12th August 2025, Kathmandu
In a powerful testament to the vibrant spirit and impactful contributions of Nepal’s young generation, Onlinekhabar has proudly released its highly anticipated annual list of “40 Under 40” Influential Youths of 2082.
Tech Entrepreneur Binod Kunwar
The prestigious recognition, announced on International Youth Day (August 12, 2025, corresponding to Bhadra 26, 2082 BS), shines a light on individuals under the age of 40 who are making significant waves across various sectors within Nepal and globally. Among the distinguished names on this year’s list is Tech Entrepreneur Binod Kunwar, the visionary Founder and Managing Director of ExtraTech, whose innovative strides are shaping Nepal’s digital future.
The grand unveiling took place during a special ceremony held on Monday in Kathmandu. The event was graced by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who personally revealed the names of the 40 young achievers and presented them with well-deserved awards. This initiative, launched last year, has swiftly become a cornerstone for recognizing the unsung heroes who are quietly, yet powerfully, driving positive change amidst the nation’s ongoing challenges.
“Fireflies Shining in the Dark”: Celebrating Dedication and Impact
Dharmaraj Bhusal, Chairman and Managing Director of Onlinekhabar, eloquently captured the essence of the “40 Under 40” initiative. “Through 40 Under 40, we have tried to find those fireflies shining in the dark,” he stated. His words underscore the profound belief that, despite prevailing narratives, Nepal is brimming with talented and dedicated young individuals who are actively contributing to its progress. “There are many more such individuals who challenge the narrative that nothing is happening in Nepal, contributing meaningfully in their respective fields. This list is just a reflection of that.”
Bhusal further elaborated on the core philosophy behind the recognition, emphasizing that the initiative aims to celebrate not just achievements, but the sheer dedication, perseverance, and tangible impact of these young minds. The overarching hope is that by spotlighting these inspiring figures, Onlinekhabar can further steer society towards sustained progress and innovation.
A Rigorous and Impartial Selection Process
The creation of the “40 Under 40” list for 2082 was the culmination of a meticulous and extensive four-month-long process. A dedicated team, led by coordinator Sudarshan Khatri, undertook the daunting task of identifying the most impactful young Nepalese.
The journey began by collecting approximately 550 names, sourced through a combination of open applications and informed recommendations. This preliminary pool was then subjected to a rigorous review by a distinguished selection committee, ensuring impartiality and expertise in the final choices.
The esteemed selection committee comprised:
Anil Kumar Sinha: Former Justice of the Supreme Court, bringing invaluable legal and ethical discernment.
Chhaya Sharma: A renowned Entrepreneur, offering insights into innovation, business acumen, and practical impact.
Dr. Uttam Babu Shrestha: A respected Researcher, providing a scientific and analytical perspective on societal contributions.
Basant Basnet: Editor-in-Chief of Onlinekhabar, ensuring journalistic integrity and alignment with the initiative’s vision.
These highly respected individuals applied their diverse expertise, logical reasoning, and a commitment to fact-based analysis to narrow down the extensive list to the final 40 influential youths.
“It was an honor for us to identify these hardworking and dedicated individuals contributing from different corners of the country and abroad,” remarked Former Justice Anil Kumar Sinha. He further emphasized the judicious nature of the selection, stating, “The selection was made with judicial discretion, aiming to highlight those shaping Nepal’s path toward prosperity.”
Binod Kunwar: A Driving Force in Nepal’s Tech Landscape
Binod Kunwar’s inclusion in this elite list is a testament to his significant contributions as a Tech Entrepreneur in Nepal. As the Founder and Managing Director of ExtraTech, Kunwar has been at the forefront of leveraging technology for development and opportunity. ExtraTech, under his leadership, has been known for its work in IT training, system administration, and networking, aiming to equip Nepalese professionals with job-ready skills. His vision extends beyond just training, as evidenced by his ambitious private investment in the ExtraTech Oval Cricket Stadium in Tilottama, Rupandehi, showcasing a commitment to infrastructure development and community building alongside technological advancement. His recognition underscores the growing importance of the tech sector in Nepal’s socio-economic fabric and the impact of young, innovative leaders like him.
Inspiring the Future: A Broader Vision
Editor-in-Chief Basant Basnet described the intricate search for the 40 youths as an enriching experience, reaffirming Onlinekhabar’s unwavering commitment to continuously spotlighting such talents through its comprehensive reporting and insightful analysis.
Basnet also articulated the intention to significantly expand the initiative’s scope in the coming years. He acknowledged that many other deserving young individuals might not have made it to this year’s exclusive list, but reassured that Onlinekhabar remains dedicated to providing a platform for their stories and contributions in the future.
“This is the time of the youth,” Basnet declared, highlighting the pivotal role young people play in shaping Nepal’s destiny. “Despite limitations in the state and society, the efforts of young people are highly commendable. We have widened the scope of our search compared to last year and will keep working to support youth initiatives and leadership in every field.”
The “40 Under 40” initiative by Onlinekhabar serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, showcasing that even in challenging times, Nepal’s youth are not just dreaming of a better future – they are actively building it, one impactful contribution at a time, with leaders like Tech Entrepreneur Binod Kunwar paving the way.
Source: Tech Entrepreneur Binod Kunwar