Inspiring the Next Generation: Meet the Top 6 Finalists of Glocal Teen Hero Nepal 2024
As Glocal Teen Hero Nepal celebrates its 10th year, the initiative continues to shine a spotlight on extraordinary Nepali teenagers who have made significant contributions to their communities and beyond. Sponsored by the Golchha Group, this visionary program recognizes and empowers young individuals who are passionate about catalyzing positive change at the intersection of global and local domains. This year’s top six finalists embody the values of creativity, resilience, and community spirit, serving as powerful sources of inspiration for others. Let’s meet these remarkable young individuals and explore how they became finalists, and how their stories can inspire the next generation to step out of their comfort zones and make a difference.
- Aashish Panthi, 19, Kapilvastu – Tech Educator
Aashish Panthi’s journey to becoming a finalist began with his deep commitment to making technology accessible to everyone in his community. Growing up in Kapilvastu, a region with limited access to technology, Aashish recognized the transformative power of digital literacy. At the age of 19, he took it upon himself to bridge the digital divide by teaching coding and computer skills to children and young adults.
Aashish’s determination to self-learn programming through online resources and his passion for sharing knowledge set him apart. His initiative caught the attention of the Glocal Teen Hero judges, who were impressed by his ability to empower others despite having no formal training. Aashish’s work emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and critical thinking, going beyond rote learning to encourage innovation and creativity among his students. His story is a testament to the power of initiative and the impact one person can make on their community.
- Ghanashyam Bishwakarma, 19, Rukum – Activist
Ghanashyam Bishwakarma, a 19-year-old activist from Rukum, has emerged as a leading voice in the fight for child rights, mental health awareness, and climate justice. His journey to becoming a finalist is rooted in his personal experiences with discrimination and social inequality, which fueled his passion for activism. Despite facing numerous challenges, including limited resources and societal resistance, Ghanashyam persevered in his mission to create a more just and equitable world.
What set Ghanashyam apart from other candidates was his ability to mobilize his community around important causes. He successfully engaged youth, community leaders, and local authorities in his initiatives, creating a broad coalition of support for his work. The Glocal Teen Hero judges were particularly impressed by his resilience and determination, as well as his ability to turn personal adversity into a force for good. Ghanashyam’s story is a powerful reminder that collective action can lead to significant impact, and his leadership serves as an inspiration for others to speak up for what they believe in.
- Nischal Bhattarai, 16, Syanja – Educator
At just 16 years old, Nischal Bhattarai from Syanja has made significant strides in education, particularly in providing learning opportunities for underprivileged children. His journey to becoming a finalist began when he recognized the disparities in access to quality education in his community. Motivated by a belief that every child deserves the chance to learn and succeed, Nischal started his own tutoring initiative to help children achieve academic success.
Nischal’s approach to education, which combines traditional teaching methods with innovative strategies, impressed the Glocal Teen Hero judges. His dedication to making learning engaging and fun, along with his commitment to giving back to his community, set him apart from other candidates. Despite his young age, Nischal demonstrated leadership and initiative, showing that it is possible to make a difference at any stage of life. His work serves as a powerful reminder that education is not just about personal achievement but also about lifting others up.
- Purnima Timsina, 17, Jhapa – Child Rights Activist
Purnima Timsina, a 17-year-old from Jhapa, has been a relentless advocate for child rights, working to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse. Her journey to becoming a finalist is driven by her belief that every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment in which to grow and thrive. Purnima’s dedication to this cause has had a profound impact, not only in terms of raising awareness but also in bringing about tangible changes.
The Glocal Teen Hero judges were particularly impressed by Purnima’s courage and determination in the face of adversity. Despite facing resistance from those reluctant to change longstanding practices, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her cause. Purnima’s efforts to lobby for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and organize awareness campaigns have led to the rescue of children from dangerous situations and their reintegration into schools. Her activism serves as a powerful example of the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult.
- Sajani Sharma, 19, Kaski – Social Activist
Sajani Sharma, a 19-year-old social activist from Kaski, has dedicated herself to improving her community through a variety of initiatives, including women’s empowerment, environmental conservation, and youth engagement. Her journey to becoming a finalist began with her belief in the power of community and the importance of addressing local issues with local solutions.
Sajani’s work in environmental conservation, which includes organizing community clean-up drives and tree planting campaigns, caught the attention of the Glocal Teen Hero judges. Her dedication to environmental issues, coupled with her advocacy for women’s rights, set her apart as a finalist. Sajani’s leadership and commitment to her causes highlight the critical role that young people can play in combating climate change and promoting gender equality. Her story is a call to action for other young people to get involved in their communities and use their talents to make a difference.
- Shreejay Subedi, 18, Parsa – Tech Enthusiast
Shreejay Subedi, an 18-year-old tech enthusiast from Parsa, has made a significant impact by using technology to solve real-world problems. His journey to becoming a finalist began with his passion for using tech skills to address community challenges, such as access to education and healthcare. Shreejay’s ability to identify problems and create innovative solutions, including mobile apps and digital tools, set him apart from other candidates.
The Glocal Teen Hero judges were impressed by Shreejay’s dedication to using technology for social good and his ability to collaborate with local organizations, schools, and healthcare providers. His work highlights the importance of leveraging tech skills to make a positive impact on society. Shreejay’s story serves as an inspiration for other young people interested in technology, encouraging them to explore their interests and use their skills to address societal issues.
The journey of these six finalists to becoming recognized as Glocal Teen Hero Nepal 2024 exemplifies the power of youth leadership and community engagement. Each of these young individuals has demonstrated remarkable creativity, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive difference in their communities. Their stories are a powerful source of inspiration for the next generation, encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their passions for the greater good.
As Glocal Teen Hero Nepal celebrates its 10th year, it is clear that the future of Nepal is in capable hands. These finalists serve as role models for other young people, showing that age is no barrier to making a significant impact. Whether through technology, education, activism, or environmental conservation, each of these young heroes is contributing to a brighter future for Nepal and the world.
