MEMBERS |
2024
Aakriti Chaulagain
Aakriti is a passionate public health student deeply engaged in advocating for sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), gender equality, and social inclusion. With a profound interest in exploring diverse cultures, she strives to foster positive change and promote peace for a more sustainable future. Her approach is rooted in discipline and respect for all perspectives, as she dedicates herself to advancing public health and social justice through thoughtful advocacy and education.
Alisha Mulmi
Alisha Mulmi is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in forestry. She is an avid learner with a strong focus on climate action and climate justice. For the past three years, she has been actively advocating for climate change issues with organizations such as Digo Bikas Institute and NYCA Hetauda. She is also a passionate wildlife enthusiast with a keen interest in the conservation sector. She has led conservation projects and interned with Friends of Nature-FON Nepal. She feels empowered to dedicate her efforts to raising community awareness and to drive positive change in the community. She excitedly looks forward to the exciting journey of YSB.
Amresh Shah
Amresh Shah is a committed Computer Science and Engineering student with a strong track record in social development and youth empowerment. With over five years of experience in non-profit work, he has significantly impacted mental health advocacy, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), climate change, and the upliftment of marginalized communities.
As the founder of the Teller of Tales initiative, a mental health storytelling podcast, Amresh aims to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues. His passion for technology drives him to explore innovative digital solutions to address social challenges in Nepali communities
Amresh is also an avid reader and movie enthusiast. Be sure to ask him for a book or movie recommendation when you see him!
Anusha Ojha
Anusha is currently studying public health at Central Department of Public health, IOM. She has worked as youth champion advocating for SRHR issues. She loves working at the community level and she believes that fostering collaboration and co-ordination at different levels is the way to solve community problems. She aims to create a society where menstruation is celebrated, every birth is wanted, and women are empowered.
Bikash Kumar Agrawal
Bikash Agrawal is a 21-year-old Medicine student from Madhesh who has a unique blend of interests in both the medical and social sectors. While he enjoys the intellectual challenges of medicine, his true passion lies in nationwide education, which he believes is crucial for progress.
Bikash is a member of the Youth Sounding Board for the European Union, a 30-member cohort that aims to enhance the EU's impact in Nepal. As part of this role, he views himself as a representative of the youth in Madhesh, committed to advocating for their interests and contributing to their development.
Bidhya Neupane
Bidhya, coming from a rural agricultural family in Roshi Kavrepalanchok, Bagmati Province, is a passionate practitioner in Nepal's development sector. Focused on empowering youth, women, and children, she combines her love for research, project design, and writing—be it academic papers, grant proposals, or even poetry. A gold medalist in Development Studies from Kathmandu University (2023), she co-founded her project 'Digital Heroes' to address digital education and skill gaps. Her passions also include women’s empowerment, climate change adaptation, and equitable education. Beyond a proven history of work with local NGOs, she has also volunteered with UN organizations; and engaged with think tanks like COSATT, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), and CSAS, participating as a scholar in topics like international relations, geopolitics, and regional cooperation. A UNESCO Madanjeet Singh South Asian Foundation Scholar for her undergraduate degree, Bidhya envisions herself as a dynamic force in national and international policy-level interventions through her academic and professional pursuits, aiming to uplift grassroots communities with innovative development models.
Bibhuti Pokhrel
Bibhuti is a dedicated public health professional and a proud Gorkha native, currently serving as the Program Officer at SOCHAI (Social Changemakers and Innovators). In this role, Bibhuti focuses on enhancing the health, nutrition, and socio-economic status of women, children, and girls through various grassroots-level projects.
With over five years of experience in both volunteering and professional capacities, Bibhuti has been deeply involved in the fields of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Nutrition. As a member of the Youth Sounding Board for the European Union, Bibhuti is committed to creating a broader impact and contributing positively to the community in these crucial areas.
Bibhuti is passionate about building healthier communities through preventive health and well-being, a principle that has consistently guided both their professional and personal life. With expertise in project management and session facilitation, Bibhuti brings a wealth of experience to their work. Outside of professional commitments, Bibhuti enjoys traveling, connecting with Mother Nature, and capturing moments through photography.
Dipa Rai
Dipa Rai is an undergrad law student and enthusiastic individual originally from Sankhuwasabha, Province 1 but was born and raised in Doti, sudurpachhim province and this transition has helped her to navigate all the differences in the best way possible. She believes in transformative change and the power of youth in shaping a more equitable world. She is an aspiring agent of change with strong commitment to gender equality, indigenous rights and inclusivity. Dipa is dedicated to giving back to her community which is evident in her journey of advocacy. Through her studies and advocacy, she is committed to shaping a better world, one that is more just and inclusive for all.
Dipa Views life as an opportunity and her moto of life is to learn, relearn and unlearn throughout.
Dikshya Bhandari
Dikshya Bhandari is a fourth-year law student studying in Kathmandu School of Law. She was born and raised in the beautiful city Pokhara, Gandaki Province. With a profound interest in International Human Rights Law, particularly concerning women's rights, Dikshya is committed to advancing gender equity and leadership. She is actively involved with NGOs such as WomenLEAD and Sankalpa, which focus on empowering women and promoting their roles in leadership positions. Additionally, she is also recognized as a Rising Star of Wedu Global, an organization dedicated to nurturing female leadership.
Her academic and professional journey is deeply rooted in the value of giving back to the community. Dikshya aspires to contribute to policymaking and advocacy as a human rights advocate, with a focus on creating impactful and inclusive policies that protect and uplift marginalized communities. Through her role in the Youth Sounding Board, she aims to influence meaningful change and ensure that the voices of young people are heard in shaping the future.
In the future, she would like to continue her work as a human rights advocate, focusing on initiatives that align with her values and drive for social justice.
Diwash Sarraf
Diwash Sarraf is a committed advocate for youth empowerment and social change from Birgunj, Nepal. With a strong focus on child rights, youth involvement, and mental health, Diwash has dedicated the past seven years to driving positive change locally and internationally. As a member of the National Adolescent Boys Network and a designer for the UNICEF CAMH Chat Bot Project, Diwash has represented Nepal at events like the South Asian Regional Conference on Climate Justice and the UN General Meeting on Child Rights.
Diwash's efforts have earned recognition through awards such as the Glocal Teen Hero Nepal Award, the Hero of Madesh (Social Activist) Award, and the Best Social Awareness Award by Save The Children and WWF in 2022. Alongside advocacy, Diwash is pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering at Universal Engineering and Science College (UESC), maintaining a strong commitment to grassroots activism and raising awareness on issues like climate change and human rights. Guided by the belief in the power of individual action, Diwash is dedicated to creating a more just and inclusive future.
Himal Rokaya
Himal Rokaya is a dedicated political science student and a passionate disability rights activist. As the president of the Blind Youth Association Nepal in the Kailali branch, he has made significant strides in advocating for the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities. His extensive experience in this field underscores his commitment to fostering a more equitable society.
In addition to his activism, Himal enjoys reading novels, visiting religious sites, and engaging in social work, which reflects his values and dedication to community upliftment. His long-term goal is to become a skilled politician, where he aims to influence policy and create systemic change for marginalized groups, particularly youth with disabilities. With his blend of academic knowledge and practical experience, he is poised to make a meaningful impact in the political arena.
Khushi Kumari Gupta
Khushi Kumari is a 20-year-old youth activist from Rautahat district in Madhesh Province, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS). She serves as a volunteer in a local initiative called the Jana Jagaran Yuwa Club, where she holds the position of "Big Sister," a title for emerging female leaders in the community. Her proud and relentless participation in the community work is driven by her passionate interest in the field of education.
Her passion is reflected in her work at community and local schools where she works with parents and students to make education more accessible for everyone. With the inspiration from her learnings and experiences at grass-root level, she looks forward to capacitating herself even more and strengthening her network to continue her activism. She is particularly focused on expanding her activism to benefit women, children, and youth, ensuring that her impact resonates throughout her community and beyond.
Kritika Dhungana
Kritika is dedicated to empowering women, with practical experience that spans from educating about dignified menstruation in the remote villages of Karnali to working in the townships of Cape Town, South Africa. Her work has focused on social justice and mental health, particularly supporting women through challenging circumstances. During her recent time in South Africa, she deepened her understanding of the mental health struggles faced by pregnant women, often due to domestic abuse and other hardships. This experience has strengthened her commitment to advocating for women’s well-being.
Kritika is also interested in governance and politics, complementing her passion for social change. Beyond this, she enjoys photography, theater, and traveling—activities that help her connect with others and keep learning. Her journey is a blend of grassroots activism, global experiences, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of women and communities.
Manoj Gharti Magar
Manoj Gharti Magar(Manorama) stands proudly as a transgender activist from their community. They are a business grad, that aspire to advocate for gender equality and social inclusion for gender minorities to take spaces in decision making roles and white-collar professions as a leader. They are part of the 3rd cohort Youth Sounding Board as a community activist to amplify the voices of unheard marginalized group of their community from local level to national to worldwide eventually. They stand together with a team for mental health awareness, safe sexual health advocacy and sustainable environment development.
Manisha Neupane
Passionate about public health and driven by a commitment to social impact, Manisha is an undergraduate from Karnali Province, specializing in Public Health. Her journey spans key areas such as nutrition, SRHR, climate change, and policy advocacy. With hands-on experience in projects that empower communities, she is deeply invested in creating sustainable change. Beyond her professional pursuits, she loves traveling, exploring new places, and contributing to the social sector's growth.
MD Nayin Rain
MD Nayim Rain is a passionate social activist and youth leader from Siraha Municipality, Nepal. Over the years, he has made significant contributions to his community through various leadership roles, including serving as the President of Sunrise Youth Siraha Sanjhal and Shree Chandra Model Child Club. As a dedicated advocate, Nayim has actively worked to address critical social issues such as child marriage, child labor, youth rights, and the dowry system. In addition to his activism, he has organized numerous health camps, blood donation drives, and food distribution events to support his local community.
His efforts have earned him several achievement letters from municipalities and organizations, as well as recognition as the "Hero of the Madhesh" by the Ministry of Women, Children, Youth, and Sports in 2022.
Currently, Nayim is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Law at Rajarshi Janak University, Janakpurdham. Under the Government of Madhesh Province’s Ministry of Sports and Social Welfare, he serves as the President of the Province Youth Network, Madhesh Province.
Fluent in Nepali, Maithili, Hindi, and English, and trained in inclusive governance and first aid, Nayim effectively engages with diverse groups and leads impactful initiatives. He continues to use his platform to drive positive change and inspire others in his community.
Puja Shah
Puja is originally from Achham, and she currently resides in Dhangadhi, Kailali. She is a law student pursuing a BA LLB at Far Western University.
From a young age, she has been actively involved in social work. Her involvement began in childhood through participation in child clubs, where she worked on practical implementation of child rights, including organizing awareness programs against child marriage, child violence, the Chhaupadi, and gender discrimination. She is also well-informed about how youth can engage in policy processes and is aware of the rights and responsibilities of the youth.
Her goal is to eliminate various forms of discrimination and build an equitable society. She aims to continue this work and advocate for social change, ultimately becoming a social engineer dedicated to transforming society.
She firmly believes that if we genuinely want to bring about positive change in society, the first step must begin with ourselves. Only then can true transformation be possible.
Rabishek Chaudhary
Coming from an indigenous community in a traditionally underserved society, Rabishek (Ravit) has never allowed challenges to define his limits. Instead, he embraces every opportunity that arises. Currently, Ravit is deeply involved in advocating for the welfare of the Key Population in Nepal, committed to ensuring their voices are heard.
Serving on the Youth Sounding Board has taught Ravit the power of networking and the critical importance of inclusivity—no one should be left behind. Ravit believes that youth must speak up not only for themselves but also for those without the platforms that many take for granted. With the belief that “Unity in voice is strength in action,” Ravit is dedicated to raising the collective voice, even when it seems like others are not listening.
Guided by a principle of continuous growth through a "Learn and Unlearn" approach, Ravit consciously retains factual, correct, and significant insights from every experience, while discarding what is irrelevant. This mindset has allowed Ravit to distill valuable lessons from the YSB Orientation program, which Ravit intends to use to elevate youth perspectives on key issues.
Moving forward, Ravit is determined to champion the concerns of young people at every issue-based event and work tirelessly to drive meaningful change.
Rakshya Khadgi
Rakshya (she/her) is a student of anthropology and psychology from Bagmati Province, Nepal. A proud feminist, her advocacy spans areas such as Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Comprehensive Sexuality Education, feminist leadership, queer issues, and social inclusion, particularly around caste. As an active member of the Youth Sounding Board (YSB), Rakshya is committed to amplifying marginalized voices and creating inclusive spaces. She is passionate about strengthening the impact of the European Union’s development cooperation in Nepal, ensuring that international efforts align with the needs of communities in Nepal.
Rupika Tharu
Rupika Tharu is a second-year student at CDPH (IOM), where she’s pursuing her Bachelor's in Public Health. She’s deeply committed to making a difference in areas that matter, like CSE, SRHR, mental health, and climate change. But there’s more to Rupika than just her studies and projects—she finds joy in dancing, and nothing beats a beautiful sunset to end her day. Balancing her passion for public health with the simple pleasures of life, Rupika is on a journey to not only learn but to live fully and meaningfully.
Sagar Budha
Sagar Budha is a passionate 18-year-old environmentalist from Karnali Province and a recent +2 graduate who embodies impactful advocacy, leadership, and innovation. He actively works with various non-profit organizations, including The Odyssey Students and Future Nepal, where he plays a significant role in driving positive environmental change. As the president of the Eco Club, he leads campaigns focused on sustainability, community clean-ups, and environmental protection. Sagar is also an advocate for policy engagement, digital activism, and environmental education through school campaigns. He contributes to the Clean and Green Movement in Surkhet and runs a weekly email newsletter on climate change. His dedication has earned him recognition as a Glocal Teen Hero, and he is actively involved in online volunteering with the UN.
Saheba Khatun Miya
Saheba is a law student with a deep passion for driving social change and advocating for justice. Alongside her studies, she actively contributes to her Muslim community, working on initiatives that promote social equity and support. She is committed to using her legal education to address pressing social issues and to create a fairer and more inclusive society. Further, she is excited to collaborate with like-minded people.
Samir Pariyar
Samir Pariyar is a dedicated Dignified Menstruation Activist in Nepal, pursuing a Bachelor of Public Health at Purbanchal University. With over five years of advocacy experience, he holds roles such as National Coordinator for the Dignified Menstruation Campaign Nepal and Coordinator of the Gift for Girls Campaign. His work has earned him awards including the National Youth Talent Award 2024 and recognition as a Men Champion for Dignified Menstruation by the Global South Coalition. Samir has led initiatives like Menarche Celebrations and Men’s Walk for Dignified Menstruation and has spoken at international dialogues on gender equality. He comes from Sunwal Municipality, Nawalparasi, Nepal.
Sasha Sunuwar
Sasha is currently a final-year undergraduate student of Environmental Science at Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel and a recipient of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Nepal's Nepal Conservation Memorial Scholarship 20/21. Belonging to an indigenous and marginalized community from Bagmati Province, she feels strongly about indigenous culture and communities. A budding conservationist working towards environment protection, she is also passionate about photography and trekking.
Shishir BK
Shishir Bishwakarma is from Farwestern Nepal and is currently studying Bachelor of Arts in Law (BALLB), Political Science, and Social Work at Tribhuvan University. He belongs to the Dalit community, which is socially, politically, culturally, and economically marginalized in Nepal. Shishir serves as the president of the Dalit Law Student Society, an organization dedicated to building awareness against the caste system and promoting social justice. He is also a member of Dignity Initiatives, which focuses on research related to social justice and Dalit issues.
With experience in the fields of child rights and youth empowerment, Shishir's interests include working on social justice, studying international politics and diplomacy, and exploring literature. He identifies himself as a social justice defender who advocates for marginalized communities.
Shishir Sapkota
As a passionate law student deeply committed to driving social change and advocating for justice, Shishir has been actively engaged in social activism from a young age. His journey began at 11 when he took on a leadership role in promoting child-friendly governance in his community. Over the years, he has focused on advocating for child rights, empowering adolescents, and emphasizing the crucial role of men in advancing gender equality. His work is rooted in the belief that meaningful change starts with informed and dedicated youth, and he is determined to leverage his legal knowledge and activism to build a more just and equitable society.
Smarika Pokharel
Smarika Pokharel is a third-year student of social science at Kathmandu University. She is a person with visual impairment and belongs from Gandaki province. She is a freelancer, mostly doing content writing, language interpretation and voice over work. She wants to advocate for inclusivity of all identities at every level and universal design of all social structures. She believes the only way this can be attained is through appropriate legislation and strategies by governmental and developmental bodies, which drives her interest in governance. She wants to express the many voices of her community through the most powerful weapon she has, “words” in terms of conversations, speeches, debates and most importantly, by writing research-based papers.
Sobindra Nepali
Sobindra Nepali is from Chayannath Rara Municipality of the remote Mugu district of Nepal. He attended the local government school, where he actively participated in extracurricular activities and various social initiatives in the village. From a young age, he developed a strong interest in the arts, later realizing the significant role that artists play in social transformation. He was deeply saddened by the persistence of traditional bad practices and discrimination in his community, which he found unbearable. His involvement in children’s clubs organized in schools and communities provided him with valuable learning experiences.
After completing his basic education, Sobindra balanced work with his studies, gaining both income and knowledge. His life took a pivotal turn when he connected with the Karnali Art Center (KAC), which became a crucial bridge in his life, providing him with new work opportunities, experience, skills, and insights into society. Through his work with KAC, he established relationships with other NGOs and INGOs, opening doors to further opportunities. Now residing in Surkhet, Sobindra continues to work as a social activist while pursuing his studies, dedicating himself to improving his community.
Sunita Chamar
Sunita Chamar is from Rupandehi, Nepal. She is a 22-year-old dynamic advocate for adolescent rights and social justice. She has been serving as the Chairperson of the Adolescent Rights Forum in Rupandehi District for the past six years. Throughout her tenure, Sunita has dedicated herself to addressing critical social issues, including the rights of adolescents, women, youth, persons with disabilities, and sexual minorities. She has also actively worked on matters such as child marriage, gender-based violence, dowry practices, and access to higher education. Sunita's commitment to advocacy extends to collaborations with various organizations, institutions, and local governments, driving positive change in her community.
She is proficient in multiple languages, including Nepali, Hindi, English, and Awadhi. Sunita's efforts have been recognized by national and international NGOs, and she has participated in forums like the National Youth Conference and WOREC. Her passion for creating a more equitable society continues to shape her work and influence in the region.
Tanuja Pandey
Tanuja Pandey (she/her) is a climate justice activist and researcher hailing from Damak, Jhapa. She holds a bachelor's degree in law (BALLB). She is the co-founder and Chair of Harin Nepal, an intersectional climate justice organization. Her professional focus encompasses Law, Climate Change, and grassroots mobilization. Her broader interests include GESI, environmental governance, public policy, and politics. She envisions a world where communities most affected by environmental crises are equipped with the power, resources, and spaces crucial for their genuine liberation.