HARIZ BAHARUDIN
L-R: Suman Shakya, Fulmaya Tamang, Madhukar KC, Prem Bahadur Lama, Dipak Prasad Koirala
For the past three years, the Surya Nepal Asha Social Entrepreneurship Awards has been honouring individuals, who with their creative approach to businesses, have become valued changemakers. This year’s recipients were noted for their efforts in promoting organic farming, developing eco-friendly methods to avoid water wastage, advocating for farmers' rights, combating respiratory diseases and demonstrating continued commitment towards women empowerment. The third edition of the awards also presented a special recognition to Sanduk Ruit and the team of Tilganga Institute of Opthalmology for their contribution in providing medical services to Nepalis from every social strata. The five other finalists were Ratna Bahadur Newar of Tamakoshi Community Resin and Turpentine, Shanti Shrestha and Nirjala Shrestha of Friend Handicraft, Sunita Nhemaphuki of R&D Innovative Solution, Tej Kumari Tiwari of Nepal Society of the Disabled Multipurpose Cooperative and Ujjwal Chapagain of The Himalayan Rabbit Farm. Sponsored by Surya Nepal, the award was organised by ChangeFusion Nepal.

Dipak Prasad Koirala

Dipak Prasad Koirala comes from a family of farmers. Determined to combat unfair practices in farming and save farmers from exploitation by dishonest middlemen, Dipak started Junar Kendriya Sahkari Sangh. The cooperative, which now represents 7500 households, and 48 local level cooperatives, produces, processes, and markets sweet orange (junar) at a commercial scale. Through the collective effort of both the government and private sector, this project has been able to provide farmers a higher source of income and also help them gain administrative knowledge and expertise.

Fulmaya Tamang

With the aim to encourage the women in her village to become more independent and assertive, Fulmaya Tamang of Kavrepalanchok started the Bhattedanda Women Farmers Cooperative. Initially, accused of being a thief for collecting monthly membership fees to start informal savings account for members, Fulmaya is now a respected name. With over 400 members, Bhattedanda Women Farmers Cooperative today is the most successful cooperative in the district. Besides providing low interest loans to farmers, the cooperative has also introduced a savings program which has given hundreds of children a chance to attend school.

Madhukar KC

Over 80 per cent of Nepal’s population, mostly women, cook on firewood, straw or dried dung. Indoor smoke caused by traditional wood stoves is seen as the number one cause of respiratory tract infections in the country. In a bid to reduce these health risks, Madhukar KC decided to improve the stove’s design. It took KC 13 years, and a grueling 33 attempts before he perfected the air flow filter, which ensured proper oxygen flow to the fire. An impact assessment in Lele, Lalitpur, found these improved stoves use up to 70 per cent less wood.

Prem Bahadur Lama

When Prem Bahadur Lama of Sanga in Kavre first established Ashapuri Organic Farm, he was ridiculed by other farmers in the area. But Prem, who began growing and consuming organic produce after being diagnosed with arthritis, wasn't deterred by the mockery. Spread across five hectares, the farm now produces 30 kg of vegetables daily, helping Prem earn Rs 1.5 million each month from the sale of 60 varieties of vegetables and fruits in Kathmandu and Singapore. Prem has also been providing training to farmers from nine districts at the farm, after which they are then given the freedom to sell their produce and earn a living for themselves.

Suman Shakya

As an eco-friendly answer to Kathmandu's acute water shortage, Suman Shakya started SmartPaani, a company that develops, installs and maintains environmentally friendly rainwater harvesting systems, water filtration and water recycling. Within two years of its establishment, more than 400 SmartPaani systems have been installed in schools, offices and homes across the city. Suman plans to further his eco friendly cause by expanding SmartPaani beyond the valley and develop more water systems to help as many people as possible.