The second episode of a prestigious program acknowledging Nepal's educational institutions, organized by College Readers, unfolded with great success. The ceremony occurred at Everest International School, Tokyo, Japan, on November 6th, 2023. Representatives from 35 esteemed Nepali educational institutions, including the gracious host, Everest International School, Tokyo, were present.

The event was further distinguished by the presence of His Excellency Dr. Durga Bahadur Subedi, Nepal's Ambassador to Japan, who served as the Chief Guest. Hon’ble Mr. Teju Lal Chaudhary, a Nepali parliamentarian, also graced the ceremony as the Guest of Honor.

Mr. Bhawani Prasad Paudel, the program's chair, initiated the proceedings with a warm welcome speech whereas Jeetendra Ghimire, CEO of College Readers outlined the program's goals. During the ceremony, 25 institutions were presented with esteemed accolades, signifying their exceptional contributions in various educational categories. The award categories are as follows:

SCHOOL LEVEL

1. Best School of the Year Award-2023: LRI School, Kalanki, Kathmandu
2. Best School for Academic Excellence Award-2023: Valley View School, Mid Baneshwor, Kathmandu
3. Best Creative School of the Year Award-2023: Nightingale International School, Kupondole, Lalitpur
4. Best International School of the Year Award-2023: Everest International School, Tokyo, Japan
5. Best School of the Year Award (Lumbini Province) -2023: Gorkha Secondary School, Tulsipur, Dang
6. Best School of the Year Award (Bagmati Province) -2023: Success Academy, Galchhi-6, Dhading
7. Outreach Education Award-2023: Joseph High School, Kapan, Kathmandu
8. Goodwill Achievement Award-2023: Bhadrakali English Medium School, Hattigauda, Kathmandu

+2 SCHOOL LEVEL

1. Best +2 School of the Year Award-2023: Uniglobe School & College, Kamaladi, Kathmandu
2. Best +2 Management College of the Year Award-2023: Global College of Management, Mid Baneshwor, Kathmandu
3. Rising +2 School of the Year Award-2023: Triton School & College, Koteshwor-32, Kathmandu
4. Best +2 Science School of the Year Award-2023: Global School of Science, Mid Baneshwor, Kathmandu
5. Best +2 School of the Year Award (Out of the Kathmandu Valley) -2023: Gyanjyoti School, Tulsipur, Dang
6. Best +2 School of the Year Award (Bagmati Province) -2023: DAV +2 School, Dhobighat, Lalitpur
7. Best +2 School of the Year Award (Gandaki Province) -2023: Prativa Secondary School, Pokhara, Kaski
8. Best +2 School of the Year Award (Madhesh Province) -2023: Mithila Institute of Technology, Janakpur
9. Best Technical School of the Year Award-2023: Kapilvastu Technical Institute, Taulihawa, Kapilvastu

COLLEGE LEVEL

1. Best Business School of the Year Award-2023: Global College International, Mid Baneshwor, Kathmandu
2. Best Business School of the Year Award (Out of the Kathmandu Valley) -2023: Brixton College, Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur
3. Best Hotel Management College of the Year Award-2023: Nepal Western Academy, Dhangadhi, Kailali
4. Best Engineering College of the Year Award-2023: Oxford College of Engineering & Management, Gaindakot, Nawalpur
5. Best Health Science College of the Year Award-2023: Unique Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Rajbiraj-6, Saptari
6. Academic Excellence of the Year Award-2023: Herald Int’l College, Basundhara, Kathmandu
7. Best College of the Year Award-2023: Jaya Multiple Campus, Gokarneshwor, Kathmandu
8. Best Institute of the Year Award -2023: BCEC International Education, Banepa, Kavre

Likewise, thirteen individual educators were honored with rewards and awards in the distinct categories as follows:

1. Lifetime Achievement Award-2023: Teju Lal Chaudhary, Founder Chairman, Nightingale International School
2. Lifetime Achievement Award-2023: Shailendra Mohan Jha, Chairman, Chhinnamasta Educational Academy & Medical College
3. Educational Leader of the Year Award-2023: Dr. Rajendra KC, Principal, Southwestern State College
4. Educational Leader of the Year Award-2023: Krishna Adhikari, Founder Principal, Valley Public School
5. Educational Leader of the Year Award-2023: Shiva Adhikari: Principal, Ed-Mark Academy/College
6. ICT Educational Leader of the Year Award-2023: Dr. Shailendra Giri, Chairman, Rapti Engineering College
7. Best Principal of the Year Award-2023: Ramesh Ghimire, Principal, Asia Pacific School
8. Best Principal of the Year Award-2023: Bhuban Lal Shrestha, Principal, Marigold English School
9. School’s Educational Leader of the Year Award-2023: Ramesh Adhikari, Principal, Southwestern School
10. Best Principal of the Year Award-2023: Nisha Bhatt, Principal, Brixton College
11. Emerging Principal of the Year Award-2023: Suman Basnet, Principal, DAV School (+2)
12. Women Educational Leadership Award-2023: Kabita Sharma, Principal, Shepherd College
13. Innovative Educational Leadership Award-2023: Hritu Neupane, CEO, Triton School & College

Hon’ble Mr. Teju Lal Chaudhary addressed the gathering, expressing his warm congratulations to the award recipients and extending his best wishes for a pleasant and enriching stay to the accompanying team members.

His Excellency Dr. Durga Bahadur Subedi, the program's Chief Guest, conveyed his delight at witnessing such a remarkable event held in Japan. He expressed his gratitude to the organizers, College Readers, and offered his congratulations to all the awardees. Dr. Subedi further encouraged the educators to observe Japan's advancements in sustainability and draw inspiration to implement similar approaches in Nepal.

Representing Everest International School, Principal Bishnu Prasad Bhatt, and Vice Chairman Er. Megh Raj Nepal delivered remarks. Additionally, Dr. Rajendra KC, Prof. Er. Hari Bhandari, and Nisha Bhatt, on behalf of the awardees, expressed their deep appreciation for the program's significance.

The program was skillfully guided by Jeetendra Ghimire, CEO of College Readers. Both individuals offered congratulations to the awardees and expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the program's resounding success.

A Fruitful Learning Experience

Nepal Education Award Japan 2023 program demonstrably achieved its intended outcomes, providing participants with invaluable experiences across various facets. The team gained insights into Japan's socio-economic landscape, cultural heritage, remarkable infrastructure development, historical sites, cutting-edge technological advancements, and thriving tourism industry. The itinerary encompassed visits to the Shinagawa technological hub, iconic landmarks like the Tokyo Skyline and Tokyo Tower, bustling areas like Yokohama and Minato Mirai, cultural attractions such as the Odaiba Statue of Liberty and Asakusa Temple, and scenic wonders like Hakone Lake and Mount Fuji. Additionally, the team experienced the advanced public transportation system and iconic landmarks like the Shibuya Crossing and the Statue of Hachi.

A Celebration of Collaboration and Recognition

A reception was jointly hosted by His Excellency Dr. Durga Bahadur Subedi, the esteemed Ambassador, and Mr. Bhaban Bhatta, Chairman of Everest International School, in honor of the Nepal Education Award team and esteemed Japanese dignitaries.

The meticulously planned award program encompassed a seven-night and eight-day stay, with two dedicated days for independent exploration of Japan. The entire team was deeply impressed by the country's stunning natural beauty, remarkable technological advancements, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and the peaceful and welcoming nature of the Japanese people.