The Nepal Youth Council (NYC) is proud to announce that our founder and president, Saroj Baniya, has been honored with the prestigious National Social Welfare Award 2024. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to him for this well-deserved recognition. The award was presented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Indira Ranamagar, during an esteemed ceremony at the National Dance Hall in Jamal. This distinction acknowledges Baniya’s exceptional contributions to empowering youth in Nepal.
For over 15 years, Baniya has been the driving force behind numerous influential initiatives, including the National Youth Conference, which has been held annually on International Youth Day. This event has provided an invaluable platform for young leaders to engage in critical discussions on relevant issues and opportunities, amplifying their voices and encouraging them to actively shape Nepal’s future.
Under Baniya’s guidance, NYC has successfully organized provincial youth conferences across Nepal. These gatherings have allowed youth to engage in meaningful dialogues on diverse topics such as entrepreneurship, climate change, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), youth participation in elections, biodiversity conservation, agriculture, and technology. Through these initiatives, Baniya has empowered young individuals to become proactive agents of change in the country’s development across various sectors.
Baniya’s influence extends beyond the borders of Nepal as well. In 2019 and 2023, he played a key role in organizing the Asian Youth Conference, which brought together youth leaders from across Asia to address shared challenges and promote collaboration for a brighter, more sustainable future for the region.
The impact of Mr. Baniya’s work reaches far beyond the events he organizes; it is evident in the lasting change he instills in the lives of young people throughout Nepal. His relentless commitment to motivating youth, promoting empowerment, leadership growth, and innovation continues to create lasting and significant impact, both in the present and for Nepal’s future.
In recognition of his tireless efforts, Baniya has been awarded the National Social Welfare Award, alongside 18 other distinguished individuals and organizations. NYC takes great pride in being guided by his visionary leadership and steadfast dedication to youth empowerment.
At present, Mr. Baniya is also focusing on several impactful initiatives that continue to drive youth empowerment in Nepal. One such transformative program is National Youth Year (NYY) 2026, a visionary national campaign designed to harness the untapped potential of Nepal’s youth. Through this groundbreaking initiative, Nepal’s young generation will be equipped with essential skills, leadership opportunities, and platforms for innovation, aiming to reshape the country’s social, economic, and political landscape.
