Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula leads an intellectual gathering: Himalayan Development Affairs Council

June 17, 2025/Kalo Kitab Research TV

The program, led by Prof. Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula, Executive Director of Kathmandu School of Law (KSL), stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to patriotism, independence, self-respect, and self-reliance. His revolutionary yet responsible, balanced, and restrained approach is regarded as exemplary worldwide. Senior Advocate Sangroula, who holds a Ph.D. in Nepal’s criminal justice system, is also a former Attorney General of Nepal.

A recipient of the SAARC Scholar Award, Sangroula has gained international recognition through dozens of books, including Jurisprudence: The Philosophy of Law, South Asia and China Geo-economics, Decolonization of Jurisprudence, Right to have Rights, etc. Despite organized smear campaigns by drug mafia-backed addicts—ranging from mudslinging to baseless sexual allegations—Sangroula remains resolute. He states, "I consider it my duty to raise awareness and vigilance for good governance and development in the country, no matter the conspiracy."

In 2012, Prof. Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula was honored with the SAARC Law Scholar Award by the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) and Menon Institute of Legal Advocacy Training (MILAT) for his research in economic, social, and development rights. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Kathmandu School of Law (KSL) and an advisor to this think-tank Himalayan Development Affairs Council, Nepal.

Additionally, Sangroula—a recipient of prestigious awards such as the Ashoka Fellowship (1998), Nepal Jaycees Youth Award (2002), and Nepal Education Leadership Award (2017)—has been actively engaged in research and investigative work throughout his career.

Nation Building with Scholars and Youth-Students Together

On Jestha 31, 2082 B.S., the Himalayan Development Affairs Council (HDAC) organized a comprehensive discussion on Nepal's holistic development framework.

The event, held on Saturday at the 'F Hall' of Kathmandu School of Law (KSL) in Dadhikot, Bhaktapur, featured in-depth deliberations on critical issues such as health, education, human rights, physical infrastructure, entrepreneurship, good governance, and social challenges. With the participation of renowned scholars, including Prof. Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula, and prominent think tanks, the discussion presented a concrete roadmap for Nepal's prosperity and self-reliance. Experts from various fields debated the challenges and opportunities in Nepal's development during the program.

Prof. Dr. K. K. Rai, while presenting on Nepal's health status and the foundation of prosperity, stated, "The trend of 'haphazard development' has persistently hindered sustainable progress." He further added, "In some cases, expensive healthcare services push impoverished citizens below the poverty line. Despite constitutional provisions for free basic healthcare, distressing reports reveal that people in certain regions are deprived of even basic medical treatment."

Prof. Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula presented a roadmap for integrated vocational education. Emphasizing the need for education to be fundamental, practical, and value-based, he remarked, "Education is merely producing job-seekers, while children lack foundational knowledge. With urban expansion and strong determination, Nepal can achieve rapid development like Singapore and South Korea. However, the growing distraction among youth, lack of research culture, and, in some cases, their exploitation by anarchist elements are concerning and must be addressed promptly."

Similarly, Advocate Rabindra Bhattarai discussed the state of human rights in his presentation. He stated, "It is alarming to see how rulers categorize people into 'super humans,' 'humans,' and 'sub-humans,' leading to the violation of basic human rights."

Engineer Mohan Sangroula highlighted the importance of physical infrastructure, stating, "While roads, hydropower, and urbanization are crucial for Nepal's development, the failure to invest adequately in management and research remains a weakness."

The program also featured inspiring stories of innovators. In the second segment, individuals such as Deepak Lamichhane (active in fish farming), Sita Tharuni (running a homestay in Jhumka, Sunsari), Meera Thakali (contributing to Education and child development sector), Basant Kumar Pandey (operating a farmers' food industry), Jhalak Ban (inspiring in organic sustainable farming), Haribol Neupane (engaged in organic vegetable farming), and Surya Bahadur Thakali (creator of the world’s largest thangka) shared their experiences.

Why has local-level self-reliance potential not yielded expected results despite state protection and investment? The state must take responsibility and conduct necessary research. The event saw the participation of 150 distinguished personalities, including Prof. Dr. Durga Sangroula, senior journalist Tirtha Koirala, and Prof. Hongkong Rana. Associate Professor Ramchandra Phuyal moderated the program, while Dr. Manoharlal Shrestha delivered the closing remarks.

The Menace of Drug Cartels

The alarming activities of drug cartels in Nepal are equally concerning. Experts conclude that these cartels exploit addicts to carry out anarchic activities against the nation. They operate systematically, disguising illegal businesses under the veil of protests while defaming intellectuals and respected figures.

Some time ago, Prof. Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula faced orchestrated sexual allegations and mudslinging attempts, which lost credibility once the truth emerged. Similarly, artists like Harivansh Acharya and Madankrishna Shrestha, who dedicated their lives to good governance, democracy, and social transformation, have also faced such attacks under various pretexts. Researchers conclude that the character of these defamation campaigns is no less than criminal.

Challenges and Possibilities in Nepal’s Development

Despite obstacles, Nepal still holds potential. The country has not neglected health strategies, but outcomes remain unsatisfactory. While the state has recently emphasized vocational education, results are not encouraging. The unchecked teaching of foreign-influenced and nationally detrimental curricula in private schools, coupled with the state’s lack of strategic oversight, is concerning.

Although Nepal has sufficient legal provisions for human rights protection, marginalized and impoverished communities still lack adequate access. Comparatively, while roads, hydropower, and urbanization have progressed since the republic’s establishment, financial and environmental challenges persist. Drug cartels have further destabilized social harmony and good governance.

Conclusion

HDAC’s program highlighted critical areas of Nepal’s development—health, education, human rights, infrastructure, and social challenges. The discussions led by Prof. Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula emphasized that if all citizens act responsibly, patriotically, and honestly for the nation’s self-reliance and prosperity, the challenges posed by political parties’ hollow democratic republicanism will fade, and civil supremacy will prevail.

Therefore, collaboration between experienced intellectuals, who have dedicated their lives to research, and energetic youth-students is indispensable. A collective effort and heightened awareness against the sinister games of drug cartels are equally essential.

(This article is translated by AI. The original link of the article can be found at: https://kalokitab.com/2025/06/17/2640/ )

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