KATHMANDU: The Confederation of Nepali Industries Young Entrepreneurs Forum (CNIYEF) successfully hosted its 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on July 31 at Hotel Radisson, Lazimpat. The landmark event convened distinguished dignitaries, government officials, diplomats, industrial leaders, and dynamic young entrepreneurs from across the nation.

The program commenced with an inaugural session graced by the Dr. Pukar Malla, Member of the National Planning Commission (NPC), alongside CNI President Mr. Birendra Raj Pandey, CNIYEF President Mr. Manish Shrestha, and CNIYEF Learning Chair Mr. Sugam Ghimire. The session witnessed the presence of former minister Mr. Anil Sinha, Hon’ble members of National Planning Commission, CNI Vice Presidents, Diplomats, CNIYEF Governing Council members,and media representatives.

CNIYEF President Mr. Manish Shrestha delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the forum’s
journey and contributions toward empowering youth entrepreneurship in Nepal. The event was formally inaugurated through the traditional lighting of the panas by the Chief Guest and CNI President, after which Startup Chair Mr. Chirag Sarawagi presented an overview of CNIYEF’s key activities and milestones achieved during the past term.
The event then proceeded to the award ceremony, where the Chief Guest and CNI President
recognized outstanding contributions across several categories. Mr. Jitendra Bahatey was awarded Most Active Member (Male) for his active involvement in events and committee meetings, while Ms. Neha Agrawal received the Most Active Member (Female) award for her participation in key initiatives. Mr. Sudhigya Pant was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award for his extraordinary feat of scaling Mount Everest. At the organizational level, the CNIYEF
Lumbini Chapter received the Chapter Growth Award for its successful membership expansion
and active engagement, and the CNIYEF Koshi Chapter was awarded the Chapter Excellence
Award for establishing itself as a benchmark of excellence.
Following the awards, the AGM transitioned into the official introduction of the new Governing
Council for the upcoming term, where Hon’ble Dr. Pukar Malla, Member of the National Planning
Commission (NPC), alongside CNI President Mr. Birendra Raj Pandey, former minister Mr. Anil
Sinha, Hon’ble members of National Planning Commission conducted the pinning ceremony.
The incoming board features Mr. Sugam Ghimire as President, Mr. Manish Shrestha as Immediate Past President, Mr. Chirag Sarawagi as Learning Chair, Ms. Shiny Khetan as Membership & Integration Chair, Ms. Nida Doon Malla as Startup, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Chair, Mr. Sujeet Regmi as Government & Diplomatic Relations Chair, Mr. Punit Agrawal, Communications and Expansion Chair, Mr. Yash Agrawal as Strategic Alliance &
Communications Chair, and Mr. Ankur Agrawal as Finance & International Relations Chair. They
are supported by Co-Chairs Ms. Nancy Agrawal (Membership & Integration), Mr. Sachet Manandhar (Startup, Entrepreneurship & Innovation), and Mr. Chetan Pradhan (Government & Diplomatic Relations).

Dr. Malla highlighted that NPR 50 Crore has been allocated for the Enterprise Development
Facility and expressed strong interest in collaborating with CNIYEF to drive youth-led enterpriseबinitiatives. Dr. Malla and CNI President pandey commended CNIYEF’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s economic landscape and reaffirmed their support for the forum. To conclude the formal proceedings, outgoing President Mr. Manish Shrestha presented tokens of love to the distinguished guests, after which Incoming President Mr. Sugam Ghimire delivered vote of thanks.. The evening finalized with a final group photo and a networking dinner.