Birendranagar, Surkhet | August 3, 2025
The second cohort of the Colloquium on the Eastern Perspective of Freedom concluded successfully in Birendranagar, Surkhet, bringing together a dynamic cohort of 24 youth from across Karnali Province for a thought-provoking exploration of freedom through Eastern philosophical and historical lenses.
Organized by Hriti Foundation with the support of the Atlas Network, the Colloquium aims to cultivate critical thinking on public policy, individual liberty, and the roots of freedom in Eastern traditions. The first cohort of the Colloquium was held on May 2025, engaging the initial group of 24 youths, while this second cohort welcomed a new group of 24 emerging youths.
Throughout the program, participants engaged in intensive discussions on a wide range of themes. These included the fundamentals of sound public policy, the evolution of market economies in ancient Nepal, and the journey of economic liberalization in the modern era. They also explored the traditions of individual freedom in ancient Asia, the deep cultural roots of property rights, and the complex relationship between equality and freedom. Additional discussions focused on the role and nature of government, the transformative power of markets, and the spirit of entrepreneurship as a vehicle for personal and societal progress.
The sessions were enriched by the guidance of experienced scholars and practitioners — Akash Shrestha (Director of Strategy and Development, Samriddhi Foundation), Dinesh Gautam (Executive Director, Hriti Foundation), and Laxmi Prasad Paudyal (Research Officer, Hriti Foundation) — who facilitated the discussions along with a special sharing and interaction session featuring Sandesh Rawat, entrepreneur and founder of Nepalese Young Entrepreneurs’ Forum (NYEF), Surkhet Chapter.
