Sabita Pokhrel Crowned Rotaract Youth Icon–2083

Sabita Pokhrel has been crowned Rotaract Youth Icon–2083 after winning the grand finale of the competition held in Butwal on Saturday. She outperformed four other finalists to secure the title and received a cash prize of Rs 20,000, along with a medal and a certificate.

Laxmi Gaire finished as the first runner-up and received Rs 15,000 in cash, while Aakash Wali secured third place and was awarded Rs 10,000. Both winners also received medals and certificates.

According to Avishkar Khanal, President of the Rotaract Club of Butwal Downtown, the competition was organized to promote leadership, personality development and public speaking skills among young people. A total of 27 students took part in the first round of auditions, from which 15 contestants were selected for the second round and the top five advanced to the final stage.

Before the finale, a panel discussion titled "From Passion to Icon" was held. Young entrepreneur Mohan Thakur, Kamaljung Kunwar and Prabas Rai, Chief HR and Strategy Officer at Shine Resunga Development Bank, participated as panelists. The session was moderated by Rtr. Samikshya Pandey. The speakers shared their experiences and leadership journeys, encouraging youths to remain dedicated to their goals.

During the final round, contestants delivered six minute speeches on the topic, "Tomorrow's Nepal, the History of Our Ancestors, and Us in the Present."

The judging panel consisted of Amar Khatri, Dr. Avishkar Parajuli and Madhav Belbase. Chief judge Amar Khatri said participants were evaluated out of 100 marks based on content and message, presentation, language and pronunciation, originality and creativity, and time management.

Addressing the event, Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Khel Raj Pandey said such competitions help develop disciplined, confident and capable young leaders.