Promoting the Values of Freedom and Entrepreneurship at the Grassroots in Nepal

The country of Nepal has been plagued by political instability and economic challenges. The key to achieving sustainable economic growth is creating an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, which means advancing the principles of free markets, limited government and individual liberty.

Basanta Adhikari, founder of Nepal-based think tank Bikalpa-an Alternative and prominent social entrepreneur, will share his experiences catalyzing a grassroots movement to foster the culture of entrepreneurship the country so desperately needs. Join us for a discussion of how leaders are unleashing free-market principles in Nepal and around the world.

Basanta Adhikari is the founder of Bikalpa-an Alternative, an organization that envisions a Nepal where rule of law is supreme, and all citizens can have an equal opportunity to prosper. Promoting the values of freedom and prosperity in the region is an uphill battle with few organizational allies. Adhikari and his team work to counter populist and illiberal policies through research, advocacy and youth engagement.

Under his leadership, Bikalpa-an Alternative won Atlas Network’s prestigious “Asia Liberty Award” in 2019 and was named a finalist for their “Think Tank Shark Tank Award” in 2021. An alumnus of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitors Leadership Program and a fellow of Asia 21 Young Leader’s class of 2016, Adhikari formerly lent his talents to the “Gari Khana Deu” (Livable Nepal) campaign. He holds a master’s of Inter-Asia NGOs Studies from SungKongHoe University.