Development Project Service Center (DEPROSC) Nepal celebrated its 25 years long dedication towards poverty reduction. The Silver jubilee program was organized in Hotel Radisson on October 11, 2017. The program was chaired by Chairman DEPROSC Nepal, Mr. Janardhan Sharma Poudel, and graced by Special Guests Dr. Prabhu Budhathoki, Member, National Planning Commission, Dr. Suraj Pokharel, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture Development and Dr. Yuvakdhoj GC, Secretary, Ministry of Livestock Development, ex-governors, ex-vice chairpersons of National Planning Commission, representatives from diplomatic mission, representatives of banks and financial institutions, international organizations, UN agencies, representatives of civil society organizations and DEPROSC staffs.
Mr. Pitambar Prasad Acharya, Executive Director of DEPROSC Nepal geared up the program with warm welcome to all. He also explained how DEPROSC travelled 25 years’ towards poverty reduction through integrated approach. Mr. Acharya, one of the founders, recalled how DEPROSC initiated with few literacy classes in two districts and has reached to 60 districts now. He informed that the organization has served nearly 17,00,000 population till now but the road was not smooth all the time. After this, Dr. Budhathoki inaugurated the silver jubilee function by lighting a lamp following Nepalese tradition. Then, a short video documentary highlighting DEPROSC Nepal’s 25 years endeavor towards poverty reduction and socio-economic empowerment was played.
To mark 25 years of success in development sector “DEPROSC Silver Jubilee Academic Award” was announced by Mr. Ganesh Kumar K.C., Director of DEPROSC-Nepal. He emphasized on the importance of research in development field and pointed that there is gap in research study, its documentation and dissemination and there is need to minimize this gap in knowledge acquisition. The award will be granted to research students for research in the field of rural development, development studies, sociology, entrepreneurship and market linkage, migration, climate change adaptation, etc. Following the announcement, Dr. Buddathoki, Special Guest for the event launched “Reflection: since its inception”. The book summarized DEPROSC Nepal’s achievements in seven thematic areas, lesson learned, resource mobilization of the organization and vision ahead.
In the same occasion, Mr. Richard Howard, Director of International Labour Organization (ILO) congratulated DEPROSC Nepal team for 25 years of successful endeavor. He fondly remembered the collaboration with DEPROSC in its initial days of establishment and proudly stated that DEPROSC has been one of the major players in Nepal’s rural development. Similarly, Dr. Budhathoki, the Special Guest for the program appreciated DEPROSC Nepal’s commitment to leadership and consistency in dedication towards poverty reduction and said that for the same reasons, the organization has sustained for 25 years. He then suggested the team to adopt and evolve in the changing national context and extended his best wishes.
Mr. Paudel, Chairman of DEPROSC Nepal concluded the program with commitment to continue the dedicated action for the development of Nepal.