In light of the gradual disappearance of Nepal’s ancient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly indigenous knowledge systems, Avni Ventures, with the sponsorship of NMB Bank, successfully concluded the screening and award ceremony of the National Video Competition titled ‘Raithaane Gyaan: Aba ko Samadhaan” - Reviving Indigenous Knowledge for a Sustainable Future.
The program organized at Mandala Theatre, Thapagaun, Kathmandu witnessed remarkable participation from youth, government officials, elected representatives, banking professionals, indigenous knowledge activists, and experts.
The competition received over 66 video submissions from young people across Nepal, covering diverse themes such as agriculture, traditional water management systems, herbal medicine, architecture, food heritage, bamboo crafts, eco-friendly products, climate solutions, seed conservation, and traditional healing practices, reads a statement issued by Avni Ventures.
Director of Avni Ventures, Shilshila Acharya, who was listed as BBC’s 100 inspiring women in 2024, as a Climate Pioneer, shared: “We believe that these indigenous practices and traditions hold the knowledge and the sustainable solutions that the world is looking for, to combat climate change and live in harmony with Nature. Sadly, this knowledge is disappearing fast as we fail to recognize and preserve them. This movement aims to engage youth in documenting and transferring this knowledge to the next generations.”
She further emphasized that this initiative envisions Nepali youth becoming global experts and ambassadors of sustainable knowledge and solutions, just as Nepali Architect Arniko spread Nepal’s architectural expertise in China in the 13th-century, according to the statement.
The first prize (NPR 55,000) was awarded to the video titled “Patka Thaal, Hamro Pahichan” (Leaf Plates, Our Identity) by Anish Khanal, a 24-year-old veterinary student from Tribhuvan University. The second prize (NPR 35,000) was awarded to the video “Takha and Sanyakhuna: The Timeless Sustainable Recipe of the Newa People”, highlighting culinary practice of the Newa community, where the recipe utilizes discarded meat parts promoting zero food waste. The third and fourth prizes (NPR 25,000 each) were awarded to videos on eco-friendly bamboo and earthen architecture, and traditional Hiti water management, respectively.
The Social Media Award was given to a video on the traditional mustard oil-making process in Khokana and its cultural and health significance.
