them.
2. People, even children, have realised that we were under India indirectly which has harmed our esteemed sovereignty which is difficult to forget.
3. It has taught us to find alternatives instead of depending on a single relation.
4. It has planted the seeds of producing our own products which is possible.

— Brijesh Baral, Jorpati, Kathmandu

The year witnessed disastrous earthquake killing thousands of lives and destroying valuable properties. It was not easy to forget the pain of losing family members and hard earned assets. Then came the promulgation of the new Constitution that made people feel a bit relieved. But soon the smile changed into tears due to the blockade.

With the arrival of the greatest festivals, shortages of daily commodities started. People are forced to walk long distances. People have chosen firewood for cooking. Visiting homes this Dashain was something one would fear due to the Madhesh aandolan.

Despite all those hardships, the patience and the calmness seen in their eyes are indeed praiseworthy. Nepalis have learnt to be self-dependent, rely on themselves rather than on outsiders. Unity is seen not only in the commoners but within the political parties and the government.

— Bhawana Poudel Bhattarai, Baneshwor, Kathmandu

I am from outside the Capital and came here with the hope of getting better education but these prevailing obstacles have not made it easy. Our college nonetheless has never made us feel that we are deprived of getting better education. They are doing their job well. But the only problem is to reach college on time. There are some improvements that can be seen in these difficult periods. We can see vehicles plying on batteries. This is a good way of being independent from fuel-based vehicles. Many Nepali people have bought electric appliances to replace their fuel-based appliances. In our hostel, we have to rely on what we have. Before this crisis, we were provided with several food items such as rice, daal, two types of vegetables, salad, et cetera. But now we are getting half-cooked rice and vegetables only. I hope that people will definitely find some best alternatives to get rid of these obstacles.

— Ashish Kumar Sah, Kathmandu

Though we are rich in natural resources, especially water, we always depend on imported fuel. We always dream of establishing huge hydro-power projects that never came into being. Fertile lands and manpower were not used in proper ways. Youth are seen in long queues of fuel. Everybody is suffering in different ways. It’s uncertain when this will end.

It’s not completely bad though as we have learnt some lessons. It’s our positive attitude that we are patient and people are expressing patriotism instead of their anger.

— Asit Baral, Masbar, Pokhara-7

Being pessimistic in the current situation of Nepal is reasonable. However, everything has a positive and negative aspect. Being optimistic is very crucial in such conditions. The positive aspect I see here is that we youth have learnt that Nepal was dependent on India for almost every basic necessity. Since the future is in the hands of the youth there can be positive changes in Nepal. I also feel that we have learnt to use things wisely and establish industries for our daily needs. The blockage at Nepal-India border has led us to establish our trade relation with China.

So, let us all hope Nepal will have good days coming soon.

— Chandani Shrestha, Buddhanagar, Kathmandu

This difficult period has taught us great lessons. It is said ‘where there is a will, there is a way’. Because of the current situation of the nation, we have learned to compromise with our life. With the lack of petrol and diesel, we have developed the habit of walking, using bicycle and with the lack of cooking gas, we have found the ways of using chulos, electric stoves et cetera. We have also learned the importance of rational utilisation of available resources. The most positive thing seen among Nepalis is that they haven’t given up on hope.

— Padma Manandhar, Bhaktapur

The economic blockade has given us an opportunity to establish good trade relations with China. It also will help Nepal to be a bridge between

India and China for trade relations in the future. People now seem to be more concerned about the country. Apart from this, I have witnessed

cooperation between people in the community, which is a positive change for society.

— Kajol Shah, Sanepa, Lalitpur

Positive things that I have seen in this difficult period is that most of the people who were lazy have become active than before, now they walk. In my view I think it has improved their health. Not only that the roads seem to be cleaner.

— Anonymous

The positive aspect of Nepali people in this hard time is they can easily manage alternatives like fire woods, electric heaters, induction heaters, rice cookers et cetera. Likewise community kitchen is also helping each other’s families.

— Nirmal Aryal, Jitpurfedi, Tarkeshwor-7, Kathmandu

We have recently bid goodbye to one of the biggest festivals of the nation, Dashain. Another important festival Tihar has approached our doorsteps and Chhath is not that far too. But with the ongoing crisis in the nation, has it affected your festive celebration this year? How? Illustrate.

­Send your replies in not more than 200 words by Friday, November 13 by 2:00 pm to Features, The Himalayan Times, e-mail: features@thehimalayantimes.com