In this thought-provoking interview with Ishan Dhar, Nepali journalist, author, and heritage activist Alisha Sijapati reflects on the country’s political evolution over the past few decades. She delves into the growing frustration among the youth, particularly during KP Sharma Oli’s government, and explains how Gen Z mobilised through platforms like Discord. Sijapati recounts the events that led to Sushila Karki heading the interim government following the so-called "Discord vote" and offers insight into Nepal’s shifting political dynamics, including her take on the renewed discussions around a possible return of the monarchy. She also gives her take on key political figures to watch as Nepal approaches its March 2026 elections. Read Alisha Sijapati’s article on Nepal’s Gen Z uprising here: https://nepalitimes.com/here-now/vipassana-during-a-revolution Chapters 00:00 - 02:16 - Opening 02:17 - 08:14 - A game of musical chairs 08:15 - 13:04 - The catalyst 13:05 - 18:12 - Revolution or regime change? 18:13 - 21:54 - Hami Nepal 21:55 - 25:29 - Sushila Karki and the ‘discord vote’ 25:30 - 27:57 - The stability of the interim government 27:58 - 41:17 - Key political actors 41:18 - 44:03 - What does the youth expect from the Nepalese government? 44:04 - 47:18 - What does the uprising mean for Nepal’s foreign relations? 47:19 - 49:28 - Risk to the success of the interim government 49:29 - 49:43 - Closing #nepal #nepalprotests #GenZ #GenZuprising #government #monarchy #democracy #geopolitics #GenZprotests #globalaffairs #foreignpolicy #foreignaffairs #globalorder

Dr. Lobsang Sangay said China is expanding both hard and soft power across India’s neighborhood—militarily, economically and politically in places like Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka—to constrain India and claim regional primacy. He added that Beijing also seeks influence over Buddhist countries by interfering in the selection of reincarnated lamas. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VysqSXhWJtE

Dr. Lobsang Sangay highlighted that while China currently dominates global Buddhist platforms, India, home to Nalanda, Takshashila, and most sacred Buddhist sites, has a natural advantage to reclaim leadership in Buddhism and soft power. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VysqSXhWJtE

Dr. Lobsang Sangay said that while the Golden Urn was meant to curb corruption in choosing lamas, it has only worsened it, then through bribes to Chinese officials and now through practices like Order No. 5. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VysqSXhWJtE

Dr. Lobsang Sangay points out that despite China’s continued destruction of monasteries and statues in Tibet, Buddhism endures, even reaching Zhongnanhai, the leadership compound of China. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VysqSXhWJtE

In this conversation, Dr. Lobsang Sangay discusses the complex dynamics surrounding the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the geopolitical implications of Buddhism in Asia, and the strategies employed by China to exert control over Buddhist narratives. He emphasizes the importance of Tibetan identity and the role of the Dalai Lama in maintaining this identity, while also addressing India's efforts to reclaim its historical connection to Buddhism. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by Tibetans and the broader implications for religious freedom and spiritual leadership in the region. Chapters - 0:00-0:42 Opening 1:12-2:30 Tibet vs China: the battle for the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation 3:11-4:10 What’s really happening in Tibet today? 4:58-7:50 Why is China trying to control Global Buddhism? 8:56-11:42 Why India is reasserting its Buddhist roots 12:22-14:40 Why so many in China secretly admire the Dalai Lama 15:28-17:23 Wealth, excess and faith: what’s shaping Chinese society today 18:06-21:48 Post 14th Dalai Lama: Tibet, China and the contest for leadership 22:20-25:18 China’s golden urn and Tibet’s reincarnation dispute 25:20-25:54 Closing #tibet #china #dalailama #news #interview #foreignaffairs #globalorder #viralvideo #buddhism #buddhiststory

Dr. Gautam Sen noted that India signed the FTA anticipating U.S. tariffs, and one key gain will be a rise in clothing exports, as India is now freed from earlier higher import duties compared to countries like Bangladesh or Kenya. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rWjZqqoQoc