Feedback from Mr Janak Pokhrel, SAF Scholar (2016-20), UMCDSRC, National College, Kathmandu

From the very beginning of my college days, I was able to be part of Rotaract Club of Kathmandu Metro, which is a University-based Rotaract Club at National College. Through my contributions, I was able to serve as the Secretary and eventually as the President of the club for the rota year 2019/20. I have learned and contributed great many things from this club. Another of my major engagements that I am proud of, is to have been able to be part of Nepal-Japan project, a research-based student exchange program. I could participate in two spring projects in Nepal and was also fortunate enough to participate in the summer project in Japan in 2019. This cross-cultural experience was also equally enriching and equipped me with many research and leadership skills while I served as the NJP students' leader in 2019.

Meanwhile, in 6th semester, I also did one fruitful internship as research intern at Sambriddhi Foundation, a policy research think tank. Apart from that, I haven't been able to be engaged anywhere professionally, although I did freelance in some other research works, whenever I got an opportunity, As my last semester was held totally online, and I attended my classes from my home in Damak, Jhapa itself,  I could not be engaged much in 2020 due to COVID-19. Still, I was able to be a Teaching Assistant to Ujjwal Upadhyay sir during this period too, for the subject 'Concept & Theories of Development' at National College. 

Also, for the final semester project work, I carried my research entitled "Effectiveness of Social Health Insurance Program: A Case Study of Damak Municipality". I was able to receive National College Chairman's Grant to carry out this research work. It was a very enriching experience and my research work was appreciated by the college research team and external as well. I was also fortunate enough to be selected to share the findings of my study at the International Knowledge Forum (IKF) 2020 through online conference. This research work has helped me a lot to sharpen my research skills, which I am sure will come in handy for my further studies and professional work in future. I am attaching my final report in this email for your reference. I'd be happy to have any feedback too. 

Finally, to sum it all up, I received my transcript of BDevS (2016-2020) yesterday. And with an overall CGPA of 3.96 / 4, along with my extra-curricular activities, I hope that I have done justice to you and SAF for entrusting me with the prestigious SAF Scholarship. Words can never be enough to express my gratitude to you and SAF for supporting me in these crucial 4 years of my life. And it wasn't just because of financial help, the tag of 'SAF Scholar' that I carried everywhere I went, always boosted my morale and made me do my best at whatever I did. Now that I have graduated,I guess that I too have entered the "SAF Alumni" club along with my other seniors. I just want to let you know that I'm grateful from the bottom of my heart to you and SAF and that I shall always remain to be a SAF scholar.

Now that my Bachelor's is over, I am looking forward to pursue a master's degree in Kathmandu and gain some work experience in the meantime as well. If you have any suggestions or queries, or if there is anything that you require me to provide you with, then please do let me know. I am willing to contribute in any way possible to SAF in days to come as well. Thanking You!

Looking forward to hear from you! 

Best Regards,
Janak Pokhrel
SAF Scholar
UMSCDRC (2016-2020)