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Nepali Congress youth leaders embark on ‘Yuwa Sankalpa Yatra’ to drive change and empower youth

Starting in Jhapa and concluding in Kanchanpur, the campaign aims at raising voice against systemic corruption, promote democratic ideals, and boost youth engagement in entrepreneurship and leadership.

Kathmandu: Youth leaders of Nepal’s grand old political party, the Nepali Congress, have united to launch the Yuwa Sankalpa Yatra, a nationwide campaign focused on strengthening democratic values, combating entrenched corruption, and fostering youth participation in entrepreneurship and political leadership. The initiative aims to sensitize the critical issues shaping Nepal’s future and to inspire a new generation of proactive citizens.

The campaign, set to start on November 8, 2024, in Mechinagar, Jhapa, and conclude on November 19 in Mahendra Nagar, Kanchanpur, will span major districts, including Morang, Sunsari, Saptari, Siraha, and Dhanusha. Along the route, youth leaders will engage with communities to promote civic responsibility, address local concerns, and emphasize the importance of integrity and active involvement in governance.

Campaign coordinator Bhupendra Jung Shahi highlighted that the Sankalpa Yatra is a response to the nation’s deep-rooted issues, including political instability, rampant corruption, and ineffective governance. “People are disillusioned by widespread corruption and the ingrained culture of bribery,” Shahi noted at the campaign’s launch in Kathmandu. The Sankalpa Yatra seeks to amplify public demands for transparency and accountability, inspiring a wave of youth-led reform and reinforcing the Nepali Congress’s commitment to a more equitable and prosperous Nepal.

As Nepal’s largest and most influential political party, the Nepali Congress bears a significant responsibility in addressing the growing discontent and restoring public trust, Shahi told The DMN News. “With a legacy of driving political change, the Congress must now take concrete steps toward economic and social transformation to improve everyday lives.”

The Sankalpa Yatra is guided by a 10-point agenda targeting key challenges facing the nation. This ambitious framework aims to reshape Nepal through policies that prioritize youth employment, anti-corruption measures, and equitable representation. The agenda outlines critical areas, including the creation of youth employment opportunities, the eradication of corruption, the promotion of good governance, inflation control, relief for victims of cooperative fraud, prosecution of fraudulent operators, the promotion of entrepreneurship and agricultural investment, meaningful youth representation, a citizen-centered government, economic relief for citizens, and an ethics-driven political landscape.

Throughout the campaign, youth leaders will work alongside local communities, civil society, intellectuals, and youths in each region to hold in-depth discussions, interactions, and advocacy programs. Topics will include fighting corruption, establishing good governance, fostering youth entrepreneurship, promoting innovation, and supporting agricultural investment. “By documenting the insights and recommendations gathered along the way, we will ensure that these voices are continuously represented in youth-focused policies,” Shahi added.

Nepali Congress youth leaders—including Bhupendra Jung Shahi, Ranjit Karna, Dharmendra Nemwang, Jemiya Rana, Naresh Yadav, Sheikh Okil, Medani Sitaula, Chandradebi Joshi, Radhika Hamal, Udiram Khadka, Lelia Bishwakarma, Sunil Thapa, and Binod Khanal—will participate in the campaign.