Kathmandu, Feb. 21 — The Seventh District Convention of Higher Institutions and Secondary Schools’ Association Nepal (HISSAN) Kathmandu District concluded successfully in Lainchaur on Friday, electing Gopi Raj Parajuli as the new President of the district committee. The convention, held at the Mall Hotel, brought together prominent figures from Nepal’s private education sector, central and provincial leaders, institutional heads, and education stakeholders in a show of unity and renewed commitment to strengthening private education in the capital.

Parajuli was elected unanimously along with a new executive committee, reflecting what participants described as a strong sense of institutional harmony and shared vision within HISSAN Kathmandu.

Newly Elected Executive Committee

The convention endorsed the following members unanimously:

• President: Gopi Raj Parajuli
• First Vice President: Rishi Neupane
• Vice President: Lakas Shrestha
• Secretary: Krishna Gautam
• Joint Secretary: Chhabi Lal Pandey
• Treasurer: Laxman Ghimire

Similarly, members elected to the committee include Rajendra Prasad Tripathi, Shyam Krishna Maharjan, Dipak Adhikari, Jayadev Singh Dhami, Shishir Upreti, Prakash Thapa, Rajkumar Shrestha, Purushottam Maharjan, and Govinda Prasad Dangal.

The event was chaired by Jessica Chemjong, the outgoing President of HISSAN Kathmandu district, and was formally hosted by Lakas Shrestha, who ensured the smooth progression of the program.

Chief Guest Umesh Shrestha: Education as the Backbone of Nation-Building

The convention was graced by Chief Guest Umesh Shrestha, former President of HISSAN, who delivered a keynote address underscoring the pivotal role of private educational institutions in Nepal’s socio-economic landscape.

Shrestha highlighted that private institutions contribute significantly to state revenue through taxes and generate employment for thousands across the country. “The education sector is the backbone of nation-building,” he said. “Private institutions are not only fulfilling their tax obligations but are also creating opportunities and maintaining academic standards.”

He pointed out that private schools and colleges have been providing 10 percent scholarships in accordance with government regulations, yet they continue to face skepticism in policy discourse. “The perspective toward private education must become more positive and pragmatic,” he remarked.

Shrestha further emphasized the importance of collective investment rather than fragmented individual efforts. He called for long-term collaborative projects, including the establishment of universities, and stressed the urgent need to integrate technology as the foundation of modern education.

Senior Vice President Swagat Shrestha: Call for Policy Clarity and Partnership

Offering his best wishes, Swagat Shrestha, Senior Vice President of Central HISSAN, stressed that the state must adopt a clear and constructive approach toward the private education sector, recognizing it as a vital partner in national development.

He expressed confidence that the new leadership under Parajuli would promote transparency, cooperation, and quality enhancement within the organization. “Private education has long been a key stakeholder in shaping the nation’s human capital,” he said. “It is time for policy frameworks to reflect that reality.”

Dr. Shrestha also highlighted the importance of institutional accountability and collaborative engagement between the government and private education providers to ensure long-term sustainability.

General Secretary Ram Hari Silwal: Safeguarding Investment in Education

Ram Hari Silwal, General Secretary of HISSAN, focused his remarks on the need for policy stability and investment protection in private education. He urged the government to ensure a secure environment for those who have invested in educational institutions.

“Private education represents significant financial, intellectual, and social investment,” Silwal stated. “The state must guarantee its protection and provide clear policy direction.”

He further noted that political parties should articulate explicit and consistent policies regarding private education. According to him, long-term planning and strategic vision are essential for the sector’s growth. Silwal concluded by extending his best wishes to the newly elected executive committee for a productive tenure.

Other Dignitaries: Other dignitaries, including Dr. Shiva Datt Gyawali, Member of the Academic Council of Central HISSAN; Jiwan Prakash Sharma, Secretary of the Academic Council of Central HISSAN; and Raj Kumar Acharya, President of the HISSAN Kathmandu Province Committee, also delivered goodwill remarks, expressing their best wishes for the successful completion of the HISSAN Kathmandu Convention.

Outgoing President Jessica Chemjong: A Legacy of Leadership

The convention was presided over by Jessica Chemjong, the outgoing President of HISSAN Kathmandu district. In her remarks, Chemjong reflected on the achievements and challenges of her tenure, expressing gratitude to colleagues and member institutions for their trust and collaboration.

She welcomed the new leadership and expressed confidence that under Parajuli’s stewardship, HISSAN Kathmandu would continue to grow stronger and more unified. Chemjong emphasized the importance of continuity, institutional memory, and collective effort in sustaining organizational progress.

Her leadership was widely acknowledged during the program, with participants commending her role in maintaining cohesion within the district committee.

Financial Transparency and Institutional Strengthening

HISSAN Treasurer Shiv Prasad Adhikari also addressed the gathering, congratulating the newly elected team and stressing the importance of financial transparency and organizational strengthening. He expressed hope that the new leadership would make the organization more systematic, responsible, and results-oriented.

Parajuli’s Inspiring Commitment to Strengthen HISSAN Kathmandu

Following his election, President Parajuli delivered an inspiring address, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the representatives, central and provincial leadership, municipal and metropolitan committees, and the outgoing executive body for their cooperation in successfully concluding the convention in a “dignified and grand manner.”

He extended special thanks to the heads of member institutions, staff members, and journalists whose support contributed to the event’s success.

Parajuli congratulated all newly elected office bearers and members, emphasizing unity as the foundation for future progress. “Institutional solidarity is our greatest strength,” he said. “We must move forward together to reinforce HISSAN Kathmandu as a credible, responsible, and progressive organization.”

He pledged to enhance transparency, policy advocacy, and collaboration with government authorities to address the challenges facing private educational institutions. Highlighting the need for quality improvement and innovation, Parajuli stressed that HISSAN Kathmandu would prioritize academic excellence, technological integration, and institutional capacity-building.

“Our mission is not merely organizational expansion,” he noted, “but ensuring quality education that contributes to national development. We are committed to safeguarding the interests of private institutions while maintaining our responsibility toward students, parents, and society.”

Recognition and Awards

During the program, several individuals were honored with the Education Journalism Award. Among those recognized was Shyam Tandukar, publisher of Shikshalaya Educational magazine, who was commended for his contributions to education journalism and institutional development.

The award ceremony underscored HISSAN’s commitment not only to institutional advocacy but also to promoting educational discourse and recognizing excellence within the sector.

An Institutional Membership Award was presented to all HISSAN members of Kathmandu District. This initiative was introduced by Jessica Chemjong during her tenure, marking the beginning of the certificate recognition program.

A Gathering of Education Leaders

The convention witnessed significant participation from HISSAN’s central, provincial, and district-level office bearers, as well as operators and principals of member institutions. Speakers consistently emphasized the need for strengthening private education, ensuring policy clarity, and fostering constructive collaboration with the state.

The successful completion of the Seventh District Convention marked a renewed chapter for HISSAN Kathmandu. With unanimous leadership and a shared vision articulated by its new president, the organization aims to reinforce its role as a leading voice for private higher secondary schools and colleges in the capital.

As President Parajuli concluded in his address, “Our unity will define our strength, and our commitment to quality will define our legacy.”