Pulchowk Campus, Kathmandu - On December 12th, starting at noon, the atmosphere at IOE Pulchowk Campus was electric as students, faculty, and guests gathered for the highly anticipated Hult Prize Orientation Program. The Hult Prize is an annual year-long competition that ignites the spirit of social entrepreneurship and challenges young minds to address some of the world’s most pressing issues. Students were eager to learn about this year’s theme and build their ideas accordingly. This event began a journey to inspire young minds to tackle societal problems through innovative business ideas and social enterprises.
The program commenced with a warm welcome extended to all attendees, including distinguished guests and members of the Hult Prize Organizing Committee. Miss Prashansa Shrestha, a committee member, served as the official host for the orientation. The program began with a traditional Khada presented by the current Campus Director of Hult Prize at IOE, Pulchowk Campus, Miss Riyaj Nepal, to all the esteemed guests. The event officially started when the campus directors and guests lit the Panas.
Special guests included Miss Subi Kaphle, National Coordinator of Hult Prize Nepal, and Miss Garima Shrestha, National Community Leader and a finalist at the 2023 Hult Prize Melbourne Summit. Following the lighting of the Panas, the national anthem was played, and everyone in the room stood in unison to sing, creating a powerful sense of national pride to start the program.
A moment of gratitude was observed, recognizing the sponsors and supporters whose contributions made the event possible. The program acknowledged various sponsors, including general sponsors Leapfrog Technology Nepal Pvt. Ltd., WorldLink Communications Ltd., Hyperce, and Bhoos Games. Additionally, in-kind sponsors like Herman Helmer’s German Bakery (food partner), Mudita Store, Frenzie Fries, Call Me Aroma, Cake Mart, I Am The Gardener, Donut Drool, Chitrakala Mini, Chocoffle, and QFX Cinemas (gifting partners).
Following the acknowledgment, Miss Riyaj Nepal delivered a welcome speech that provided an insightful introduction to the Hult Prize, outlining its objectives, significance, and how it inspires students to create change through their ideas. Her speech clarified the goals of the Hult Prize at IOE, Pulchowk Campus, and included briefings on recently conducted Impact Events as well as upcoming on-campus events, leaving the audience well-informed.
Next, guest speakers shared their insights. Miss Subi Kaphle was welcomed to the stage with enthusiastic applause. She provided a brief overview of the Hult Prize, sharing her experiences and offering guidelines on how to contribute to this transformative journey. Her insights motivated everyone to rise to the challenge of creating impactful solutions and outlined a clear path for getting started with the Hult Prize.
Following her, Miss Garima Shrestha, the National Community Leader and a finalist at the Hult Prize Melbourne Summit, shared her inspiring journey. She discussed how her team’s idea of redefining fashion led them to the Summit, demonstrating that a single innovative idea can lead to unexpected recognition and opportunities. Her step-by-step process in the Hult Prize served as an inspiring example for the participants.
The Campus Director of Hult Prize at IOE, Pulchowk Campus, for 2023/2024, Mr. Aaditya Pandey, was then invited to the stage. He connected his speech to popular movie scenes, using references to engage the audience effectively. His unique approach resonated well with the attendees, filling the hall with applause and smiles.
During the event, there was an exciting Nepal Premier League (NPL) ticket giveaway, which captured the audience's interest. These tickets were generously sponsored by the Sports Partner of the Hult Prize at IOE, Pulchowk Campus, Kathmandu Gurkhas, the enthusiastic cricket team of the NPL.
Finally, the theme for the 2024/2025 Hult Prize was unveiled. The audience was eager to know this year’s theme, which was revealed to be “UNLIMITED!!” The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause and excitement, marking the commencement of a year-long journey of innovation, creativity, and resilience. Attendees listened intently, their minds already racing with ideas to tackle the upcoming challenge. The celebration continued with the cutting of a cake adorned with the Hult logo and this year's theme.
All the guests received gifts that included indoor plants from "I Am The Gardener" and a canvas artwork of their own by Chitrakala Mini. The gifts were fresh and beautiful, adding a lovely touch to the event. A group photo was taken with the esteemed guests and the organizing committee.
To enhance engagement, giveaways were organized for the participants, featuring prizes such as NPL match tickets from our sports partner, Kathmandu Gurkhas, and movie tickets provided by QFX Cinemas. Many participants won vouchers and were thrilled to have the opportunity to receive them. Guests enjoyed a delightful selection of food, including French fries, donuts, and muffins from Frenzie Fries, Donut Drool, and Herman’s Helmer German Bakery, respectively. Additionally, all attendees were served tea and muffins from Herman’s Helmer German Bakery.
The Hult Prize Orientation Program at Pulchowk Campus set an inspiring tone for the year ahead, equipping participants with motivation and insights to tackle the challenges of the competition. The event celebrated the spirit of innovation and collaboration, leading towards the mission of the Hult Prize: “Changing the World Through Social Enterprise.”
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