It was a typical day of scrolling through my social media feed when a post by the Bagmati Province Youth Council about 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, my name was listed. 

On Baisakh 27, full of hope and eager to learn and make new connections, I set off for Hetauda from Chitwan, where the summit was being held. I traveled alone in an electric vehicle, reflecting on the possibilities that lay ahead.

Upon reaching Hetauda and completing my registration, I walked from the hotel to the hall where the orientation session was taking place. Along the way, I had a delightful encounter with Aasta Dimdung, a genuinely nice person. As I entered the 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 the 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 featured a performance by Sindhuli Nach 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 center 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 summit were a convergence of minds and expertise. Tikaram Yatri had a clever way of asking questions that made everyone think, while Sama Thapa wasn’t afraid to ask tough questions that got straight to the point. We talked about everything from politics to starting business 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. 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 apologize for my habit of not remembering names well.

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 the Chief Minister Hon. Shalikram Jamarkattel were insightful, filled with meaningful discussions about our future. The privilege to directly interact with the Chief Minister was a highlight for many, including myself. The 13-point declaration presented by Executive Vice President of Bagmati Province Youth Council Mr. Santosh Chaulagain to the Chief Minister Hon. Shalikram Jamarkattel and Social Development Minister Hon. 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 to 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.

Ayush Adhikari