I have always been passionate about doing something innovative, learning new skills and engaging with creative minds.
Prajwal Bhattarai
Academic Activist
Leadership Coach
World Record Holder
Entrepreneur
Youth Mentor
CEO – Delight Group of Companies
Founder -Scholastic Foundation
Kathmandu
Your career in youth activism and nonprofit leadership began at a very young age. What motivated you to start this journey, and how has it evolved over the years?
I have always been passionate about doing something innovative, learning new skills and engaging with creative minds. My journey began as a coordinator in high school, where I organized and participated in various programs. This experience ignited my commitment to youth empowerment. As I continued my education, I graduated in law, specializing in corporate law, and focused on legal literacy, research, and access to justice. Hailing from Nepal, I have significantly contributed to youth activism, academic activism and SDG advocacy, using technology to create enriching learning experiences. My dedication to fostering gender equality, quality education, and youth empowerment has driven me to collaborate with diverse groups to drive positive change. My innovative leadership on corporate consultation, youth empowerment, non-profit leadership and research documentation has earned me multiple accolades and recognition on prestigious national and international platforms.
As a law graduate specializing in corporate law, how do you balance your legal expertise with your passion for youth activism and SDG advocacy?
This question often comes up in discussions and forums. While I am deeply involved in the corporate sector, creating legal frameworks for businesses, drafting policies for local governments and working on contract and competition law. I do advocate for quality education, gender equality, educational equity, human rights and youth empowerment. Balancing these roles isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. I have designed and led programs for various organizations, focusing on youth empowerment, soft skills, education, SDG and civic engagement. Constantly learning and growing in these areas helps me stay motivated and effective.
Your commitment to gender equality, quality education, and youth empowerment is commendable. What are some specific initiatives you have led to promote these causes?
As the founding president of Scholastic Foundation Nepal and a former board member, I have led various national and international programs focused on youth leadership, startups, and social entrepreneurship. My work in legal policy, academic research, corporate consultation and youth empowerment continues to inspire the next generation. One of my significant roles is as a strategic advisor for Creating Opportunities International, a digital media platform that provides information about learning and development opportunities for young people worldwide. Through CO, we aim to give everyone access to global experiences, regardless of their background. Our extensive database offers scholarships, training, conferences, fellowships, grants, employment opportunities, and more, empowering young people to cultivate their skills, expand their knowledge, and effect meaningful change in their communities.
You have been involved in numerous innovative projects and outreach programs. Can you share a project that you are particularly proud of and the impact it has had?
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of organizing and managing numerous events and programs, many of which involved innovative approaches. I have served as a project manager for youth-related initiatives within diplomatic agencies and the social sector, which has been incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, I have consulted on mass events at both national and international levels. My role often involves designing innovative programs for NGOs, INGOs, and various organizations. I have taken on lead roles, acting as a strategic and technical advisor, ensuring that each project is impactful and sustainable.There are many projects that I hold close to my heart, but one that stands out is the ‘Scholastic Meet 2019,’ which I organized as the president of the Scholastic Foundation. This academic festival allowed students to participate in 13 different categories of academic events and earned us a world record from the World Book of Records-UK. Another memorable project was ‘The Rising Voice 2021,’ a public speaking event that also received a world record for its fast-paced execution. These projects, along with numerous awards and recognition from platforms like the Indo-UK Forum, underscore my commitment to youth empowerment, academic activism and leadership, especially during challenging times like the pandemic.
What is the vision and mission of Creating Opportunities International, and what are your top priorities for this year?
Creating Opportunities International is a global platform dedicated to providing opportunities in education, employment, entrepreneurship, community development, health and wellness, arts and culture, and environmental sustainability. This year, we are managing several national and international projects, including corporate initiatives and our own programs. When this article is published, we will be working on ‘Innovate X,’ a hybrid fellowship program for South Asian undergraduate students. This program aims to nurture entrepreneurial talent through skills development, knowledge sharing, and networking. Our vision is to transform ideas into impactful ventures and foster innovative leaders. The mission is to inspire and equip South Asian undergraduates with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed for success. We want to ensure that every motivated student, regardless of financial background, has access to these opportunities.
What keeps you motivated and inspired in your journey?
The potential to create positive change and empower the next generation keeps me motivated. Seeing young people grow, learn, and succeed through the programs and initiatives I have been part of is incredibly rewarding. The challenges we face in achieving corporate standardization, quality education and youth empowerment drive me to continue working hard and innovating. My passion for legal literacy, research and access to justice also fuels my commitment to making the law comprehensible and accessible to all. Each milestone and recognition serve as a reminder of the impact we can have and the importance of continuing this journey.
You have received many prestigious awards and recognitions for your work. Which award holds the most significance for you, and why?
For me, the journey isn’t just about the awards; it’s about the impact. But I will admit, it’s also pretty gratifying to have my work acknowledged on both national and international stages. The ‘Outstanding Director of the Year 2021’ at the Asia Star Rating Award, the ‘Outstanding Authors Excellence Award’ from Beyond Books Publication in the Philippines, and the prestigious ‘Fames Times International Excellence Award 2023’ in Dubai add layers of validation to my efforts. Internationally, being awarded the Bronze Medal at the World Youth Invention and Innovation Award in Indonesia and earning a place among the top twenty YDC winners at mEducation Alliance have been humbling experiences. Recognition such as being a keynote speaker and awardee at the ‘8th Asia Pacific Luminaire Awards 2023’ in Okada, Manila, Philippines further fuel my dedication. Honors like being listed in the World Book of Records, UK, and receiving the Star 2021 award from the Indo-UK Forum resonate deeply, reflecting my contributions to youth empowerment, academics and leadership during challenging times. As my story travels through international newspapers, magazines, and the pages of ‘30 Shining Stars of the World 2022,’ published across four languages, these acknowledgments inspire me to continue empowering through corporate initiatives, mass event consultation and youth-driven projects on a global scale. While every award is a nod to the impact of my efforts, one holds a special place in my heart: the ‘Sikshya Jyoti Padak’ from the President of Nepal. This award isn’t just a mark of recognition; it’s an essence to my unwavering commitment and actual motivation to innovative academic activism and empowering youth.
As CEO of Delight Group of Companies, how do you apply your activism and leadership skills in strategic management and organizational development?
Leading Delight International Group of Companies involves more than just strategic management; it’s about infusing every aspect of our operations with innovation and purpose. We believe in redefining industry norms through strategic partnerships that not only add value but also drive sustainable growth. Our commitment to organizational development extends beyond traditional boundaries, we foster a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability. By empowering our teams with tailored training programs and ensuring industry-standard certifications, we not only meet but exceed client expectations. Our work spans business consultation, digital marketing, corporate training, software development and more. Looking ahead, my dreams involve making a significant impact in corporate standardization and developing a robust platform for social entrepreneurship. Our focus on corporate standardization and social entrepreneurship is not just a vision; it’s a blueprint for a future where ethical practices and groundbreaking solutions go hand in hand.
Your innovative ideas have been instrumental in the success of startups. What key advice do you offer to startup founders to help them succeed?
Startup founders face a unique set of challenges, but with the right strategies, they can navigate these factors successfully. Firstly, maximizing impact with limited resources is crucial—think of it as creating magic with constraints. Teamwork is another cornerstone; leveraging diverse talents and perspectives can lead to breakthrough innovations. Starting small and scaling gradually allows founders to refine their ideas based on real-world feedback. Staying innovative means staying ahead of the curve; continuous market research and adaptation to global trends are paramount. Align with global technology advancements, and most importantly, never compromise on quality. When your product hits the market, it should be a masterpiece because a stellar product or service is a startup’s best calling card. By following these basic principles, you can build a solid foundation and increase your chances of long-term success.
You have been featured in numerous international and national media outlets and publications. How do you use this platform to further your advocacy and inspire others?
Being featured in both national and international media is like having a megaphone to share my journey. I use this platform to share my experiences, initiatives, and learnings, aiming to inspire youth and organizations. It’s a way to expand my corporate network, connect with brilliant minds, and drive innovation. If an ordinary guy like me, with limited resources, can make a difference, then any youth can achieve their dreams. My life is an open book as I work smart, innovate and lead from the front, always starting projects at least on a seed level. It’s about challenging myself, contributing to organizational goals, generating new ideas, and turning theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. My mission is to energize enthusiastic youths through debates, mass motivation programs, capacity-building interventions, and more. Working across different regions and with diverse people, I conduct innovative campaigns and training sessions focused on sustainability, good governance, human rights, youth leadership and civic engagement. Promoting innovation in social and business enterprises is key, highlighting the importance of collaboration between youth and authorities for progress.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and dreams for your career and the impact you want to make in the fields of youth activism, corporate law, and social entrepreneurship?
My future vision is dedicated to legal research, policy design, youth empowerment, and social development. I aim to manage and initiate innovative SDG-related events, creating impacts that nations and organizations can learn from and implement. I dream of seeing smiles after empowerment, witnessing the progress of individuals I have mentored, and fostering social entrepreneurship that benefits entire communities. My goal is to make small yet significant impacts, serving as a great motivation for positive change.
You are a dynamic speaker recognized globally. What are the must-have qualities of a successful speaker?
To be a successful speaker, authenticity is key. Be yourself, prepare thoroughly, breathe, think of your higher power, and begin. Timing, relevancy, and articulate speaking are essential. Staying updated with knowledge ensures your insights are meaningful. Practice, get ready, take pauses, and be confident. Tailor your message to the topic and audience, and you’re good to go!
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and dreams for your career and the impact you want to make in the fields of youth activism, corporate law, and social entrepreneurship?
My future vision is all about diving headfirst into legal research, policy design, youth empowerment, and social development.I want to work on SDG related events, creating impacts that nations and organizations can learn from and implement. I dream of seeing smiles after empowerment, witnessing the progress of individuals I have mentored, and fostering social entrepreneurship that benefits entire communities. My goal is to make small yet significant impacts, serving as a great motivation for positive change.
How do you analyze the Indo-Nepal business bilateral relationship? What impact do you see on the economy of both countries?
Nepal and India share deep cultural and social ties with a rich shared heritage. Our economies are interconnected, and trade aligns closely. I have received incredible support from my Indian mentors, colleagues and professionals. As a Nepalese, I admire India’s technological progress, infrastructure and economic development, which offer many lessons for us. Enhancing technology transfers, bilateral forums, networking events, business incubation and mutual promotion of startups are crucial for economic upliftment. It’s like having the best of both countries; learning from each other and growing together.
We see professionals in the corporate sector facing stress to achieve their goals. What are the basic reasons for this, and what message would you like to convey to them?
Stress in the corporate world often comes from high expectations, tight deadlines and the constant need to be perfect. My advice is to start small and wait for the right moment to expand. Take time for self-care, set realistic goals, and don’t shy away from asking for help. Remember, even small achievements are steps forward. Keep your passion alive and stay adaptable in the ever-changing corporate landscape. Build a strong community and network, and make sure you have a good public presence. Dedicate time to researching your field and stay committed to your goals. Be consistent, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes as they’re part of the learning process. Treat your team like family, motivate them, and lead by example. Handle challenges carefully, and stay focused on your dreams while being rational. Remember, success takes time, so pace yourself, be balanced and enjoy the journey!
Please share the proudest moment of your life.
My life is filled with proud moments. From winning quiz and debate competitions to organizing impactful projects and events, every milestone is cherished. International recognitions, national consultations, research publications, and awards—all these moments motivate me to keep striving. Empowering youth and realizing my visions continue to inspire me to stay on the right track and make a difference.
Which is your favorite quote?
“If you start from scratch, do smart work, and know how to lead, you can accomplish marvels in life.”