Are you playing or being played? How well do you know the rule of the game you are in? Are you an informed, well-poised, responsible version of yourself digitally???

I recently participated in the “Responsible Digital Engagement” course that asked me basic yet questions I never thought about earlier. I do want to share what I learned so that they would be informed on this pertinent topic. However, I am not an expert in the subject matter, and instead of sharing the information and knowledge, I have questions for you all going through this post. These are questions that will help you understand your digital engagement a little bit better. 

These questions are signposts that will help you find out more about the topics and issues. These questions are asked to trigger your thought process on issues/concerns that it often is overlooked for being too basic. 

There are 14 questions I personally find important to understand where we stand in terms of digital engagement. If you don’t know the answer to any of these questions or have never thought of it before it’s a sign to look into it. There are many resources regarding this on the internet and if you need more information or resource I will try my best to assist. Be ready for some uncomfortable questions. 

1. We all live in the age of information, where data expands exponentially every second. Do we know about it and understand how it functions? How much do you know about it? 

A few years back when I watched a video of David Foster Wallace’s commencement speech on YouTube the following parable he referred to stayed with me. 

"There are these two young fish swimming along, and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says, “Morning, boys. How’s the water?” And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one of them looks over at the other and goes, “What the hell is water?”

This parable is more relevant than ever when we talk about data, information, and digital space. The key question we need to ask ourselves is how much we understand the digital space we engage with in everyday life? Are we the older dish or the young fish in digital space? What are you?? Ever thought of it??? 

2. Our digital world is a double-edged sword. How much do you know about Information vs. Fake news, propaganda, and disinformation trying to get to you? 

The digital world can be “a boon and a bane” depending on how you use it or it uses you. There are good things as well as darker sides of the digital world. It's like a double-edged sword, if used with prudence it’s a weapon of great efficiency, but can harm the one in possession of it if now used wisely. 

There is much we can accomplish in and from digital space but like everything else that exists, it has both good sides and bad sides. It is both boon and a bane, our personal experience can tell us what it has been for us. 

We get easy access to information but are prone to misinformation, fake news, and propaganda. We get a platform but it can be used negatively or to cause harm. We will find almost anything we are looking for in the digital space, so we better know what and how to look for, for good of all. 

3. Have you ever reflected on your own media consumption habit? 

“Your beliefs become your thoughts,

Your thoughts become your words,

Your words become your actions,

Your actions become your habits,

Your habits become your values,

Your values become your destiny.”

                                                         ― Gandhi

Have you ever looked at your digital media consumption habit? Do you keep track of the time you spend on the internet? Are you habituated to internet use or is it still a conscious effort? I recently tracked my media consumption habit and I was surprised. If you haven’t done it already try it. It might tell you something about yourself that you haven’t noticed yet.

4. Are you a responsible user in the digital space? 

We all know of someone who is responsible drivers, responsible drinkers, responsible beings, etc. There are indicators that we rely on to figure out and observe if someone is being responsible or not. We use digital space more often than we think we do. But do we seldom ask if we are being responsible digital space users? If you are reading this pause. Give it a thought if you are the responsible user in/of digital space. What makes you a user and if you know some abusers what makes them so. 

Think of it. 

5. How reliable is social media platform as a source of news? 

What is your source of news? Where do you seek the information you need? We all have seen tweets and posts about the death of celebrities who haven’t actually died. There is so much happening in social media and other digital platforms that at times it's hard to keep track of it. Even those amongst us who are most cautious fall victim to social media post that feeds misinformation. 

Like we are concerned about what food we put in our bodies (I believe you do, if you don’t we have other pertinent things to talk about too) we need to screen what news gets to us and how we feed on information. Be sure you are being fed something factual and of quality, authenticity, reliability, and relevance.

6. Are you aware of Personalized Algorithms and Filter Bubbles in the digital space? 

Lots have been discussed about the ‘Law of attraction’ and ‘Law of affirmation’ as part of spiritual discourse. However, these laws, or at least their essence is best reflected in how personalized algorithms and filter bubbles in digital space work.

Do you know what you see is curated based on what you are engaged within the digital world? It is like you wearing red glasses and seeing red everywhere. It's a skewed view. This is what the internet does to us, feeds us what we crave or engage with and gives us a bubble to be in. 

If we do not understand and venture beyond personalized algorithms and filter bubbles we’ll be like blind men feeling the body of an elephant, characters from a famous parable. 

7. How are we vulnerable and how we may put others in vulnerable positions on digital platforms? 

When we interact and express ourselves, our opinions, and our ideas we open ourselves to vulnerability. You never know what response you are going to get. The same is true for digital engagement with a bit of twist, i.e. reach. Digital engagement has a prospective reach beyond our expectations at times. That makes us more vulnerable too. We are not just vulnerable with digital platforms with our content, we are also vulnerable due to several other factors such as internet safety and data privacy.

It is not personal in digital platforms because it's not just you, sometimes what we do, what we post, and how we engage may harm other people or put them in positions of risk and jeopardy. Have we ever thought of how vulnerable we are in digital space? We are concerned while walking dark alleys at night but many don’t bother in darker alleys in the digital world. Never forget how vulnerable we are on the internet.

8. Are you aware of information disorder?

Be careful of the information you have fetched from the internet. They may not be true. There are people misusing digital platforms for various reasons. if you do not know about information disorder, learn more about it to be more responsive to digital engagement. 

9. Do you care what you share in the digital space? 

We basically share digital space with others. What we share contributes to what digital space will be like and how that will impact others participating. Thus, we need to understand our obligation to care before sharing anything. We need to make sure we share something that adds positivity and value in an already overcrowded digital space. 

Look back at what you have shared in digital space and reflect on why you shared it, you will know if you do it right or not if you do this honestly.

10. Are you secure in your digital space? Are your profiles and footprints in digital space safe? 

Are your data and communication protected and discreet on digital platforms? Are your passwords strong? Are you confident that you cannot be the victim in digital space? What are the tools you use for your safety on the internet? How are you maintaining privacy when needed and secrecy when required?

It's better to be safe than sorry. Ask yourself and if you are not sure ask an expert. Staying safe on the internet is elementary for you to use it in a responsible manner.

11. How much are you invested in your digital wellness? Physical, mental, and emotional well-being?

Our engagement in the digital world has an impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, it can either be positive or negative or a bit of a mix of all. We need to understand where we are at with our digital well-being. In the digital world, we live in digital well-being is the priority. 

We need to invest time in ensuring our physical, mental, and emotional well-being in being is not inversely affected by our digital engagement and we also need to take measures to ensure that we have information, tools, and practice to make us digitally well. Also, we need to work on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being in the digital space.

12. Do you have instances where you’ve regretted your digital media engagement?

At times we regret what we say or do in our life. Similarly, I often regret some of my digital engagements, particularly those that trigger my emotions, beliefs, or biases. This happens so fast and in the heat of the moment that I look back and think that was uncalled for or unnecessary. Do you ever feel the same? If you do, it is time to process the digital engagement and take a pause and ask questions rather than engage as a reflex response. 

I personally think we to revise this particular quote to fit with our digital engagement, “Before you speak ask yourself if what you are going to say is true, is kind, is necessary, is helpful. If the answer is no, maybe what you are about to say should be left unsaid.” 

~“Before you engage in digital space (post something/have your say/share/react/response) ask yourself if what you are going to put out in digital space is true, is kind, is necessary, is helpful. If the answer is no, maybe what you are about to say should be left unposted.”

13. What determines your digital engagement habits?  

Have you heard of an old parable, THE STORY OF TWO WOLVES? 

[An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” 

He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.” 

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” 

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”]

It may sound like a paradox but your engagement habit determines your engagement habit in digital space. Be careful what you engage with, and understand you always have a choice. You are free to choose your engagement in digital space but understand there are consequences of your choice. Choose wisely. 

14. Are you using digital space or is digital space using you? 

Final question for the post, are you using digital space or digital space using you? Are you the consumer or the product? This may sound like an absurd question but give it a thought. Remember the time when you did not have access to digital space or were unaware of all of it. Think about how you use digital space. Is it still a conscious effort to use it? Do you see what you want to see or do you see what you are fed? Do you buy things you want to or things that are recommended to you based on algorithms? 

In more brut terms, are you playing or are you being played? 

*****

Stock Investment in Time of CORONA/Crisis

Stock investment is my area of interest. This is where I invest my hard-earned savings. I am not an expert on market or have an appetite for technical analysis. I just know enough to make my investment decisions...' investment decisions' not 'trading decisions'. You ought to know the difference between the two if you are interested in the stock market at all.

Let's jump into the topic of concern. 

A time of national crisis, if it does not hit you hard, can be an unprecedented opportunity'. These are times when fortunes are lost and fortunes are made. You could end up in either of   the sides. Time of crisis often brings the market down to its knees, to the point where it looks like 'this is it'. A nightmare for all those who have an investment in the market...A point where your portfolio is numeric version of a horror movie. 

Two things happen in the market at the time of crisis. First, your portfolio is not where you want or ever expect it to be. Second, the prime stocks are a dime a dozen. They are up for grab (as the market is in its knees). If you have the guts and money (obviously). But, there is a catch to it...you must be playing with your own (surplus) money and a long term to have odds in your favor. If that's not the case, in an unlikely event, you might be heading to your personalized crisis designed and executed by yourself. 

What to do in the time of Corona/Crisis?

There are basically three things you can do. Buy. Sell. Nothing. Three moves:

1. One should stay away from the market at the time of crisis/Corona. Try and hold your portfolio. Avoid selling unless there is no other option. [Neutral Move]. 
2. One should invest in stocks you have been eyeing for but were out of your reach. When the market down grabs more of what you want to hold for a long period, do not speculate, you don't know when the Corona effect is going to wither away. So buy what you can hold....as the old saying, 'bite what you can swallow'. [Smart Move] 
3. One should sell the stocks you have, go all cash and wait for the market to further get down. Once the market gets to the lowest (as per your standards) start buying. [Over-Smart Move]. 

What not to do? 

1. Don't invest borrowed money hoping to cash on the crash. 
2. Invest surplus money, don't let stocks disturb your sleep and be a cause of your stress. In the time of crisis, you already are stressed out. 
3. Always know how much you can hold, let go if it is hurting you. 

What to remember? 

1. 'Crisis is inevitable'. This isn't the only one. We will see the crisis in the future too, in different shapes and forms so don't worry if you can't ride the recovery of this crisis. You'll get more opportunities in time to come. Be patient. Try and understand this one, so you'll be ready next time.
2. 'Market' will bounce back. We can't be certain of when, but the market will bounce back strong. In the case of Nepal, I think we are yet to see the fall...after the fall we'll see it bounce back.
3. 'You are on your own'. As always, you are on your own but in times of crisis, even those who could have bailed you out in short term won't be available. Thus, you are truly on your own.
4. Don't buy cheap but quality stocks at a cheap price. Else don't buy. It Is not one-time opportunity. 

My Suggestion: 

Do what you think is best for you. But maintain physical distancing and take care of yourself. 

Also remember, it is same game and it always has same rules. Crisis or no crisis, make your investment decisions wisely.

My First and Last Love

Not the first one to come to my life
but the first one to stay.
The first and the only one to make me feel home.
The obvious and the inevitable,
the one to share a lifetime with. 

The one who loved me,
more than I knew was possible.
The one who made me a better man.
The one who made me believe,
that life is better together.
The one who loved me eternally. 
Bidsee, I know it sounds like a cliche but I know you feel the same. 

I love you.
More than words can ever express.
More than ever known was possible.
More than I knew I could ever love someone. 
More than an arithmetic equation could imply. 
More than anything that we ever could quantify,
or put into a poem. 

I love you now and every 'now' that is to come. 
I love you more with every moment passing by. 
The moment of togetherness and joy, 
of what is to unfold with more love. 

The love growing between us,
Can only be contained by you and I being Us.
Being man and wife,
for now and forever.

With heart in my hands, I solemnly ask you, 
Do you feel the same? 
Do you feel the love? 
Do you feel that I am yours,
as much as I feel you are mine? 
For love and for joy.
For now and forever. 

Will you marry me Bidsee? 
Make you and me 'Us' 
for now and forever. 

-The day when I asked her to marry me. 

Readers Guide to Dealing with People

I was wondering if it is possible to treat people like books? The first thing I realized is that there are significant lessons we can draw from reading to use it in dealing with people and relationship. I am listing some of the ideas that have resonance in dealing with people I find true about a book. 

i) Never Judge a Person on Secondary Information 

Just like books, never judge anyone based on your first impression (cover) or based on second-hand information. We tend to differ in our reading taste, and same might be true in case of people. We may like people others may not like, just like the books. 

ii) Paying Full Attention and Put Effort into understanding them

Its just bookish version of "read them properly". Even with a person, there is good chance that you might miss out on important details or traits. Give them enough time before you make your mind up. Re-read if necessary, you won't regret it. 

iii) Make Space for People You Find Interesting

Just the way you make space for books you like, make a place for people in your life if you find them fascinating, interesting, and happy. Create a collection of people you love and be around them. Kind of something similar to your wishlist and collection of your books.

iv) People Change

Ever read a story after a long time, and it was different than it was before irrespective that nothing has changed. The same thing may happen to people too. Over time we change, and others change too. So revisit the relationships you have in life. It's worth it to rearrange your favorite people same you do with your reading list. 
.
v) Don't Criticize People You Don't Know

You don't review the book you haven't read, do you? Same with people don't make an opinion about people you don't know or criticize them. It's for your sake trust me. As they say, don't criticize what you don't understand.

vi) Stay Away from Those who feed you negativity

Just like some books, some people are useless for you. They might even be counterproductive. Thus, stay away from people like that once you realize it distorts your vibes. Let go of them, just like the books you put in a box and donated. 

There are more analogies and lessons we may derive to create a guide explaining how dealing people, the way we treat a book might be the key in some aspect of human relationships. 

......and don't do the same with people. 

Was Gautam Buddha born in Nepal?

Yes. [Period] The guy who became lord Gautam Buddha attaining enlightenment in "Boda Gaya" was born in (present day) kapilvastu, Lumbini, Nepal.

_____________________

One unnecessary controversy that often tends to agitate Nepali and never seems to go away is "where was Gautam Buddha born"? This issue boils the blood of fellow Nepali when someone claims Buddha was born in India. To get concerned about the false claim is a reasonable thing, but is wasting too much energy on this necessary.

The fact the Siddhartha Gautam who later got enlightened and became lord Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini which is within the territory of Nepal is an undisputable fact. There are evidence and authorities that have established beyond reasonable doubt that Lumbini, Nepal is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam. I don't think it’s even necessary to refute whenever someone disagrees with fact.  Is it their problem or ours?

I am not saying we ought to turn a blind eye to all false claims against our heritage but is it always necessary??? There are ways historical facts are verified, and records are set right. If someone contradicts with the fact it's his or her ignorance, I don't think the whole nation needs to react to someone's ignorance.

The other narrative or claim:

Siddhartha Gautam was born in Nepal alright, but he attained his enlightenment in "Boda Gaya" which is in present-day India.

-Yeap. If I was taught right, this is true as well.

___________________

Would you believe me, if I tell you that there is a more important question that relates to Lord Buddha than where he was born or got enlightened?

What is tried to teach us, his teachings are more important and useful for us to lead a happy life than any other things or facts associated with him. [My personal opinion for somewhere mangoes were from may be more important than what it tastes like].

Buddha’s giving to the world in what is tried to teach us not where he was born or got enlightened. (although they might have some significance). He wanted to teach us not to get attached, and here we are brawling over the fact of his birthplace undermining his teaching.

In your personal opinion would Buddha be proud of us, for we have preserved details of his birthplace but forgot his teaching in the way?

P.S. #BuddhawasborninNepal

Hunger Strike and Embodied Legal Question

In the context of Nepal, the hunger strike has been staged from time to time, the most recent being the 13th indefinite hunger strike staged by Dr. Govinda KC and the most unfortunate being hunger strike staged by Nanda Prasad Adhikari. Nanda Prasad Adhikari lost his life after an 11-month hunger strike, demanding that the Nepal government arrest the murderers of his son. There are other instances of hunger strike in Nepal, the hunger strike by Ganga Maya Adhikari, spouse of late Nanda Prasad Adhikari and hunger strike staged by various groups time to time to pressurize the government amongst others.

Hunger Strike also known as fast unto death protest has a long standing history as a form of protest that relies on the moral force and the strength of publicity value where by protestor fast as an act of protest to attain desired changes. From the pioneer of civil disobedience Mahatma Gandhi to the Tiananmen students in China, there are various examples from around the world on hunger strike being staged as a form of protest to attain various ends.

Legal Questions

Despite the global practice of hunger strike, there are legal questions which are still unsettled for instance the issues governing  the legality of hunger strike, the issues of forced feeding and medical treatment once the health of the protestors deteriorates, and the obligation of the State under international and domestic laws.

A hunger strike is accepted as a form of protest protected under the right to peaceful protest, which is one of the fundamental human rights. Despite there is no such thing as “right to die” under international law, hunger strike is still not considered as against the law. However, some countries have enacted legislation allowing the force-feeding of detainees and prisoners on hunger strikes. For example, Israel passed a law on force-feeding of detainees on July 30, 2015. Some government also arrest those involved in the hunger strike on several grounds to hinder the staged protest.

In the case of Nepal, the staging of a hunger strike is not prohibited by law. However, much discussion on the issues associated with hunger strike is missing.

Forced Feeding and Medical Treatment during hunger strike

Forced feeding is mostly witnessed in the case of hunger strikes carried out by prisoners or detainees. Generally an act of force feeding someone on hunger strike may amount to an act of torture or cruel, degrading and inhuman treatment and a violation of international legal instruments.

In the case of Nevmerzhitsky v. Ukraine, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has decided that force-feeding constituted an act of torture. Similarly, World Medical Association Declaration of Malta on Hunger Strikers states that those on hunger strike should not be forcibly given treatment they refused and should not be forced feed. However, artificial feeding with the hunger striker’s explicit or implied consent is ethically acceptable.

In contrary, ECHR has stated that if forced feeding is carried out as a medical necessity upon complying with the procedural guarantees for the decision to force-feed and the feeding is not conducted in a manner that is degrading or inhuman forced feeding would not be regarded as inhuman and degrading. Thus, not all forced-feeding of hunger strikers would amount to unlawful act under international law.

Government Obligation

A right to life is one of the fundamental human rights and States are under obligation to protect the rights. The question of the right to life of those staging hunger strike raises a thorny question. How would government protect the right to life of those prepared to die?

Those who stage hunger strike primary aim at particular reform or fulfillment of particular demands. They value their cause over their life and are willing to die for it. Only people with deep commitment and moral fiber can undertake such extreme steps to ensure broader change or reform. In global practice, the hunger strike is mostly used by those in prison as they do not have the prospect for another form of protest.

When someone stages a hunger strike, the government has limited options government must decide whether to comply with the protester's demands and come to an understanding, to force-feed him if necessary or allow him/her to die. Globally, there have been several cases where the protestors have died while staging a hunger strike. This tragic possibility should haunt Nepal Government due to the recent case of Nanda Prasad Adhikari. The government's good faith and commitment towards the legitimate demands of the protestor could save a life which is its legal obligation as well. Further, the demands can also be a catalyst for policy change.

The Government should understand the gravity of hunger strike when staged and must adhere to its obligation under domestic and international law to protect the life of the person. However, while protecting the right to life government cannot undermine the consent of the protestor and need to respect other rights including the right to peaceful protest and must not be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment. The government must deal with the situation appropriately as hunger strike invokes not only the moral issue and public opinion but also substantive legal concerns.

Moral Battle in Immoral Times

I have huge respect for those who show courage to fight against what they believe is wrong putting their own life at risk. I am not sure how this moral battles will show color in the immoral times. I am skeptic about the government and worried for Dr. KC's well being. I personally request him not to put his life at risk with the expectation from the government to do the right thing.  You should find other ways to carry on the fight; they will not listen; they don't have same moral fiber that you have.

Dr. Govinda KC for whom others wellbeing is always a priority over own. 

 Nanda Prasad Adhikari who lost his life in his fight for justice.