American journalist Peter Gill has been associated with Nepal for almost two decades. His parents met and got married in Nepal when he came to Nepal as a Peace Corps volunteer. That is why Peter calls Nepal 'Lami Desh' in his parents' language.

While living in Nepal, Peter has done dozens of reports on climate change, immigration and social justice for the international media. Editor of Ekantipur Janakraj Sapkota edited part of the video conversation with him when he came to Nepal a while ago as the speaker of the Kantipur Conclave : Share your memories with

Nepal?

This time I came to Nepal after one and a half years. I am meeting with many friends by coming here . I studied in Nepal from 6th to 12th standard. I remember coming to Nepal for the first time when I was 9 years old. I also came with my parents at a young age. I came here to study when I was 11 years old. After all, I spent almost 18 years in Nepal. During this time, I studied, researched and worked as a journalist in Nepal.

Your parents have a long relationship with Nepal, don't they?

is, there is a long relationship . Father came to Nepal in 1968 and mother in 1967. Father used to work in agriculture as a JT (Junior Technical) in Janakpur and mother used to teach science in a government school in Banepa. Their meeting and marriage took place in Nepal. They say - Nepal was our 'Lami Desh'. Now father is writing a book about his experience in Nepal. I am helping to edit it . Both of them are 80 years old.

You also have many memories here, don't you?

is, there are many memories . Many important moments of my childhood and adolescence are connected with Kathmandu. There are my friends in the streets here . We used to live in Sanepa first, then we migrated to New Bazar via Baluwatar . I have visited more than 40 districts of Nepal. I have reached most of the Terai district in the west, mountains, mountains and Terai in the east. Even though I am not in Nepal, I remember my friends here, Nepalese food, Nepal's mountains, atmosphere. My favorite dishes here are Tharu food Ghungi and Chichar. The lifestyle here is very easy. Everyone here gives importance to everyone. In America, even if you say you are going to have tea with someone, you have to inform them two weeks in advance. Not so here. 

How did your journalistic journey begin ? 

I was a school reporter while studying in school. My first news article was about those who painted walls to promote cinema . It was at that time that I became interested in journalism. Now I work as a journalist in a media company in America . Used to write news related to African, Spanish immigrants . 

When I was in Nepal, I used to write for newspapers like Diplomat, Kathmandu Post and others. I used to write special articles especially on forests, wildlife and environment, because I studied forestry . I have also reported on Chitwan National Park, Afghanistan and other topics. I have also reported on the Koshi Dam issue . I have also studied the land reform policy of King Mahendra from a historical perspective. 

Nepal's social justice is so weak and complex, isn't it?

There is a similar situation in all countries . America also lacks transparency. There is corruption. A billion dollars were spent in the last election. People who don't have money can't even win elections in America. 

You write news related to immigrants, tell us something about the situation of Nepalis?  

In the city where I live, the situation of Nepalis is similar to that of immigrants from other countries. The number of Nepali-speaking Bhutanese refugees in the city of Columbus alone is around 30,000. They had no wealth when they came to America. Now one person from their community is represented in the local government. I see that they are protecting their art and culture. They are doing the program accordingly. I feel like Nepal there. 

People of Nepalese origin are very easy compared to other immigrants. They enjoy doing different things. From sheep herding to hotel business and from the field of biomedical to photography, I see Nepalis doing work. 

In the meantime, news about Bhutanese refugees came in the Nepali media, are you knowledgeable about that?

This I know . I also had a talk with real refugees on this matter . They were sad because of this matter . This is a matter of shame for the real refugee community.  

Bhutanese refugees and their children who have come to America from Nepal and have become citizens there are not allowed to go to Bhutan, right?

is . Bhutanese refugees are not allowed to enter Bhutan even if they have US passports. Although Bhutan says it is open for tourism, Bhutanese-American Nepalis are blocked. I had also reported on this matter . Perhaps their children who are born/will be born in America are not hindered .

The Bhutanese who are really there, who came to America in coordination with Nepal, what is their understanding of Nepal?

Their identities are different. He speaks Nepali language, his identity is Bhutanese. But the citizenship is American. It was difficult for them to get citizenship in Nepal. They were not even allowed to go out of the refugee camp and work. But now we are happy to see the progress they have made economically and politically. Now we have been producing podcasts in Nepali and English about their community.  

Donald Trump also won the election by saying that he would implement a strict policy on immigration. What will be the effect on Nepali people after the US election?

For those Nepalis who live in America, this topic can have a big impact . Many Nepalis do not have documents. Some cases are pending in court. There is a possibility that undocumented Nepalese can be returned to Nepal. It can affect millions of Nepalis. The main topic of this election was immigration. This is the opinion of the people, we must accept . We have experienced his leadership before. It may also be a continuation of his old things . His leadership will definitely have an impact on world politics as well. Mainly, relations with China and India may be affected. Its effect may also affect Nepal indirectly. Donald Trump is a business minded man. This can bring both challenges and opportunities . 

What is the difference between America and Nepal? People from all over the world want to go to America. Citizens from our country want to leave the country . Say something about this ? 

I feel sad . Nepal not being independent is a weakness. In a way, going abroad is a compulsion, on the other hand, Nepali people are interested in going out and earning. However, Nepal has developed more than before. When my father first came to Nepal, there was no way to go to Janakpur. But now that is not a problem . There has been a positive change in many areas since health . Education has also changed a lot. However, the political system here does not seem to make people's lifestyles easier.