The Nepal Social Work Symposium 2019 sought to foster informed and inclusive dialogue on the complexities of human relationships in Nepal and beyond, drawing from diverse perspectives that transcended disciplinary boundaries. Over the course of two days, the symposium featured a dynamic blend of stand-alone presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and slam poetry, each offering a unique lens into the evolving nature of human connection.
From the changing influence of politics and social media to the roles of news, democracy, language, and artistic expression, every session highlighted how human relationships both shape and are shaped by the social, cultural, and political structures in which we live.
Highlights of Symposium 2019
Day 1
Plenary Session 1: Media - Populism vs. Journalism
Addressing the growing divide between the media and the public, Mr. Ujjwal Prasai (Columnist) led a session titled "Media: Populism vs. Journalism." He highlighted how modern news often prioritizes controversy over truth, with populism distorting the role of journalism. Emphasizing the responsibility of media consumers, Mr. Prasai urged audiences to critically engage with content rather than passively absorb it. He advocated for reviving pre-social media journalism as a tool for inquiry and dialogue, rather than allowing populism to replace facts with sensationalism.
Screening: भुइँ मान्छेका कथाहरु with Bidhya Chapagain
"I applied at factories, water companies, and several places. Nobody took me. Some didn't like my mannerisms; others didn't like my caste," shared Binod, a young Dalit boy in Belly Blues, a short film by Herne Katha. The session began with a screening of the film, followed by an insightful conversation with Ms. Bidhya Chapagain (co-founder of Herne Katha). She reflected on Binod's resilience, noting, "Despite the challenges, he continued dancing gracefully, breaking societal stereotypes." Through the screening, she emphasized the power of untold stories and urged the audience to help uncover and amplify them because even the quietest stories can inspire, heal, and create change.
Plenary Session 2: How Natural is Natural Disaster?
We often hear that the 7.8 Mw earthquake on April 25, 2015, devastated Nepal, claiming nearly 9,000 lives and injuring over 22,000. But as environmental journalist Mr. Ramesh Bhusal pointed out during a session titled "How Natural is Natural Disaster?," the real cause of many of those deaths wasn't the earthquake itself but human negligence. Mr. Bhusal argued that while hazards like earthquakes and floods are natural, they only become disasters when human structures, like poorly built buildings, roads, and dams, fail and cause harm. He explained the difference between hazards and disasters, emphasizing how unplanned urbanization, pollution, and unsustainable infrastructure amplify the impact of natural hazards.
Spoken Word Poetry: Words String Together
"Words String Together" was a spoken word poetry event led by Ms. Nasala Chitrakar, a faculty member at Thames International College, in collaboration with Word Warriors. The event followed a three-day poetry workshop, where participants explored the art of spoken word. From many talented voices, four poets were selected to perform at the final showcase. Each performance was deeply moving, as the poets poured their emotions into their words, captivating the audience with their passion and vulnerability. The session highlighted the transformative power of language—how words, when driven by feeling, can create lasting impact.
Plenary Session 3: संसारलाई साँढे पाँच फन्को
Mr. Pushkar Shah's remarkable journey was a powerful testament to human resilience, courage, and the pursuit of dreams. From extreme climates and hardships to moments of triumph and deep connection, his 11-year bicycle journey across 150 countries and all seven continents was more than a travel tale—it was a story of survival, discovery, and hope. His words left a lasting impact on the audience, reminding them that life's path may be as tangled as noodles, but perseverance can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Day 2
Plenary Session 1: Democracy and Dissent
Political analyst and writer Hari Sharma offered compelling insights into the evolving nature of politics. Speaking on the theme of democracy and dissent, he likened democracy to a garden where all flowers deserve equal respect and love. Sharma highlighted how generational shifts and technological advancements—particularly the rise of social media—are reshaping political discourse. His session proved especially impactful for young participants, encouraging critical engagement with governance and civic responsibility.
Plenary Session 2: Connecting Humans-Through Storytelling
Jaydev Poudyal shared his transformative journey of founding "Stories of Nepal", emphasizing the profound power of storytelling to curate empathy and human connection. Through six deeply moving narratives, including the harrowing story of Mina Tamang who lost her home in the 2017 earthquake, Poudyal highlighted how storytelling gives voice to struggle, resilience, and hope. He also opened up about his own past as a recovering drug addict, explaining how listening to others' stories inspired him to live meaningfully and give back.
Poetry Session: The Awakening
The session titled "The Awakening" featured powerful poetry recitations by three renowned figures: freelance journalist Mr. Binod Bikram K.C, human rights activist Ms. Pranika Koyu, and media professional Mr. Sangeet Srota. Held at the David J. Rusk Library, the session offered a deeply reflective experience as the poets addressed pressing issues of patriarchy and political dysfunction in Nepal.
Panel Discussion: उफ् यो राजनीति!
This panel discussion brought together dynamic voices—Manushi Yami Bhattarai, Dr. Dinesh Prasain, and Hon. Ramkumari Jhakri—under the moderation of Mr. Narayan Kadariya for an engaging hour-long session that delved into youth involvement in contemporary Nepali politics. With powerful critiques of the country's entrenched political culture, panelists emphasized the urgent need for educated, locally grounded youth to introduce transformative ideologies. Bhattarai concluded by urging youth to demand transparency and simplicity in legal documentation to ensure that political rights are accessible to all.
Nepal Social Work Symposium 2019 reaffirmed Thames' commitment to creating platforms that prioritize human dignity, inclusive dialogue, and academic activism, encouraging the next generation of change-makers to value and nurture the human connections at the heart of social work.
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