Young Nepalese leaders at India's Gen Next Democratic Network

Sonam Sherpa, Manushi Bhattarai, Diwesh Bothra Jain, Aayushi KC, and Asish Thakur are the young Nepalese leaders representing Nepal at the "Gen Next Democratic Network" in New Delhi, India from May 20 – to May 29. They are part of the second group of young leaders under the age of 35, being hosted by India. Young leaders from Bangladesh, Brunei, Ghana, Norway, and Peru are also at the event.

The first group that was hosted in November last year was from Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Chile, Japan, Indonesia, and Zambia.

Gen Next Democratic Network is a new initiative and the event is planned by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an autonomous body under India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which deals with policies relating to India's external cultural relations.

Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President of ICCR at a press conference back then said on record, "We will be celebrating Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav by emphasizing India's rich democratic traditions. We are establishing, Gen Next Democratic Network as a program in which we are inviting young leaders below the age of 35 from 75 different democracies."

These young leaders are usually from the ruling party, the opposition party, or other key parties. The structure includes countries representing regions and continents like South East Asia and Africa. Sahasrabuddhe explained, "We are approaching and trying to build relations with the gen-next of 75 democracies. These people are going to be the future leader of those countries. So they get a comprehensive idea of India's rich democratic culture."

The event offers different sessions with eminent speakers on different topics from the empowerment of the marginalized and women to Indian culture and civilization and Indian democracy.

The program also includes site visits and round table discussions as well as sightseeing and visits to various places of historical significance. The group will be taken to Agra, Pune, and Mumbai as part of the program to meet and be briefed by various political personalities as well as to interact with them so that visiting young leaders can get a better experience of India. The trip concludes on May 29.