My Experience with Diya Maskey: A Day of Learning, Reflection, and Responsibility

 On 14th May 2025, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a powerful three-hour session with the incredibly talented Nepali actress, dancer, and activist Diya Maskey. Known for her grace, honesty, and strong voice in the Nepali film industry, Mrs. Maskey brought with her not only a wealth of experience in theatre, film, and dance but also a grounded and thought-provoking presence that made the entire session deeply meaningful.

Throughout the talk, she spoke passionately about her journey  from stage shows and street performances to impactful films like Kagbeni, Sungava, and Dokh. What inspired me most was her belief that acting and dance go beyond just entertainment  they are tools for truth, reflection, and social change. She emphasized that art should challenge people to think and feel, not just watch passively. Her words resonated deeply with me as an educator and someone working closely with children and youth.

One key takeaway from the session was her emphasis on body language and posture as core elements of acting and communication  something we often overlook in our traditional classrooms. She guided us to explore how dance and drama can be integrated into the curriculum not only to enhance creativity but also to support holistic development, emotional well-being, teamwork, and self-confidence. I left the session feeling inspired to make learning more expressive, meaningful, and alive.

However, this powerful experience also made me reflect on something I see all too often in today’s digital age especially among children and teenagers: the growing obsession with TikTok, Instagram reels, and online popularity. These platforms, while creative in many ways, are also becoming spaces where young people mimic adult-like behaviors without understanding the context or consequences.

I raised this concern during our discussion, questioning how children are being influenced by trends that may not align with their developmental needs. Many of them are skipping the beauty of imaginative play, storytelling, and organic creativity for quick fame and adult-like performances. The line between childhood and adulthood is becoming increasingly blurred, and it’s up to us  educators, artists, and parents to bring awareness and guidance.

Mrs. Maskey agreed, highlighting how art must come with purpose and consciousness. She reminded us that children should be encouraged to express, not impress; to explore, not perform. This reminded me that while technology and media are part of our world, we must be intentional in how we guide young minds to use them meaningfully.

In the end, the session was not just about acting or dance  it was about truth, identity, expression, and responsibility. Meeting Diya Maskey and engaging in these honest conversations left a deep impact on me. I came back with renewed energy to create learning spaces that nurture creativity with integrity, and to help children stay rooted in who they are while growing into who they can become.



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