Graduation Ceremony of the Youth in Policy and Entrepreneurship (YPE) Fellows and Bikalpa Fellows 2024-2025

On 5th July 2025, Bikalpa – an Alternative successfully organized the Graduation Ceremony of the Youth in Policy and Entrepreneurship (YPE) Fellows and Bikalpa Fellows at Biratnagar. The ceremony marked the conclusion of a rigorous and enriching one-year fellowship journey for 52 fellows under both programs.

The formal program commenced at 2:30 PM, with YPE Fellow Mr. Samir Chhetri serving as the moderator. He extended a warm welcome to all attendees, presented a brief overview of the event schedule, and introduced a reflection video highlighting the memories of activities done throughout the year.

Following the opening remarks, Ms. Ranu Sah, Program Coordinator at Bikalpa – an Alternative, delivered an address outlining the objectives and structure of both fellowship programs. The YPE Fellowship is a year-long initiative designed to equip youth with knowledge and skills in policy, governance, and entrepreneurship. Fellows are trained to understand the policy-making process, principles of good governance, and entrepreneurial frameworks.

The Bikalpa Fellowship, on the other hand, focuses on education and engaging youths of each ward of Biratnagar on the values of accountability. One male and one female fellow from each ward of the Biratnagar Metropolitan City were selected to participate in this program, which aims to enhance their capacity to advocate for accountability, civic responsibility, and grassroots leadership.

As part of their development, fellows from both programs participated in monthly meetings and thematic sessions featuring expert speakers from diverse sectors.

Key Activities Conducted

Ms. Shah also presented a comprehensive summary of the major activities conducted during the fellowship year, which included the following:

Selected fellows from both YPE Fellowship and Bikalpa Fellowship programs shared their personal experiences and key learnings, reflecting on how the fellowship enhanced their knowledge, critical thinking, and leadership skills.

The event also featured a performance segment, with performances by several fellows. YPE Fellow Ms. Krity Pokharel and Bikalpa Fellow Ms. Shreisha Poudel presented poetry, while Ms. Anusha Acharya, Ms. Puspa Jha, and Ms. Kripa Pokharel delivered vibrant dance performances.

Additionally, YPE Fellow Mr. Pawan Kafle led an engaging treasure hunt activity, which fostered participation and cooperation among the attendees.

Ms. Ranu Sah also shared insights into the Online Video Contest 2025, which was initiated by Bikalpa Fellows to promote creative civic expression. Moderator Samir Chhetri welcomed the contest sponsors to the stage and formally acknowledged their support by presenting tokens of appreciation. The contest winner was announced and awarded a gift hamper along with a cash prize.

The formal certificate distribution ceremony was conducted by Mr. Basanta Adhikari, Director of Bikalpa – an Alternative. All fellows from the YPE and Bikalpa were honored for their successful completion of the one-year program. In his closing remarks, Mr. Adhikari expressed his gratitude to the fellows, partners, and supporters while encouraging the graduates to remain actively engaged in their communities and continue promoting democratic values, accountability, and entrepreneurship, urging the fellows the door of Bikalpa’s are always open even after the end of the fellowship for those who want to take initiatives.

The ceremony concluded with a dinner invitation, allowing participants to connect informally and celebrate their shared journey.

Post Views: 1,309