2021 was tough & looking forward to responsible 2022
Definitely not in the mood of reflecting on 2021 because it was one of the tough years with so many life moments and I am just happy that I survived; so glad and grateful to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends; who were there with me always.
But I just re-read my 2016 blog and it filled me with the same old energy; therefore gathering some free time and writing 2021 reflection. Looking back is so much fun; especially backtracking the journey helps you define yourself. 2016 was amateur, 2017 was learning, 2018 was structuring, 2019 was ambitious, 2020 was realizing, 2021 was tough, and the plan is to make 2022 responsible.
Looking back 2021!
Too much work: 2021 was one of the successful years of Open Knowledge Nepal, we did a hell of a lot of work this year. Organizing events, building tools, analyzing data, creating a visualization, writing research, and many more. We started 2021 by launching Data Fellowship with Code for Nepal and then organized the Women in Data Virtual Conference in partnership with the Women in Data Steering Committee. We were also able to expand our reach at Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City by organizing an Open Data Day event, running the Youth in COVID Response project, and leading Data Unit Strengthening project.
The project to support Burn Violence Survivors (BVS) — Nepal and the National Census 2021 Citizen Observation Committee (NCOC 2021) gave us the confidence in expanding our service related to various phases of data. Currently, we are working on the study and development of the Integrated Data Management System (IDMS), which we believe will be the next big thing. The list of work continues and it definitely will be hard to summarize it here.
Due to my increased commitment at OKN, I also decided to bid farewell to the Code for Nepal community and ended my volunteering journey although I tried to be engaged in some volunteer initiatives whenever possible; Track My Vaccine and Youths Against COVID are some of them. I was also able to complete a few individual consultant works for a few extra bucks ;) and I hope the work output will be public sometime in mid-2022.
Family is important: 2021 was tough for my family which taught us the value of being surrounded by loved ones. From getting mentally broken because of the country’s system to almost losing my lovely mom because of a drunk man; it was all mess.
The family was always the first priority but 2021 taught me what it means to be a responsible member. I believe, I spent quite a good amount of time in 2021 with my family. The plan is to continue that responsibility to the fullest.
Not completing the challenge: How tough the year was? Tough enough that I was unable to complete my reading and writing challenges. The challenge was the read 20 books this year, but I was able to read 6 books only. And I also didn’t author any remarkable writings which are published publicly.
Although, I do write many reports and research as part of my work responsibilities at Open Knowledge Nepal and rants at my Medium. I still have kept my scribble account alive :D
Out of the few books which I read this year, Pagal Basti by Saru Bhakta and Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty were my favorite.
As usual traveling: Exactly like 2020, there was no international travel in 2021; Although there was so much internal travel; many of them for work purposes. Traveled to Tulsipur, Nepalgunj, Surkhet, Simta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa. Also, was able to witness empty Lumbini and loved it so much.
I probably have completed visiting all surrounding hills of the valley and looking for the gang who can include me in the weekend hikes and stuff.
Looking forward to responsible 2022. See you on the other side!
