Introduction to Bikalpa

Bikalpa:

Bikalpa is a non-profit, non-partisan (yet to be registered) organization, formed by a group of Nepalese students studying in USA, but which aims to include Nepalese youth residing anywhere in the world. The country is in a terrible situation economically, politically, technologically and socially. In this context, a handful of educated young individuals decided to unite and search for an alternative, a “Bikalpa”.

Mission Statement:

To search, envision and implement an alternative to the current situation of Nepal.

Objectives:

1. To discuss, research and understand the economic, political, technological and social situation of Nepal.
2. To seek and find a "Bikalpa" (an alternative) to the current situation of Nepal.
3. To recognize Nepalese youth as the force that can lead to a "Bikalpa".
4. To inspire, educate and mobilize youth to lead the movement "Bikalpa" in order to change the state of the country.

Let’s Talk about Nepal:

The first phase of Bikalpa is called “Let’s talk about Nepal”. Bikalpa plans to organize programs in different colleges (Bachelor’s and Master’s level colleges) by bringing intellectuals and exposing youth to their knowledge and experience. Bikalpa aims to inspire youth to actively take part in nation building.

Pilot Program:

Bikalpa is trying to launch a pilot program at Budhanilkantha School. It will be aimed at +2 and A-levels students. Although we will not focus on high-school students in our later programs, due to lack of funding and connections, we have chosen Budhanilkantha School. The pilot program will include a survey (simple questionnaires) before and after the program to analyze the effectiveness of the event.

The program will begin with an introduction of Bikalpa and a description of how students can get involved (through internet, facebook, blogs, etc.) Then, there will be a panel discussion with intellectuals about the need of youth in Nepal’s current situation.


Networking goals:
Bikalpa wants to bring young generation of Nepal who are involved in different youth movements, projects and groups to a single forum, so that older generation can know what young people have done and are capable of. At the same time, we want to inspire other young people through the examples and role models of people who have done inspiring work in Nepal with the help of Davis Peace Prize, other foundations and organizations. This summer, we are planning to have an interaction program with the press, intellectuals, and academics in Nepal where these young leaders will make a 15-minute presentation about their work and how our generation should start working now for a better future of Nepal and themselves.


Contact Persons:

1. Sailesh Dhungana (Princeton University):
Currently in Nepal and in-charge of networking and organizational matters in Nepal.
Email: dhunganasailesh@gmail.com
Cell phone: 9849113051

2. Vijay Raj Tandukar (Grinnell College):
Currently in USA and in-charge of networking through the internet.
Email: vijay.tandukar@gmail.com or tandukar@grinnell.edu
Cell phone: 001-641-727-9946 (no messages)

3. Roshan Sharma (Williams College)
Currently in USA and in-charge of networking through the internet
Email: rs3@williams.edu or roshan_430_9128@hotmail.com