‘Inclusive Nepal a Social Necessity, Not Just a Political Goal’

Hetauda, Dec 24:
Political stability is essential for building a strong and inclusive Nepal, participants concluded at a three-day international conference on “Building an Inclusive and Resilient Nepal” held in Hetauda.

The conference was jointly organized by the Nepal Sociological Association and Makawanpur Multiple Campus, bringing together senior sociologists and researchers from Nepal and abroad. Over 70 research papers, studies and reports from diverse fields were presented and deliberated during the event.

Speaking at the inaugural session, President of the Nepal Sociological Association, Prof Dr Ganeshman Gurung, emphasized that inclusion should be viewed as a social necessity rather than merely a political ambition. He underlined that political stability forms the foundation for a resilient and inclusive society.

Senior sociologist Prof Dr Kailash Nath Pyakurel noted that Nepal has struggled to achieve political stability due to a lack of proper understanding of the country’s social structure and societal needs.

The conference featured discussions by Vice Chancellor of Madan Bhandari Institute of Health Sciences Dr Pradeep Gyawali, Hetauda Sub-metropolitan City Mayor Meena Kumari Lama, Tribhuvan University Rector Prof Dr Khadga KC, Secretary of the Indian Sociological Association Shweta Prasad, among others. They explored various dimensions of sociology and the central theme of inclusion and resilience.

Across multiple sessions, researchers presented papers examining sociological aspects of education, health, technology, climate change, gender relations and power dynamics. The presentations sparked extensive debate and exchange of ideas.

The conference also included a special discussion on the practice, learning experiences and challenges of federalism at the local level. Former Bagmati Province Chief Minister Dormani Poudel and Dhulikhel Municipality Mayor Ashok Kumar Byanju shared insights on the implementation of the federal system and the hurdles faced in governance.

Organizers said the conference aimed to strengthen dialogue between academic research and policymaking to promote a more inclusive and resilient Nepal.