BHAKTAPUR, June 2: With the aim of challenging the prevailing narrative that "nothing happens in Nepal," Nepal Republic Media successfully concluded the ‘Ma Nagarik, Ma Banauchhu Nepal’ Creator Champion 2025 on Monday.
The campaign, held across various locations in all seven provinces, sought to inspire young people with the strong conviction that meaningful change is possible within the country. Top creators from the competition were honoured with attractive cash prizes by Dr Ram Baran Yadav, the first President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.
At a public ceremony held in the open space of the historic Durbar Square in Bhaktapur on Monday evening, four creators—three selected by the jury and one through public voting—received cash awards. Addressing the event, former President Dr Yadav highlighted the immense potential of Nepal’s youth. He dismissed the notion that “nothing is possible in Nepal” as inaccurate and affirmed that the country has made significant progress.
“Yesterday, we lived under suppression; today, all Nepalis are equal—this is our greatest achievement,” he said.
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Dr Yadav expressed confidence that continuing along the democratic path would lead to national development. He further argued that there is nothing that cannot be achieved in Nepal through democratic means. “Once, it was hard to find a blacktopped road in Nepal; today, there is hardly a place without one,” he noted.
Citing progress in tourism, agriculture, and technology, he emphasised the abundance of opportunities for youth and stressed that the responsibility to transform the country lies in their hands.
Out of nearly 100 participating creators, the videos of the top five were screened at the event before the winners were announced. Karan Singh Ojha’s video for the Karansingh Ojha Foundation was awarded first place, earning a cash prize of Rs 125,000. The second prize of Rs 100,000 went to TL Production’s video by Sajil Basnet, while the third prize of Rs 75,000 was awarded to a video by Shivani Manandhar for Trail Builders Nepal.
The People’s Choice Award—given to the video with the highest number of shares, comments, and views—was won by Nikhil Tandukar of Uniglobe College, who received Rs 100,000. All cash prizes were presented by former President Dr Yadav.
Speaking at the event, Samriddhi Gyawali, Managing Director of Nepal Republic Media, reiterated that the responsibility of nation-building lies with the youth. “This country must be built by us, the young generation,” she said. “If we don’t do it, who will?”
Gyawali shared her story of returning to Nepal 13 years ago after completing her postgraduate studies, driven by the conviction that she needed to contribute at home. She noted that Nepal offers abundant employment opportunities based on skill and capability. Rather than wasting time criticising others, she urged young people to take action and create impact.
“Climate change is advancing in a dangerously rapid way,” she said. “Nepal is facing serious challenges due to climate-induced disasters.”
Given the progress in tourism, agriculture, and technology, she emphasised that the country holds tremendous potential.
In his vote of thanks, Nagarik Daily’s Editor-in-Chief Guna Raj Luitel expressed his belief that the campaign would inspire Nepali youth to build their futures within the country. Other speakers—including Bhaktapur Municipality Mayor Sunil Prajapati and MAW Chairman Vishnu Kumar Agrawal, one of the campaign’s mentors—stressed the importance of doing whatever is possible within Nepal.
Binod Raj Gyawali, Chairperson of Nepal Republic Media Ltd, presented tokens of appreciation to the participants.
During a panel discussion, all five top creators expressed their commitment to actively contribute to the nation-building mission. They described the ‘Ma Nagarik, Ma Banauchhu Nepal’ Creator Champion campaign, organised by Nepal Republic Media, as a meaningful and impactful initiative for both the nation and its citizens.
