ANAA Successfully Hosts 1st Bagmati Provincial Meet

In a landmark effort to spotlight alumni contributions to Nepal’s development, the Association of Nepalese Alumni from Australia (ANAA) successfully hosted the 1st Bagmati Provincial Meet on 20 June 2025 at Hotel Barahi, Thamel. Held under the powerful theme, “Celebrating Alumni Contributions to Nepal’s Development,” the event brought together a distinguished gathering of Australian alumni, government representatives, development professionals, educators, and change-makers.

The event was supported by the Australian Embassy in Nepal, reinforcing the enduring partnership between Nepal and Australia through education, leadership, and shared commitment to inclusive development.

The program began with a warm welcome from Mr. Ananta Poudyal, President of ANAA, setting a reflective and forward-looking tone for the gathering. He was followed by Dr. Ram Hari Aryal, Founding President of ANAA, who offered a brief yet compelling account of the organization’s origins, milestones, and its growing impact over the years.

The session was smoothly emceed by Mr. Sujan Jung Karki, Office Secretary of ANAA, who maintained an engaging and respectful flow throughout the event.

Session 1: Showcasing Alumni Impact

The first major segment of the day, titled “Highlighting Alumni Contributions to Nepal’s Development,” showcased the stories and efforts of alumni who have continued to lead in their fields after graduating from Australian institutions.

The esteemed presenters included:

• Dr. Dhiraj Pradhananga – Core Member, UNESCO Chair on Mountain Water Sustainability

• Ms. Rajuna Singh – Disability Inclusion Officer, Sundar Dhoka Saathi Sewa

• Prof. Kushum Shakya – Former Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Tribhuvan University

• Ms. Hema Bhatt – Country Manager, Oxford Policy Management Nepal

• Mr. Sushant Rizal – Head, Innovation Kitchen, King’s College

The session was skillfully facilitated by Ms. Manisha Burlakoti, Board Member of ANAA and Project Officer at UNDP. Each speaker brought forth an inspiring narrative of dedication, leadership, and transformation—underscoring the positive influence of international education in local development.

Session 2: A Dynamic Panel of Leaders

The highlight of the meet was the panel discussion that followed. Focused on alumni-driven leadership across sectors, the panel featured some of Nepal’s most influential professionals:

• Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire – Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies

• Ms. Sambridhi Gyawali – CEO, Nepal Republic Media

• Mr. Deepak Rauniyar – Founder CEO, Oorja World

• Mr. Gyanendra Prasad Dhungana – Former CEO, Nabil Bank & Former President, Nepal Bankers’ Association

• Ms. Dibya Laxmi Manandhar – Public Health and Nutrition Professional

The panel was moderated by Mr. Sudarshan Neupane, General Secretary of ANAA and Country Director at WaterAid Nepal, who guided the conversation with deep insight and strategic focus. The discussion emphasized alumni roles in shaping public policy, media accountability, energy innovation, financial systems, and public health.

Audience Engagement and Diplomacy

An interactive Q&A and commitment session provided a platform for participants to engage with the speakers and reflect on collaborative pathways ahead. Attendees voiced ideas and commitments that further strengthened the sense of shared responsibility within the alumni community.

The presence of Mr. Greg Klemm, Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Nepal, added further significance to the event. His remarks celebrated the depth of the Nepal-Australia alumni relationship and reaffirmed the Embassy’s ongoing support for knowledge exchange and inclusive development.

Closing with Connection and Community

To formally conclude the program, Professor Dr. Kashiraj Pandey, Vice President of ANAA and Associate Professor at Kathmandu University, delivered the vote of thanks, recognizing the invaluable contributions of every speaker, panelist, volunteer, and attendee.

The evening ended with a relaxed networking and hi-tea session—providing a space for alumni to reconnect, explore future collaborations, and celebrate shared goals.

The 1st Bagmati Provincial Meet marks a meaningful milestone in ANAA’s journey toward building a stronger, more connected alumni community across Nepal. As alumni continue to engage in nation-building efforts, ANAA reaffirms its role as a platform that not only celebrates past achievements but also seeds future collaborations.

Here’s to many more impactful gatherings, and to the power of alumni shaping the future of Nepal.