Submitted by: Megha Chand
Date: May 2020
Location: At home in Kathmandu, Nepal

The Himalayas have been a significant part of my parents lives. They are not mountain climbers or geologists; they were simply lucky enough to have seen the mountains in all their glory without even leaving Kathmandu. Before the early 2000s, any person in Kathmandu could peep out their window and see the Himalayan mountains: snow-peaked and awe-inspiring. However, in my lifetime, I do not remember ever witnessing such magnificence from my home - the mountains were never visible as they were constantly shrouded in smog.

Then, in May 2020, Nepal went into lockdown. My parents and I were unable to meet my grandparents, who required our support. We were all reckoning with the pandemic's impact on Nepal and the wider world.

Yet, as the pollution levels drastically decreased, I was finally able to experience the beauty etched into the minds of my parents. The mountains surrounded me with all their splendor. Needless to say, a photo cannot capture the grandeur of the Himalayas. However, this photo serves as a reminder of their beauty, which inspired me in times of adversity.