Past Grantees - 2023

Educator Suraj Silwal Joshi, public health worker Sangita Bataju, visual artist Kripendra Amatya, and counselling psychologist Rubina Pradhan form the team of Project Uddeshya. They bring their diverse expertise to collaboratively find ways to use art to enhance emotional and mental well-being. This project’s mission is to rejuvenate age-old traditions of incense making, foster job opportunities, and advocate for sustainable incense within the Manakamana market. 

Designer Anusha Thapa draws inspiration from her extensive travels and adventurous treks across various regions of Nepal for her work. Under her project Jewellery from Each Journey, Anusha endeavours to explore jewellery-making across Nepal, comprehend the art forms involved, and weave narratives around them. The fusion of craft and storytelling serves as a bridge to connect with diverse individuals and communities. The project strongly emphasises the meticulous study of sourced materials and techniques indigenous to each location, embracing ethical production processes, and actively minimising the environmental footprint associated with jewellery manufacturing.

At Kleanit Upcyclers, Milan Bohara and Sashi Kiran Thapa challenge the conventional perception of plastic as a problem, recognizing it as a valuable resource instead. As dedicated researchers, they have committed themselves to exploring ingenious solutions to address the plastic waste crisis through cutting-edge technology. The project is firmly rooted in ethical and ecological principles - transforming waste into valuable products. Their mission is not merely to present sustainable living as a choice but to make it an inviting and embraced lifestyle, ensuring a healthier and happier future for generations to come. 

Pranidhi Tara Tuladhar, a versatile designer, redefines fashion with her project Old Souls. Focused on circular fashion and a meaningful lifestyle, she transforms worn textiles into ethno-modern pieces that narrate their past stories. As a conscious entrepreneur, Tuladhar strives to elevate local tailors and marginalized groups, ensuring a high-end product range that transcends generational differences. With a cultural signature reflecting modern Nepali self-expression, Old Souls seamlessly blends tradition into contemporary design trends, paying homage to cultural and aesthetic roots while creating chic, timeless pieces. 

Pravesh Panthi, an environmental engineer, and Sharad Raut, a visual artist, are the duo behind Sidra. Their shared vision focuses on producing fish-based food products and blending them with taro plant-based foods, drawing on the indigenous knowledge of the Tharu people. Their mission is to support local communities and enterprises in harmony with nature, while also creating income-generation opportunities for Tharu women. Committed to establishing a community-driven enterprise, they are dedicated to promoting sustainability and empowering locals by utilising available resources and tapping into their inherent skills. Project video documentation.