2072 BS has been eventful to say the least. From the earthquakes, the hotly debated constitution, and the Tarai riots and strikes to the border blockade that had a huge impact on our daily lives, 2072 was certainly action-packed. Everyone had their own ideas and opinions about the major happenings of the year—the earthquakes, the new constitution, and the blockade.
Regardless of whether one subscribes to superstitious beliefs or not, a lot of people are surely heaving a sigh of relief that 2073 is finally here. Here are a few young people looking back on 2072.
Ankita Thapa, 21I have a mixed bag of emotions when I think of the past year. The year 2072 will be special for me because it was the year I graduated from college. I'm excited to have reached that stage in life where I can work, earn and be independent. But the job hunting process has been frustrating because I've not been able to find a satisfactory job. I also met some really great people and we have formed a strong bond of friendship that I hope will last forever. The biggest lesson I take from 2072 is that we should never slow down our own growth by trying to hold on to people, things and habits that are no longer serving us.
Welson Shrestha, 18
I remember that accident I had in the first month of 2072. It occurred on the second day of Baisakh while I was riding my bike. I took a complete rest for more than a week to recover from my injuries. All in all, this has been a tough year on every Nepali as we had to deal with natural calamities as well as repercussions of Nepali-Indian politics. Many Nepalis lost their lives and properties in the earthquake that hit us on Baisakh 12. When life is troublesome that's when we long for the simpler things.
Linus Shrestha, 20
Well, this year has been a complete package of joy, tragedy, failures, struggles and lessons for me. Despite the catastrophes that were the earthquakes, the Tarai strikes, and the border blockades, I remember happy moments when I could help earthquake victims doing whatever little I could, the happiness of getting a half filled LPG cylinder or a couple of liters of petrol after hours of struggle. So, yes, this has certainly been a memorable year which I won't be forgetting soon. And as for lessons I've learnt, it's that in the company of friends and family joy increases and troubles are bearable.
Binaya Humagain, 26
Facing the earthquake at the beginning of the year was shocking. But I learnt to keep calm in the face of natural disaster. No one was prepared for the Tarai riots and the subsequent border blockades which led to the scarcity of fuel in the country. Those months taught me to live my life in the most creative ways possible. I walked two hours daily. I lost some weight and also saved money at the same time. Around this time, I also decided to do something proactive for a better Nepal and I participated in different campaigns as a volunteer. Seeing the youth around me I feel that Nepalis have a lot of courage to develop their own nation. We should learn from all that has happened in the past year and take the lessons to create a better country.
Pragya Pradhan, 21
I'm sure 2072 is a year that people won't forget in a hurry. First, there came the devastating earthquake which was followed by hundreds of aftershocks. We are still reeling under the shock of the first earthquake even now. I'm extremely relieved that the border blockade didn't affect me as much as it probably would have since I live in Chitwan. I live at home, don't own a scooter and can walk to most places as the places I frequent are not very far. In a nutshell, 2072 has shown me many ups and downs but taught me to be happy as there is still a lot to rejoice in life.
Duggen Sherpa, 21
2072 has come to an end, and here begins a new year. As I lay back sipping my cup of coffee, I have wonderful memories to look back on, such as the day I graduated from college. I finally gave in to my adventurous spirit and had a whale of a time rock climbing and trying the canyon swing. Those were exhilarating moments. I felt I was also able to connect better with people around me. I celebrated the differences I found in them and enjoyed the similarities we shared with one another. There was a lot of joy, hard work, and learning this past year. I'm looking forward to the New Year where I can make more memories with my friends and family.