Message from the President

 

Dear Esteemed FAAN Members, Fulbright Alumni, Partners, and Friends,

Namaste and warm greetings!

It is with deep gratitude and heartfelt pride that I assume the role of President of the 18th Executive Committee of the Fulbright Alumni Association of Nepal (FAAN). I extend my sincere appreciation to all members for your enduring trust and engagement with our vibrant and diverse alumni community.

As Nepali Fulbrighters, we share a powerful bond grounded in the Fulbright mission  to promote mutual understanding, intellectual exchange, and service to society. The Fulbright experience transforms us not only as scholars and professionals, but also as ambassadors of learning, dialogue, and positive change. This legacy of curiosity, compassion, and commitment has shaped FAAN’s journey and will continue to inspire our collective efforts.

Over the past years, FAAN has built a solid foundation of programs, networks, and initiatives that showcase the breadth and depth of Fulbright alumni contributions in Nepal and beyond. From lecture series to mentorship engagements, and from scientific documentation to outreach initiatives, our association stands as a testament to what we can achieve together.

Our Vision and Priorities

Under the stewardship of the 18th Executive Committee, FAAN will pursue a bold and inclusive vision to strengthen our alumni network, enhance professional and public engagement, and inspire service for the common good. Our core priorities will include:

  • Strengthening Engagement: We will deepen connections among alumni, spanning generations, disciplines, and regions, fostering meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and solidarity.
  • Knowledge Exchange and Impact: Through seminars, lectures, publications, and collaborative forums, we aim to highlight research excellence, share innovative practices, and address pressing local and global challenges.
  • Empowering Emerging Leaders: We will amplify opportunities for early-career Fulbrighters and young professionals, providing resources, mentorship, and platforms for impactful work and leadership.
  • Documenting Our Legacy: Recognizing the importance of preserving institutional memory, we will invest in initiatives to document alumni contributions, lessons learned, and transformative impacts on society.
  • Enhancing Partnerships: We will forge stronger linkages with national and international partners, higher education institutions, development organizations, and the Fulbright global community to expand opportunities and engagement.

Towards a Brighter Future

The Fulbright experience instills in us a deep sense of responsibility to serve our communities, to engage with diverse voices, and to contribute meaningfully to nation-building. As FAAN members, we are uniquely positioned to translate our knowledge, skills, and insights into action that matters for Nepal’s future.

Our strength lies not only in our individual achievements, but in the collective impact we create together through collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose. I invite each of you to remain actively engaged, to share your ideas and expertise, and to work with us to elevate FAAN’s role as a platform for positive change and lifelong learning.

Gratitude and Call to Action

I am deeply honored to serve in this role and energized by the opportunities ahead. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our past leaders, especially the outgoing President and Executive Committee for their dedication and service, which have positioned FAAN for continued growth and impact.

Let us move forward with optimism, courage, and a shared commitment to the values that define us excellence, service, mutual understanding, and community. Together, we can strengthen the Fulbright legacy here in Nepal and contribute to a more just, equitable, and prosperous society.

Thank you for your support, collaboration, and dedication.

Warm Regards,

Puspa Raj Poudel, PhD

President
18th Executive Committee
Fulbright Alumni Association of Nepal (FAAN)
Email: faan@fulbrightnepal.org.np
Website: https://fulbrightalumni.org.np/

 

 

Message from the Immediate Past President

Dear All,
Greetings,

It is our immense pleasure to announce the significant decisions and declarations made during our latest 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on behalf of the Fulbright Alumni Association of Nepal (FAAN). It is imperative to reiterate our commitment to the Fulbright Mission, which revolves around giving back to the state and society through our intellectual legacy, “Fulbrighters always work with passion and intellectual legacy”.

We firmly believe in the concept of Three Generational Engagement, which encapsulates the wisdom, institutional memory, and rich experience of the Retired Group (Age 60+); the high energy and enthusiasm of the Youth (25-40 Age); and the combined knowledge and experience of the Mid-Career group (40-60 Age).

Retired Group (Age- 60+: This group comprises of professors, bureaucrats, officials, advocates, and rights activists with a wealth of institutional memory and extensive experience. They also are a barn of knowledge and experiences and are highly eager to contribute.

Youth (Aged 25-40): These individuals are full of energy and enthusiasm, seeking immediate and impactful change in society, often hoping for drastic change and transformation. We should appreciate the energy and enthusiasm.

Mid-Career: This group possesses both knowledge and experience, combining instructional memory with enthusiasm. Our goal is to connect and coordinate both the retired and youth generations to bring about desirable change.

By fostering collaboration among these generations, we aim to effect positive and impactful change in our society.

Our focus lies on several key initiatives:
– Building a robust Fulbrighters community for the betterment of Nepal’s future.
– Establishing an Innovative Youth Award and Youth Scientist to recognize and encourage impactful ideas.
– Facilitating Fulbrighters’ talent engagement and innovative ideas implementation upon their return.
– Scientific documentation and publication through Fulbright Peer-Reviewed Journal, Edited Volume, Policy Communication, etc.
– Hosting Fulbright Lecture Series and Seminars to showcase our collective expertise, dedication, and passion

The impactful work of Fulbrighters upon their return, contributing to institutional development and sustainability, is evident. It’s crucial to document and recognize these contributions for the benefit of future generations. To this end, FAAN is planning to undertake a tracer study of Nepali Fulbrighters.

It’s crucial to recognize that we, as FAAN, possess numerous strengths and have the potential to contribute significantly to society with our intellectual legacy. So, we have to work with our own state, society, community, youths, and diverse groups of people unleashing our potentials for nation-building.

In solidarity, the Fulbright Alumni Association of Nepal (FAAN) remains steadfast in its dedication to building a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous society through impactful and exemplary works.

At the heart of our approach is the Three Generational Engagement Model, which harnesses the expertise and institutional memory of retired groups; the vitality and enthusiasm of youth; and the experiences and passion of mid-career professionals.

Thank you so much. I would like to welcome you all to join hands together for future endeavors,

In Solidarity,

On behalf of FAAN,

Purna B. Nepali, Ph.D.
President 17th Executive Committee of Fulbright Alumni Association of Nepal (FAAN) (2023-2025)
Email: faan@fulbrightnepal.org.np
Website: https://fulbrightalumni.org.np/

Message from the Past President

Date: September 1, 2023

Dear Fulbright Alumni,

It brings me immense joy to welcome you to the new website of the Fulbright Alumni Association of Nepal (FAAN).

The Fulbright program has played a pivotal role in shaping the futures of numerous talented individuals, empowering them with knowledge, cross-cultural understanding, and a global perspective. FAAN has been proudly serving as an organized network of Nepali Fulbrighters who represent a diverse range of fields, each making remarkable contributions to society in their unique ways.

Earning a Fulbright alone does not make anyone ‘bright’. It is not an illustrious career, an impressive resume, or prestigious accolade that will define our worth as a Fulbrighter – what truly counts in the end is the impact we create through our work and service to society. It is not the title of a Fulbrighter but the substance of our actions that sets us apart and shapes our legacy as ambassadors of knowledge and goodwill.

Ever since its establishment, FAAN has been bringing together intellectuals and changemakers from both the alumni community and beyond to build a common
understanding of contemporary socioeconomic issues through talk programs and debates. Moreover, FAAN has also been working with and for youths through mentorship programs. With this website, we aim to foster a stronger sense of camaraderie, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas among all Nepali Fulbright alumni and between the alumni community and broader society.

I extend my sincere appreciation to all my seniors, colleagues, and supporters who have supported FAAN throughout the years. I believe that this platform will bring us closer and amplify the collective influence of our alumni network.

Warm regards,

Kirti Kusum Joshi
President (2021-2023)
Fulbright Alumni Association of Nepal