Prakriti Dhakal’s ‘Samwad Yatra’: Amplifying the Unheard Voices of Rural Nepalese Communities
16th January 2026, Kathmandu
While many Nepalese graduates from prestigious international universities seek high-paying careers abroad, Prakriti Dhakal has chosen a different path.
Prakriti Dhakal Samwad Yatra
Armed with degrees from the London School of Economics (LSE) and specialized training from Oxford University, Dhakal has returned to her roots, launching the ‘Desh Parivartan Samwad Yatra’ (Country Change Dialogue Journey).
Her mission? To trade the lecture halls of London for the dusty trails of rural Nepal, listening to the stories that often go unheard by policymakers in the capital.
The Mission: To Listen, Not to Lecture
Since its inception, the ‘Samwad Yatra’ has taken Dhakal through more than 14 districts, spanning from the eastern hills of Bhojpur to the rugged terrains of Karnali. Unlike traditional political rallies, her journey is built on a “bottom-up” approach.
“Nepal is currently in a state of political transition,” Dhakal explains. “The objective of this journey is not to speak, but to listen. We need to hear the voices coming from the villages, the stories that aren’t being told, and bridge the gap between local communities and national policy-makers.”
Gen Z and the Demand for Radical Change
A significant part of Dhakal’s focus is on the Gen Z movement. Following recent political shifts and youth-led protests, she observes a profound “spiritual awakening” among the younger generation.
She argues that the Gen Z rebellion wasn’t about seeking personal power or positions. Instead, it was a fight to reclaim a future held hostage by corruption. During her travels, she discovered that political consciousness in remote areas like Karnali is just as vibrant, if not more so, than in Kathmandu. Rural youth are increasingly disillusioned with traditional parties and are looking for a “force” of capable, visionary leaders.
“We don’t need leaders who give us poetry; we need leaders who give us data. We need people who understand both the cost of onions and the logistics of hydropower.” — Prakriti Dhakal
Insights from 14 Districts: Beyond Road Construction
Traveling through districts like Ilam, Jajarkot, and Surkhet, Dhakal gained a nuanced perspective on development. While physical infrastructure, such as roads, has improved in some areas, she noted that “development” is still lacking in its truest sense.
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The Reality Gap: Necessities like functional toilets in schools, quality healthcare, and trained teachers remain grave concerns.
Cultural Hospitality: Despite concerns about traveling alone as a woman, she was met with immense kindness. “The ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (Guest is God) culture is alive and well. I stayed with local families, ate their food, and felt safer than I ever expected,” she shared.
Reforming Migration and Labor Policies
Having lived the student life in the UK, Dhakal is particularly vocal about the plight of Nepalese students and laborers abroad. She advocates for a ‘Return Policy’ and “Knowledge Export” rather than just labor migration. She believes Nepal can leverage the IT sector and remote work opportunities to keep talent within the country while serving global markets.
Conclusion: The End of Being ‘Apolitical’
For Dhakal, being “apolitical” is no longer a luxury Nepalese citizens can afford. She believes that if people want good governance and stability, they must engage in meaningful politics.
The ‘Desh Parivartan Samwad Yatra’ is more than just a tour; it is a continuous process of gathering data, building a bridge between generations, and preparing for an era where leadership is defined by competence and accountability.
About Prakriti Dhakal
Education: MSc in Medical Imaging Technology, Non-profit MBA (King’s College Nepal), and Systems Thinking training from Oxford University.
Current Roles: Executive Director at United for Impact and Global Health Policy Lead at INLAb.
The Campaign: Leader of the ‘Country Change Dialogue Journey’.
For more: Prakriti Dhakal Samwad Yatra
