I am Dr Ayush Adhikari, a recently graduated Veterinarian with a passion for continuous learning and community engagement. It was a typical day of scrolling through my social media feed when a post by the Bagmati Province Youth Council about the Provincial Youth Summit 2081 caught my eye. Intrigued, I visited their website, looked through pictures and videos of previous events, and felt excited.
Without hesitation, I filled out the application form. As someone with less patience, I frequently checked the council’s website for updates on the selected participants. Finally, my persistence paid off, and my name was listed.
At the youth summit
On May 9, full of hope and eager to learn and make new connections, I set off for Hetauda from Chitwan, where the summit was being held. Welcoming the future, I travelled alone in an electric vehicle, reflecting on the electrifying possibilities that lay ahead.
Upon reaching Hetauda and completing my registration, I walked from the hotel to the orientation. Along the way, I had a delightful encounter with Aasta Dimdung, a genuinely nice person. As I entered the orientation hall, I was pleasantly surprised to see familiar faces, Aasis Sapkota and Aashika Ojha, both law undergraduates whom I had met at a previous conference. Their presence eased my nerves, and as each attendee introduced themselves, I was impressed by their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment. It was a fascinating start to an enriching experience.
As the day progressed, the energy of the summit only grew stronger. The march to the venue was just the beginning. The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Chief Minister Shalikram Jamarkattel, featured a performance by Sindhuli Kala Ghar, and I was overwhelmed to see girls playing panche baja, giving me a sense that girls are truly empowering themselves. Once we were all gathered, the plenary discussions took centre stage. These sessions were the heart of the summit, where speakers and attendees alike engaged in deep conversations about important topics.
The plenary discussions at the Bagmati Provincial Youth Summit were a convergence of minds and expertise. Tikaram Yatri had a clever way of asking questions that made everyone think, while Sama Thapa was not afraid to ask tough questions that got straight to the point. We talked about everything from politics to starting businesses in Nepal to how we can invest better in our country.
Education was another big topic, we talked about the challenges it faces and how we can make it better. We also talked about the importance of digital skills in today’s world and how everyone should have access to them. These sessions were elevated by the presence of distinguished individuals, each an expert in their field. They shared real-life stories and gave us advice that we could actually use. They made us think about how we can take what we learned at the summit and use it to make a real impact in our communities. Their insights and experiences were not just shared but integrated into a collective narrative that inspired action and thought.
During the Bagmati Provincial Youth Summit, I had the pleasure of meeting some truly inspiring individuals. Among them, Shrinkhala Kadel’s presence was memorable; her radiant energy and laughter easily lit up the room. From the jolly Ajay Shah to the silent observer Ashmi Lohani, it was great to connect with attendees whose diverse perspectives enriched the experience. I also met wonderful people like Subarna, Yogesh, and many others, though I must apologise for my habit of not remembering names well.
Heritage walk, exploring Hetauda’s landmarks and more
The heritage walk was another highlight, where we explored Hetauda’s landmarks like the Bhutandevi Temple and Sahid Smarak. Despite a rainy start, the walk turned into a beautiful journey through our history and culture. But it was the cultural night that truly engaged us. As the moon peeked through the clouds, Pradip Rodan’s ghazal melodies filled the air, resonating deeply with everyone. And let’s not forget the dynamic duo, Prasuj Mainali and Bibhusha Basnet, the super-active hosts who brought the evening to life. Their energy was contagious, turning the cultural night into a celebration of unity and creativity.
The sessions with Chief Minister Shalikram Jamarkattel were insightful, and filled with meaningful discussions about our future. The privilege to directly interact with the Chief Minister was a highlight for many, including myself. During the interaction, the Chief Minister made some wonderful commitments that gave hope to us. His assurances felt genuine, and there was a strong sense of optimism that these promises would be fulfilled.
The 13-point declaration presented by Executive Vice President of Bagmati Province Youth Council Santosh Chaulagain to Chief Minister Shalikram Jamarkattel and Social Development Minister Kumari Moktan was a promising step towards progress. As the summit ended and we said our goodbyes, I felt a mix of sadness and hope. The connections made were deep, and the promise to meet again made the farewell a little easier. Returning home, I carried with me not just memories, but a renewed sense of purpose.
The Bagmati Provincial Youth Summit was more than an event. It was a promise, a promise to ourselves and each other that we would be the change we wish to see in the district, province, country, and world. As I reflect on the past three days, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences shared, the knowledge gained, and the connections made.
I invite you to join us in this movement of youth empowerment. Share your thoughts, attend future events, or simply start a conversation in your circles. Together, we can build a brighter Bagmati, a brighter Nepal, and a brighter World.
