NRCC launches undergraduate research campaign

The Nepal Research and Collaboration Center (NRCC) has unveiled an initiative aimed at fostering research skills among undergraduate students in Nepal. Dubbed the ‘Nepalese in Research Campaign: 3E—Encouraging, Educating, Empowering’, this program, according to the organizer, is the first of its kind in the country, marking a significant shift from traditional textbook-based learning to hands-on research experiences. 

The NRCC emphasizes that the campaign’s primary goal is to inspire and equip students with the necessary skills for effective research. “It targets undergraduates from all engineering disciplines, including Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Architecture, Computer, and Mechanical Engineering,” said the organizer.

Themed ‘Re-Engineering Knowledge: From Textbooks to Research,’ the campaign will feature a series of workshops and presentations. Senior researchers will provide guidance on identifying research topics, conducting practical research, and publishing findings. Additionally, the campaign will offer students the opportunity to connect with mentors and peers in person, fostering a collaborative research environment. 

The four main agendas of the campaign, as per the organizer, are: develop interdisciplinary research through student connections; connect Nepalese students with global research opportunities; form diverse student groups across engineering disciplines; and provide mentorship from research to publication and beyond. By shifting the focus from theoretical learning to practical application, the NRCC aims to cultivate a new generation of skilled researchers in Nepal, ready to contribute to global scientific advancements.

YUWA program concludes

The YUWA program, aimed at empowering youth and fostering positive change, concluded on June 27. Organized by Youth For Change Kathmandu University in collaboration with Academia Industry Cooperation Kathmandu University, the event brought together young minds and speakers to discuss and address critical social, educational, and health-related issues.

The program featured a lineup of panelists, including Sobita Gautam and Pradip Paudel, Members of Parliament; Nischal Basnet, renowned actor and director; Vidushi Rana, Executive Director of Goldstar; and Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan, CEO of Nepal Clearing House Limited.

The Chief Guest of the event was Prof Dr Suresh Raj Sharma, founding Vice-chancellor of Kathmandu University. The welcome speech was delivered by Dr Ram Lama, Coordinator of Academia Industry Cooperation Kathmandu University. The discussions were moderated by Susan Sapkota. The program concluded with a thank-you speech by Aayush Chaudhary, President of Youth For Change Kathmandu University.

KU’s Youth for Change Club to host panel discussion

The ‘Empowering Youth: Igniting Change’ panel discussion, organized by Youth for Change-Kathmandu University, is set to take place at CV Raman Hall, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel on June 27. This event aims to inspire and mobilize young individuals to become catalysts for positive change in their communities, according to the organizer.

Panelists include MPs Pradeep Poudel, Sobita Gautam, Vidushi Rana, Executive Director of Goldstar Nepal, Nishchal Basnet, Director and Actor; and Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan, CEO of Nepal Clearing House Limited. 

“Youth for Change-Kathmandu University is a student-led organization dedicated to promoting social welfare and community engagement,” the club says. “The event will facilitate engaging dialogues and interactive exchanges, equipping attendees with the knowledge and tools to lead effective change initiatives.”

St Xavier’s honors guitarist Shahi

St Xavier’s College, Maitighar, celebrated its annual ‘Survaahini: A Musical Bliss’ event by honoring renowned fusion guitarist Anil Shahi with ‘10th Fr EL The Watrin Memorial Cultural Award’. 

Shahi, known for his blend of classical and contemporary guitar styles over a career spanning 25 years, emphasized the importance of preserving classical music in Nepal. “It is concerning that there are few listeners of classical music in Nepal.  But with dedication and effort, we can promote  it both at home and abroad”. 

The event, on Wednesday, featured musical performances including a fusion of Indian classical music with Western elements by Dr Neepa Chaudhary and Sudesh Subedi from the Fusion Roof Band.

Program director Sudhakar Pant and assistant Saurabh Sharma were also recognized for their significant contributions to the success of the event.

St. Xavier’s College has been honoring musicians annually since 2005 for their efforts in popularizing Nepali classical music among the youth. Artists honored through this program include Bhajan Shiromani Bhaktaraj Acharya, Kunti Moktan and Sila Bahadur Moktan, Prem Dhoj Pradhan, and Shambhujit Baskota.