By Rishav Das, Founder & President, Youth Activism Nepal
I grew up in Goghanpur, a small village in Saptari District in the beautiful Terai region of eastern Nepal. My childhood was shaped by close-knit communities, hardworking families, and a deep understanding of both the opportunities and challenges that rural communities face. Growing up in a village where resources were limited but community bonds were strong taught me the value of service, compassion, and collective action from an early age.
My journey as a changemaker began unexpectedly.
One afternoon, I was spending time in my community in Goghanpur when I noticed a group of children and young people playing near my home. I joined them, laughing and enjoying the moment. As we talked, however, I noticed something that I could not ignore. Many of them had visible dental problems. Curious, I began asking questions about oral hygiene and oral health. What I discovered was alarming. Most of them had never received basic oral health education, and many did not understand the importance of brushing, regular dental care, or the long-term consequences of poor oral hygiene.
As I continued learning more about my community, I realized that the issue went far beyond a lack of awareness. Many young people and adults regularly consumed harmful products such as paan, gutka, and tobacco-based substances. These habits were deeply normalized, yet conversations about oral health were almost nonexistent. I saw preventable health issues affecting people around me, and I knew I could not simply walk away.
That moment became a turning point in my life.
In 2017, I launched Project SMILE, a youth-led initiative focused on promoting oral health awareness among children and young people in underserved communities. What began as a small local effort in Saptari soon grew into something much larger. We organized awareness sessions in schools, educated students about oral hygiene, distributed oral care materials, and encouraged healthy habits that many children were learning for the first time.
The most rewarding part was seeing change happen in real time. Children who had never considered oral health important began teaching their siblings and parents. Teachers started incorporating oral hygiene discussions into classrooms. Small conversations were creating lasting impacts.
As the project expanded, something incredible happened. My work was recognized and featured by Peace First. For a young person from Goghanpur village in Saptari, seeing my story highlighted on an international platform was transformative. It was more than recognition—it was validation that young people can lead meaningful change regardless of where they come from. Peace First showed me that youth are not future leaders; they are leaders today.
Inspired by this experience, I became more deeply involved in youth leadership and social impact work. I had the opportunity to serve as a Peace First Ambassador, where I connected with young changemakers from around the world who were tackling challenges in their own communities. These experiences broadened my perspective and strengthened my belief in the power of youth-led solutions.
One of the most meaningful initiatives during this period was the Madhesh Impact Room. Through collaboration between Peace First and Youth Activism Nepal, we created a platform that brought together young leaders to discuss local challenges, share innovative ideas, and develop solutions for issues affecting their communities. The initiative empowered youth voices that are often unheard and demonstrated that sustainable change happens when communities are actively involved in creating solutions.
My journey continued to evolve. In 2023, after years of community work and youth engagement, I founded Youth Activism Nepal (YAN), a youth-led nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people through leadership development, civic engagement, environmental sustainability, and community service. What started as a vision has grown into a movement of passionate young people committed to creating positive change across Nepal.
Through Youth Activism Nepal, we have implemented projects focused on environmental conservation, youth leadership, community health, and civic participation. From Project SMILE to Project Repurpose and other community initiatives, our mission has remained the same: empowering young people to become active changemakers in their communities.
Throughout my journey, I have learned that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about listening carefully, understanding community needs, and having the courage to take the first step. The challenges I have faced have taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of collaboration. Every project, every conversation, and every person I have worked with has reinforced my belief that meaningful change begins when ordinary people decide to act.
What motivates me is simple: I believe every young person has the power to create impact. I know this because I started with a simple observation in my village and a desire to help. That small moment grew into initiatives that have reached communities, empowered young leaders, and inspired others to believe in their own ability to create change.
Today, I continue my work with the same passion that inspired Project SMILE years ago. Whether I am mentoring young leaders, leading community projects, advocating for youth participation, or building opportunities for others, I remain committed to creating a future where young people are empowered to lead, innovate, and solve the challenges facing their communities.
My story is proof that change does not begin with resources, titles, or influence. It begins with noticing a problem, caring enough to act, and believing that even one person can make a difference. And for me, that journey is only just beginning.