As part of the SoSS pre-symposium events, doctoral researcher Bandana Adhikary delivered a compelling session titled Anthropology of Education in Nepalese Gen Z on May 27. Her lecture offered students a critical lens on how education intersects with culture, identity, and generational change in Nepal.
Drawing from her research and lived experience as a native anthropologist, Adhikary highlighted key anthropological trends shaping Nepalese education. Currently pursuing her PhD at Brunel University, she is investigating the "hidden curriculum" in elite schools in Nepal—focusing on what students learn beyond formal academics, such as social values, discipline, and identity formation.
Bandana Adhikary holds a Master's degree in Anthropology of Childhood, Youth, and Education, and is the founder of "Transforming Education in Nepal", an NGO dedicated to educational reform. Her academic insight is complemented by her creative pursuits in dancing, painting, storytelling as well as her deep commitment to promoting meaningful cross-cultural dialogue.
The session provided students with both theoretical grounding and practical reflections, offering a nuanced introduction to the field of anthropology and its relevance to contemporary educational issues.
