2nd June 2025, Kathmandu
The UbuCon Asia 2025 team organized a student interaction program at Kantipur City College, Kathmandu. The event introduced students to the open-source movement and shared the vision behind UbuCon Asia. This pre-conference initiative is one of many being conducted across Nepal.
Kantipur City College UbuCon Asia
Students from various departments attended the event. They listened closely to the experiences and guidance shared by the event speakers. The aim was to create awareness and build enthusiasm around open-source technologies.
Leaders Share Insights And Motivation
Rupesh Nepal, Operation Lead of UbuCon Asia 2025, addressed the audience. He explained the importance of student involvement in the global open-source community. “You don’t need to wait to graduate. Start exploring, building, and contributing now,” he said.
Roshan Pandey, Secretary of UbuCon Asia 2025, also encouraged students. He described open-source not only as a career opportunity but also as a philosophy of collaboration. “When you contribute to open-source, your voice gets heard worldwide,” he shared.
Both speakers provided examples of successful contributors from Nepal. These stories inspired students and showed them real possibilities.
Focus On the Power Of Open Source
The session introduced students to the basics of open-source software. Speakers highlighted that open-source means the code is free to view, use, and improve. Popular platforms like Ubuntu Linux rely on global collaboration.
Students learned how their contributions—no matter how small—can become part of a larger solution. Whether it’s a bug fix, a new feature, or translated content, every effort matters in open-source work.
Rupesh Nepal explained, “You don’t need to be an expert. Many projects welcome beginners. You just need the willingness to learn and help.”
Diverse Roles In Open Source
The speakers made it clear that open source is not limited to programmers. Writers, designers, translators, testers, and even event organizers can contribute.
Roshan Pandey said, “We need storytellers and educators just as much as coders. If you have a skill, open source has a place for you.”
This inclusiveness motivated many students from non-technical backgrounds to consider contributing.
Students Engage In Active Dialogue
The program was interactive. Students asked many questions—about joining open-source projects, finding mentors, and balancing studies with contributions.
The speakers gave practical tips. They encouraged using platforms like GitHub and following beginner-friendly projects. They also advised starting with small contributions, such as fixing typos or updating documentation.
“Don’t be afraid to start small. Every expert was once a beginner,” said Rupesh.
Supported By Local Tech Partners
The event was supported by ICT FRAME, a leading tech media in Nepal. Their presence as a Media Partner helped expand the event’s reach.
ONE COVER, the official Cybersecurity Partner, added credibility to the program. Their support emphasized the importance of ethical practices and safe digital spaces.
The collaboration between organizers and partners showcased the growing strength of Nepal’s open-source and cybersecurity ecosystem.
UbuCon Asia 2025: What’s Coming Next?
The event at Kantipur City College is part of a series of outreach efforts before UbuCon Asia 2025. These programs are designed to engage the youth, especially students and early-career tech professionals.
Organizers hinted at more pre-conference meetups, workshops, and volunteer recruitment drives. They also encouraged students to apply for community-led projects and showcase their work at the upcoming main event.
The conference will feature talks, hackathons, exhibitions, and panel discussions with both local and international experts. Students who attend these pre-events will be better equipped to participate fully.
Building A Movement, Not Just An Event
The Kantipur City College session made it clear—UbuCon Asia is not just a conference. It is part of a broader movement to promote digital freedom in Nepal.
Faculty at the college welcomed the initiative. They pledged support for future open-source activities and club formations on campus. The organizers are hopeful that similar collaborations will occur in other institutions.
Students expressed interest in forming Linux user groups and open-source clubs. These student-led communities can continue the conversation year-round.
A Call To Action
As the session came to a close, the speakers urged students to take action. They reminded them that change starts with curiosity and commitment.
“Open source is not about perfect code,” said Roshan Pandey. “It’s about sharing knowledge and solving problems together.”
This message struck a chord with attendees. Many left the session with new energy and a desire to participate.
Lasting Impact And Future Goals
The student interaction at Kantipur City College showed what’s possible when youth are engaged and informed. With strong leadership, institutional support, and active student involvement, Nepal’s open-source future looks bright.
UbuCon Asia 2025 will continue its journey across colleges in the coming weeks. The goal is simple—empower students, grow local talent, and connect Nepal with the global open-source world.
Each interaction builds the foundation for a tech-savvy, inclusive, and open digital society. The organizers believe that today’s students will become tomorrow’s innovators, contributors, and leaders.
The UbuCon Asia team invites all curious minds to join the movement, explore open-source, and be part of something bigger than themselves.
For more: Kantipur City College UbuCon Asia