KATHMANDU, Dec 26: Medal-winning students at Tribhuvan University’s 51st Convocation Ceremony, held on Thursday at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu, appeared proud and confident as they received their awards. Unlike in the past, when graduates were often seen holding medals in one hand and foreign visa applications in the other, this year’s toppers expressed a strong commitment to investing their knowledge and skills within Nepal.
Outstanding students who received medals said the country’s changing circumstances have created opportunities at home, encouraging them to contribute domestically rather than seeking careers abroad.
“I will strengthen the economy”
Kamal Paudel of Tansen, Palpa, received three medals this year. An engineer by profession, Paudel secured first position with a GPA of 3.77 in Economics at the master’s level, earning the Tarapad Chaudhary Gold Medal, the Khagendraman Singh Pradhan Medal, and the Chandraraj Dhungel Memorial Award.
Receiving the medals from Prime Minister and Chancellor of the University Sushila Karki, Paudel said the recognition had strengthened his confidence. Attending the ceremony with his father, he expressed hope that the medals would open new opportunities.
“All my batchmates have gone abroad, but I want to work in Nepal,” Paudel said. “I have heard about the struggles my friends face overseas. Those who are capable and willing can find opportunities here. I myself found this opportunity in Nepal.”
Currently working as a vehicle examiner at the Transport Management Office in Butwal, Paudel said he pursued a master’s degree in economics after observing the country’s weak economic condition.
“My bachelor’s degree is in mechanical engineering, but understanding the economy felt necessary. I conducted extensive online research. Today’s success feels deeply satisfying,” he said, adding that the medals would serve as stepping stones for his future.
Paudel stressed that he never studied with the sole aim of topping exams. “I entered economics to understand the country’s economy. As I studied and researched, the subject became increasingly fascinating. I will use my knowledge and skills to strengthen Nepal’s economy while remaining in government service. I will continue seeking opportunities at home.”
“I will help build a clean judiciary”
Only 83 students to be present at TU convocation
Lokraj Gyawali Medal and Award winner Bhawana Adhikari said she aims to use her hard-earned knowledge and skills to help make Nepal’s judiciary clean and transparent.
Adhikari, 25, secured first position in the LLB examination with a GPA of 3.80. She is currently serving as a legal officer at the Department of Livestock Services.
Hailing from Sarlahi, Adhikari said she was never attracted to going abroad, largely due to her patriotic family background. “My father is a government school teacher, and his dream has always been for me to serve the country through government service,” she said. “With high morale and strong self-confidence, opportunities exist in Nepal.”
She added that she had also secured second position in the Public Service Commission examination to enter government service as a legal officer. “I dream of contributing to a clean judicial system. This medal has added responsibility to my shoulders.”
“Gain knowledge abroad, invest it at home”
Sujan Lamichhane, who secured first position with a GPA of 3.79 in MA International Relations and Diplomacy and received the Dr Dubasu Chhetri Gold Medal, said he is currently working in Geneva after completing civil engineering, but returned to Nepal to receive the medal.
“After studying civil engineering, many advised me to go abroad,” he said. “You may earn more financially overseas, but you miss family happiness and peace,” Lamichhane said his parents’ background in civil service fostered a strong sense of patriotism.
“I believe in a simple life and high thinking. I want to apply the knowledge I gained abroad to Nepal’s foreign policy development and contribute to economic growth,” he said.
“I aim to strengthen the banking sector”
Rachha Bhetuwal, who secured a GPA of 3.93 and emerged as the top scorer in the MBA program at the School of Management, received the Shri Indrabhakta Shrestha Gold Medal.
“Instead of struggling abroad, the happiness you gain by working just as hard in your own country is incomparable,” said the 25-year-old, who has visited half a dozen countries. “Tribhuvan University’s curriculum is of international standard, though it needs greater practical orientation.”
She said she plans to use her knowledge to strengthen Nepal’s banking sector and work within the country.
“I want to work in climate finance in Nepal”
Biru Basnet, who secured first position with a GPA of 3.92 in MSc Environmental Science from the Central Department of Environmental Science at Tribhuvan University, received the Madan Vidya Environmental Science Award.
Currently working as an Environmental and Social Risk Analyst at NIMB Bank, Basnet said Nepal’s climate finance sector remains weak and expressed her desire to contribute in this field while staying in the country.
Convocation highlights
Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Deepak Aryal said that Tribhuvan University celebrated the academic success of 89,191 graduates during the 51st Convocation Ceremony, which saw the participation of around 40,000 people, including 16,380 graduates and their guardians. The event was attended by world-renowned physicist Prof Dr Takaaki Kajita.
Co-Chancellor and Minister for Education, Science and Technology Mahabir Pun, said that convocation certificates symbolize not only academic qualifications but also recognition of graduates’ capabilities.
“The key to Nepal’s prosperity lies in the hands of youth,” Pun said, urging graduates to transform knowledge into service and economic development through innovation and research.
Government considering ending PM’s role as chancellor
Prime Minister and Chancellor Sushila Karki said the government has begun preparations to end the practice of the prime minister serving as university chancellor, citing excessive political interference in higher education.
“Unnecessary partisan intervention in academic administration has continuously affected Nepal’s higher education sector,” she said, adding that serious consultations are underway to reform the system and strengthen universities as research centers.
Nobel Laureate’s message
Chief guest and Nobel Prize-winning Japanese scientist Prof Dr Takaaki Kajita encouraged graduates to move forward with confidence. Sharing his own journey, he recalled beginning neutrino research after completing his PhD in 1986, despite skepticism and advice to choose an easier path.
“I did not give up. After ten years of research, in 1998, we discovered that neutrinos have mass. This finding changed our understanding of physics,” he said.
Each year, more than 500,000 students pass Grade 10 in Nepal. Of them, around 50,000 go abroad, while another 50,000 choose universities other than Tribhuvan University. TU alone continues to educate, train, and graduate nearly 400,000 students annually.
Meanwhile, participants at the convocation questioned the relevance of seven new universities established in the past decade, noting that none currently enrol even as many students as a single constituent college of Tribhuvan University.
