“.... I’m not perfect but you know what, I’m not looking for anybody’s approval.” - Alok Thapa

We bump into radio jockeys everywhere: in the pub, the packed sweaty micro bus, the nearby tea shop, the new posh shopping mall, the movie theatres and social-butterfly functions that raid our calendar now and then ! But, the question is: Is being a radio jockey a gateway for "free" stardom or is there a deeper meaning to this profession?

 

I have always believed that Radio jockeys are someone who can really inspire people to dream; the 'malfunctioned practice' of everyone being a radio jockey surely depletes the feeling that brands the grandeur of this profession. But amidst the limelight seekers are also professionals who really understand the power of radio and who strive hard to maintain standards in order to foster a deep down connection with the audience and with their voice that rules the radio waves, our life ticks to a certain phase of unabashed emotion and happiness. 

 

Welcome, to radio jockey and journalist Alok Thapa's world- A speaker with rare elegance and poise, supplemented by a positive energy that is powered with superb dedication, hard work ana sense of profound individuality. Read what Alok Thapa has to say! 

 

I was overweight, extremely shy and was not the most social person; and it eventually took its toll on my self esteem. It was hard existence and you know kids can be real cruel (smiles) but then out of that came a stronger me. I guess, there comes a point in every person’s life when they realize, “Life is really ain’t that bad.”

If there’s anything you want to do, you might as well do it. I did computer engineering but found myself more inclined towards music and journalism, so I switched. Nothing in life is permanent so change your mind, and then change it again –live your life, the way you want to.

 

Even if you stumble and fall, you pick yourself, dust off and start again. Failures are a part of life and coping with your failure is what separates the adult from the adolescent.

 

And yes, keep your friends and family close. They are your pillars of support. I was lucky to have found friends at Hits FM who helped me nurture my passion and gave me a channel to express myself.

Today, I would like to think I’m confident and can hold my own ground. I’m not perfect but you know what, I’m not looking for anybody’s approval.

I’ve been accused of being a big time blabber-jabber. Yes, I talk a lot (occupational hazard?). I can be spontaneous and (sometimes) unpredictable (laughs). Friends tell me that I am a 'people's person' and I kind of see where they’re going with that. I love meeting people, one of the reasons why I think social networking sites are so wonderful. My life circles around a string of people who inspire me and without them my life is mundane. Conversation comes naturally to me, and it sort of eases my job as an RJ and a correspondent for Repulica National Daily, where you’re required to be social. I’m of the firm belief, whatever you do, you should enjoy it. The day I get bored, it would be time for a serious career change.

What this country needs is less public speaking and more private thinking! The current political stalemate is depressing to say the least, but one can’t afford to give up. Politics was never my cup of tea but off recently I’ve become more attuned to the recent developments. Enough is enough, and it’s heartening to see urban youths who are finally becoming politically and socially proactive. To be honest, I find all this talks on sacrifices for the greater good of Nepal, the extreme measures we need to take for the goodness of our country a big pile of rubbish.

 

We all have an opinion but is anybody really listening? The ones who are talking the talking are not walking the walk. The ones walking are too busy doing what they ‘think’ is right and the in-betweens (the commoners, the jantas) are just hoping the talk and the walk will come together. I’m hoping it’ll be sooner than later. Of course keep the faith, better late than never (sigh).

The hush-hush take on sex is totally archaic. What with the omnipresent media and the recent infiltration of internet, surely you can’t censor people’s thought and views regarding sex. It’s not something we need to suppress or evade. If you think about it, then welcome to the club “normal”. 

 

Talking sex is not obscene, it's a way of educating youngsters about safety, precaution, telling them about what's right and what's not, because all this information will one day surely reflect on the decisions they will make in the future.

I see youngsters complaining about so many petty things, crying over break-ups, lamenting about not having a relationship, complaining their father bought them a generic MP3 player instead of an i-pod, when in reality there are people who are dying of starvation. Hunger is the most extreme form of poverty; imagine not being able to meet your most basic need of food.

 

Today we want youngsters who can think critically, talk sensibly, act rationally but most importantly realize their potentials and act accordingly. And guys, remember almost everything can be achieved through dialogue, but it includes the knack of listening as well. I know of people who have verbal diarrhea, they are so busy talking that nothing you say is actually being registered and to me that is very annoying.

Don't ponder about the past and wonder what it's going to be like in the future; that seriously jeopardizes your present. I’m a proactive, as long as your actions don’t hamper others I believe you should do it. Life is short; if you want to try something it is a massive risk not to try it. Go do it; you will know soon enough if it will work for you.

 

Love the you that you are and everything else will fall into place. Please feel free to write to me at alokthapa@gmail.com