Dialogue on Pride, Hope, and Issues of Birendranagar

April 22, 2025

Hriti Foundation, in partnership with Purak Asia, successfully organized a public dialogue on “Pride, Hope, and Issues of Birendranagar: Imagining a Sustainable Birendranagar City” on April 22, 2025, in Birendranagar, Surkhet. The interaction brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to deliberate on the future of Birendranagar as a sustainable, inclusive, and livable city.

The program was honored by the presence of Mohanmaya Dhakal, the Mayor of Birendranagar Municipality, who emphasized the municipality’s commitment to making Birendranagar a livable city.

The event began with a presentation by Hriti Foundation, showcasing findings from its recent research, which surveyed over 400 residents of Birendranagar. The study explored citizens’ sources of pride, their aspirations for the city, and key public concerns, offering valuable insights for shaping policy and planning.

Other notable participants included Hari Sharma, a prominent political analyst, as well as representatives from the private sector, political parties, municipal bureaucrats, civil society organizations (CSOs), and residents of Birendranagar. Their collective insights added depth to the conversation about the city’s sustainable future.

Participants shared actionable suggestions related to urban infrastructure, public service delivery, environmental sustainability, youth involvement, and transparent governance. The event served as a crucial platform for open dialogue and collaborative visioning, ensuring that local voices are reflected in future urban planning.