DLMGA convened Diversity Carnival: vividhatako utsav 2025 to celebrate youth power and diversity; marking the International Youth Day 2025. The one-day youth assembly united young people from diverse backgrounds across Nepal to collaboratively address the intertwined challenges of diversity, equity and inclusion across intersections of caste, gender and climate justice. The innovative approach integrated dialogue, creativity, and collective action, providing a unique platform for youth from diverse background to delve into the issues that matters the most to them all the while putting in collective efforts to find actionable solutions.
More than 170 young people from all seven provinces including our Dignity Defenders from Lumbini and Madhesh Province participated to celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion through constructive dialogue, storytelling, and creative activities.
Panel Discussion “Sapana, Sangharsha ra Safalta” (Translation: Aspirations, Struggle and Achievements) highlighted stories of resilience from individuals who overcame barriers of caste, gender, class, ability, and geography. Writer and a leading public commentator on contemporary issues CK Lal highlighted that caste is fundamentally a power structure and that dignity requires challenging systems of exclusion. Indian activist and Ramon Magsaysay Award 2016 awardee Bezwada Wilson emphasized that the struggle against caste oppression is a continuous fight.
Diversity Carnival also featured parallel breakout sessions with participants on various themes as outlined below:
- On the Margins of Human Rights and Justice
- Climate Change: Experience and Anticipatory Action
- The Narrative Effect: Unpacking Societal Practices
- Intersection of Identity and Mental Health: Paving a Pathway to Care
A collective live painting by visual artists, muralist and Mithila art practitioners; and musical performances by traditional and folk music artistes added a vibrant and youthful layer to the Diversity Carnival.
