PM Urges Universities to Produce Globally Competitive Manpower
Pokhara, February 21, 2026 [Falgun 9, 2082 (BS)]: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has emphasized that universities must produce human resources capable of competing in the global market.
Speaking at Pokhara University’s 21st convocation ceremony held on February 20, 2026 (Friday) [Falgun 8, 2082 (BS)], she said university programs should be directly linked to strengthening the economy.
A total of 6,622 students graduated at the ceremony.
Prime Minister Karki said, “Knowledge or a curriculum that is not connected to economic prosperity and human well-being gradually becomes irrelevant.”
She urged graduates not to see graduation as the end of an academic journey, but as a new and important starting point. She also requested them to apply the knowledge, skills, and experience they have gained to the country’s prosperity and development.
As Chancellor of the university, Prime Minister Karki stated that young people can also be statespersons, administrators, policymakers, and agents of social transformation.
She encouraged them to embrace change and pursue innovation and entrepreneurship. She added that universities should also help identify opportunities and possibilities within the country.
“A large number of young people being attracted abroad is a matter of our shared concern,” she said. “We must find both the reasons and the solutions ourselves, and universities also have a responsibility in this.”
She also urged citizens to participate actively and responsibly in the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026 [Falgun 21, 2082 (BS)].
“This election is a very important opportunity for strengthening democracy, promoting good governance, and building a corruption-free society,” Prime Minister Karki said.
Chief guest’s remarks
Chandani Joshi, who has been playing a leading role in the fields of gender equality, women’s rights, and policy-making, attended the convocation as the chief guest.
She said convocation is a historic turning point in a student’s life and should not be viewed only as a personal achievement, but also as a moment of collective hope.
“Graduating is not only about achieving academic success; it is also the moment of formally accepting knowledge, skills, values, and responsibility toward society,” she said.
She added that universities also build the courage to question, critical thinking, and the ability to conduct research.
Joshi stated that even a small country can make an effective presence on the global stage through knowledge.
“A meaningful contribution to the global stage is possible even from a small country, if we move forward with knowledge, preparation, and moral courage,” she said.
Referring to her 60 years of experience, she said she has found that problems often open the door to change. She emphasized that society and the nation must create opportunities for educated youth.
“Our future should be one where no young person’s dream dies due to a lack of opportunity,” she said, “no citizen’s dignity is compromised, and no woman’s labor becomes invisible.”
University overview and academic updates
At the ceremony, Pokhara University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Vedraj Joshi and Registrar Associate Professor Dr. Ajay Thapa also delivered remarks.
Pokhara University, established in 2054 (BS) (1997/98 AD) under the Pokhara University Act, 2053 (BS) (1996/97 AD), is currently running 74 academic programs across its constituent, joint constituent, and affiliated colleges, including:
-
34 undergraduate programs
-
33 postgraduate programs
-
2 MPhil programs
-
5 PhD programs
The university currently has 37,593 students enrolled in these programs.
There are 66 academic institutions across five provinces, excluding Madhesh and Karnali.
Across the previous 20 convocation ceremonies, 71,229 students from various faculties have already received degrees.
The university has established a modern, 100-bed teaching hospital at Khudi Dhungepatan and has been operating it since the academic year 2078–79 (BS) (2021/22 AD).
The university has stated that it will soon launch 13 new programs.
February 21, 2026 [Falgun 9, 2082 (BS)]
Pokhara Pokhara University Convocation College News Education News