UGC Entrepreneurship Support Program: A Day of Innovation and Inspiration

UGC Entrepreneurship Support Program: A Day of Innovation and Inspiration

On the vibrant morning of July 25, 2024, National College hosted the highly anticipated UGC Entrepreneurship Support Program in its Seminar Hall. Supported by the University Grants Commission and masterfully orchestrated by Dr. Gorakh Raj Giri, the event was a showcase of burgeoning entrepreneurial talent and visionary ideas.

The day commenced promptly at 8:00 AM with Dr. Gorakh Raj Giri opening the proceedings. His warm welcome set a positive tone for the day, which was further enriched by the inspiring words of Dr. Madhav Pd. Baral, Founder and Chairperson of National College. Dr. Baral delivered a compelling keynote address, urging attendees to focus on initiatives that will make a lasting impact within Nepal rather than seeking opportunities abroad. He highlighted sectors with immense potential in Nepal, such as animal husbandry, agriculture, poultry farming, and fish farming. Drawing from his own experiences, Dr. Baral spoke about the dedication and perseverance required to succeed, emphasizing that his role as founder and campus chief was the result of relentless hard work and commitment.

Following the opening speeches, the core of the program began—the student presentations. Six groups had been meticulously preparing for this moment, with only five spots available for selection. The anticipation was palpable as each group took the stage to present their innovative ideas.

1.            Adrisya Group opened the presentations with their proposal centered on the Sisno plant. They illustrated how this plant could be utilized to create a range of products, including soup, bubble tea, and bread.

2.            Project Pharma Nutra followed, presenting their focus on the Moringa plant. They highlighted the plant's benefits and proposed products such as cookies and 100% organic Moringa powder.

3.            The Rasas Group, also known as the Keraa Group, shared their plans to use bananas and banana leaves to produce eco-friendly sanitary pads and fiber.

4.            Himalayan Toner introduced their concept of a natural skincare line. Their presentation showcased a range of skincare products using Himalayan ingredients, promising a revolutionary approach to skincare.

5.            Belle presented their innovative coffee scrub designed to enhance skin appearance by combating aging and providing a radiant glow.

6.            Org. Bites concluded the presentations with their unique candy concept, designed to be gentle on teeth and prevent cavities.

By 10:30 AM, all presentations had been delivered. The next segment featured a series of inspiring speeches. Ms. Sushma Sharma, a renowned women entrepreneur, freelancer, former banker, and founder of Phool Prasad, addressed the audience. Her speech emphasized the importance of focus, passion, compassion, and dedication in achieving success.

Following Ms. Sharma’s address, tokens of appreciation were presented to the jury members. Mr. Rameshwor Acharya also delivered a motivational speech, adding further value to the day’s events.

The moment of truth arrived as the jury handed over their rankings to Assistant Campus Chief, Mr. Navaraj Heka. He delivered a brief yet impactful speech on business and entrepreneurship, expressing gratitude to all participants and wishing them continued success. The results were as follows:

1.            1st Place: Rasas

2.            2nd Place: Adrisya Group

3.            3rd Place: Himalayan Toner

4.            4th Place: Org. Bites

5.            5th Place: Project Pharma Nutra

Though the Belle group did not make it into the top five, Mr. Heka encouraged them to persevere and offered future support for their project.

The program concluded at 11:00 AM with a group photo session and a final gathering for tea and cookies. The day was a testament to the creativity and drive of Nepal’s future entrepreneurs, marking a significant step forward in fostering innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in the country.