Kathmandu, August 12
In celebration of International Youth Day on August 12, Onlinekhabar.com has announced its list of ’40 Under 40 Influential Youths’ in Nepal. This list recognises 40 young individuals under 40 who have made significant contributions across various fields, including politics, society, art and literature, culture, youth and sports, knowledge and science, entrepreneurship, and the diaspora.
The List 40 Under 40 – 2024
- Prem Raj Bhatt – Entrepreneur
- Anupama Sangroula – Tutor
- Dr Ramji Ram – Physician
- Basanta Lama – Businessperson
- Manish Maharjan – Documentary Filmmaker
- Dipendra Singh Airee – Cricketer
- Bandana Jhangad – Provincial Assembly Member
- Namgyal Sherpa – Businessperson
- Abinash Silwal – Entrepreneur
- Rinku Kumari Yadav – Advocate
- Dr Kamleshwar Bhat – Veterinary Doctor
- Prakash Saput – Singer
- Nawaraj Parajuli – Poet
- Balen Shah – Mayor
- Pukar C. Hamal – Entrepreneur
- Ee: – Activist
- Chitra Bahadur Budha – Entrepreneur
- Pavitra Gautam – Entrepreneur
- Suman Basyal – Entrepreneur
- Sajjan Raj Vaidya – Singer
- Rachana Sunar – Activist
- Santoshi Shrestha – Athlete
- Hikmat Wadi – Social Activist
- Pradeep Basyal/Ankit Babu Adhikari – Writers
- Surendra Pandey/Maya Gurung – Activists
- Nirmala Kumari Mahato – Entrepreneur
- Mohan Thakur – Entrepreneur
- Amit Agrawal – Entrepreneur
- Min Bahadur Bham – Film Producer
- Jyoti KC – Analog Astronaut
- Rinzin Phunjok Lama – Conservation Activist
- Rabina Maharjan – Principal
- Paras Mani Pokhrel – Judge
- Sangita Uraon – Theater Artist
- Sisan Baniya – Vlogger and Filmmaker
- Binod Kumar Humagain – Businessperson
- Anup Khanal – Engineer
- Kanchan Rai ‘Ghumante’ – Traveler
- Manoj Paswan – Activist
- Shukra Chuman – Municipality Chief
Selection process
The selection process began with compiling an initial list of over 150 potential candidates. This list was prepared by Onlinekhabar’s central newsroom in Kathmandu and its bureaus across all seven provinces. Suggestions and support were also sought from various experts and sources outside the newsroom to ensure a comprehensive selection.
This initial list was then narrowed down to 80 candidates based on clear criteria across different sectors. The final list of 40 individuals was determined by an independent jury, which met on July 1 and July 5.
The jury comprised of former Supreme Court Justice Anil Sinha, who served as the coordinator; former banker and Chairman of the Nepal Private Equity Association Siddhanta Raj Pandey; Associate Professor of Sociology at Tribhuvan University Neeti Aryal Khanal; and Onlinekhabar’s Editor-in-Chief Shiva Gaunle. The selection process was coordinated by Sudarshan Khatiwada, the op-ed editor at Onlinekhabar.
To account for unforeseen circumstances, the jury also selected an alternative list of four names. This list would be used if any of the individuals on the main list could not be reached or expressed unwillingness to participate.
Criteria for selection
The selection of the ’40 Under 40′ was based on several criteria, including:
- Social Transformation: Youths under 40 who have made exceptional contributions to social transformation in the past year.
- Inspirational Impact: Individuals who inspire and motivate society through their work and thoughts, and whose stories have the potential to create a significant positive impact on a large segment of society.
- Unique Contributions: Youths who have made notable contributions to society and their communities through consistent work and struggle in a specific field.
- Challenging Norms: Individuals who have challenged harmful traditions and practices and have positively impacted society as a result.
- Innovative Ideas: Youths who have introduced innovative ideas and practices, whose deserving work has yet to gain mainstream attention.
- Diversity Consideration: The selection also considered the diversity of Nepali society, including factors such as age and geography.
Purpose and significance
The ’40 Under 40′ initiative aims to recognise and record the significant contributions and social impact of young people actively working in various sectors as part of the nation’s achievements. According to Editor-in-Chief Shiva Gaunle, this list counters the prevailing narrative that nothing can be accomplished in Nepal and that the environment is not conducive to progress.
“This list proves that narrative wrong,” said Gaunle. “Yes, we face many policy and practical challenges, but there are also countless youths, from the capital to the remotest corners, who are thriving in their own right. This list is proof of that.”
Looking Ahead
Onlinekhabar’s effort is not only to highlight personal commitment and professional success but also to showcase the philanthropic work of these young individuals and the positive messages they impart to society. The platform intends to continue recognising and encouraging such youths in the coming years.
Conclusion
On this International Youth Day, let us applaud these and many other changemaker youths, and draw energy and inspiration from their achievements. Even those who did not make it to the list should be continuously encouraged for their ongoing contributions to society.
Happy International Youth Day!
