Nepal, June 15 -- While discussing Bajhang, I am reminded of Shiva Sandesh from Bara district. A few months ago, he was transferred to Bajhang in connection with his job. For Shiva, who grew up in the plains of Madhesh, this transfer was more a matter of worry than an opportunity. Distance from family, unfamiliar language, different lifestyle and the rugged mountainous terrain-everything was new to him. He used to feel, "I don't know which corner of the country they have sent me to".

But after reaching Bajhang, his perception slowly began to change. One day, he said on the phone, "By living in our own area for so long, we become trapped in a kind of echo chamber. We think the world is only as much as what is in front of our eyes. We neve...