On October 29, 2024, the Nepal Youth Council (NYC) hosted the National Forum on Peace through Education & Social Entrepreneurship and National Award Ceremony 2024, a landmark event celebrating visionary changemakers who have made significant contributions to peace, education, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship in Nepal.
The event brought together a diverse group of youths, leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, and passionate individuals from across the nation. Under the theme of fostering inclusivity and resilience through education and entrepreneurship, the forum served as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring changemakers dedicated to driving social progress.
Inspiring Leadership and Gratitude
The event was graced by Honorable Indira Ranamagar, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the chief guest. Her presence added immense value as she shared heartfelt stories and personal experiences that deeply resonated with the audience. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to address and honor changemakers, urging participants to persist in their efforts to create positive change within their communities.
“Your efforts in shaping a peaceful and resilient future do not go unnoticed. Let us continue to champion the causes that uplift our society,” she remarked, encouraging everyone to lead by example and remain steadfast in their missions.
Honoring Visionary Changemakers
The highlight of the event was the recognition of individuals and entrepreneurs whose actions have been pivotal in driving meaningful societal impact.
- Tilak Dhakal was awarded the Sustainable Conservation Excellence Award 2024 for his pioneering contributions to sustainable conservation, setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship in Nepal.
- Kalpana Maharjan received the Everest Brave Women Award for her extraordinary courage, resilience, and achievement in summiting Mount Everest, inspiring countless women to pursue their dreams.
- Dr. Subash Pyakurel, a dedicated medical professional, was honored with the National Humanitarian Excellence Award 2024 for his groundbreaking contributions to the health sector. His unwavering commitment to improving healthcare services and ensuring access to medical care has transformed countless lives across Nepal.
- Yubaraj Gautam, a journalist, was presented with the National Journalism Excellence Award 2024 for his remarkable contributions to the field of journalism. His insightful reporting and steadfast dedication to ethical journalism have played a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and preserving the integrity of the media.
- Yubraj Khadka, Executive Vice President of the Local Youth Council, Kumakh Rural Municipality, was felicitated with a Letter of Appreciation for his unwavering commitment to empowering local youth and advancing sustainable development initiatives.
- Ms. Aakriti Kuikel was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation for her exceptional contributions as a dedicated volunteer with NYC from June 2021 to August 2023. Her tireless efforts in leading campaigns and events have left an indelible mark on the organization, serving as an inspiration to her peers.
Honorable Indira Ranamagar personally presented these awards, underscoring the significance of their work and its impact on creating a better tomorrow.
Event Highlights
The ceremony featured a variety of engaging sessions and activities:
- Keynote speeches by influential personalities such as Krishna Aryal (Tourism Entrepreneur) and Diwakar Aryal (Social Activist), offering invaluable insights into social entrepreneurship and development.
- Powerful testimonials from the awardees, sharing their journeys and inspiring the audience to embrace their roles as changemakers.
- An orientation session on leveraging education and entrepreneurship for social impact, led by Saroj Baniya, Founder & President of NYC, followed by an interactive Q&A session that empowered the youth to apply the lessons to their own communities.
The jury members—Diwakar Aryal, Sabita Upreti, and Sabin Lamichhane—played a crucial role in selecting the awardees, ensuring that the most deserving individuals were recognized.
A Commitment to Empowerment
The Nepal Youth Council takes immense pride in honoring those who have dedicated themselves to uplifting society. By recognizing these changemakers, NYC reaffirms its commitment to supporting individuals and entrepreneurs who tirelessly work toward creating sustainable, inclusive communities.
This tradition of celebrating excellence will continue to inspire and encourage more youth to step forward as catalysts for change. Together, we aim to build a resilient, empowered Nepal where every action counts and every individual makes a difference.
Let us applaud the awardees of 2024 for their remarkable contributions and may their stories inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps.
