Ganashyam Bishwakarma is a 19-year-old child rights activist from Banphikot Rural Municipality 5, Badagaun, Rukum, and winner of the 10th edition of Glocal Teen Hero Nepal 2024. Ganashyam has dedicated himself to advocating for child rights and welfare of children focusing on education and empowerment in his community. With a background in grassroots initiatives, and as the President of the National Adolescent Boys Network Nepal, he has represented the voices of young people on various national and international platforms, showcasing his exemplary leadership skills. He utilises media engagement such as the Bal Chautari Programme on Radio Sanobheri FM to raise awareness on child rights, child marriage, mental health and online safety. Recently, he has been honoured by the District Coordination Committee Office, Rukum on the occasion of Constitution Day 2081 for his contribution to child rights and social activism.
In an interview with WOW, Ganashyam talks about his advocacy, struggles of a young activist, and his goals.
What inspired you to begin advocating for the rights and wellbeing of children and adolescents at such a young age?
Growing up in Rukum, a region where even basic needs were a struggle, I recall walking four hours to the district headquarters just to get groceries for my family. Education was another challenge; one that many children in Rukum and even more remote areas never receive. Reflecting on this, I was driven by a determination to be the first in my community to pursue higher education.
Now studying for a Bachelor’s degree in law, I believe education is key to solving many of Nepal’s problems. When we are educated, we can address issues in any sector whether it’s technology, healthcare, infrastructure or food security. Motivated by this vision, I aspire to help ensure that future generations are not deprived of their fundamental rights and access to education.
The finalists of Glocal Teen Hero attended a series of self-competency interviews and workshops on various topics with the opportunity to interact with industry leaders and corporate personalities to broaden their knowledge. What was going through your head when you were attending these interviews?
Glocal Teen Hero is a highly esteemed platform that recognises young individuals who have made significant contributions to society. With over 700 participants, many involved in fields like technology that was unfamiliar to me, being selected in the top 20 was already a huge accomplishment. I was confident about making it that far, but when I learned I had made it to the top six, I was genuinely surprised.
At that moment, I knew this to be an incredible opportunity to push myself even further in my work for the youth and children of our country. I looked forward to meeting new people, collaborating with different teams, and using this platform to refine and advance my goals. While I had already gained so much from Glocal, I saw this as a fresh start to lead my efforts in a new direction.
Winning was never my focus; I didn’t even see this as a competition. At just 19, like many of the other participants, I was more committed to my field and learning rather than competing.
Were your parents always in favour of you working as an activist at such a young age?
My parents may not have formal education but they have always done everything in their power to support me. My father can read, though my mother never had that opportunity. Despite this, they are both currently working in Himachal Pradesh, India, to ensure a brighter future for me and to provide the education they never had. For the longest time, they didn’t fully understand what I was doing or pursuing. It was only after my mentor suggested I explained it to them that they began to grasp it. Slowly, they are learning how to use mobile phones.
My parents are my greatest inspiration. When we lived in Dang, they sold everything – even though we had very little to begin with – so I could continue pursuing my dreams. Whenever I asked them about wanting to do something, their unwavering response was, ‘You know best. You have been doing great on your own, but we have always got your back.’ After I explained in more detail how I envisioned my future and the positive impact I hoped to have on society, they were not only supportive but proud, which made me happier.
Can you share a moment where you felt your advocacy had a real impact on the lives of children and adolescents?
After my Glocal Teen Hero journey, I had returned home when I was invited to be honored by my rural municipality. During the ceremony, a child rights activist shared the story of a 12-year-old boy from my municipality who was trapped in child labour. Though he was working willingly, it was still illegal, and the details of his situation was heartbreaking. For privacy reasons, I cannot reveal his name, but his story moved me deeply. His mother had abandoned him at age five, running away with another man, and his father, living in India, had no contact with him. Left in the care of an abusive uncle, the boy was forced to look after cattles instead of attending school and was frequently beaten. He walked two days to reach Chaujahari where he worked under harsh conditions, enduring both physical and mental abuse. Determined to help, I collaborated with the local police to track down the boy. After five days, we found him at the Banphikot police station, where he had been placed for his safety. Despite his ordeal, the boy was still focused on providing for his five-year-old sister’s education. When I asked him about his dreams, he said, “I want to be a police officer.” His resilience struck me. He had no proper clothes, no shoes, and yet, even when I bought him new ones, there was no joy on his face, just the weight of his responsibilities.
This experience opened my eyes to how many children are denied their fundamental rights and forced into a life of labour or begging, even when their parents are alive. It strengthened my resolve to take action. Partnering with Civil Nepal, we rescued seven other children facing similar abuse. This story sticks with me because it made me realise that the most meaningful work I could do is helping these children. I’ll never forget the look on that boy’s face when we found him; it was as if he had found his family. It’s a reminder of why this work is so important and why I will continue to dedicate myself to it.
What are some of the challenges you face working as an activist?
We face numerous challenges, as it’s often the case in our society that when you try to push forward and make a difference, obstacles emerge to hold you back. Despite these setbacks, I remain determined to work for the betterment of the country, especially for children and teens. There’s always been this constant pull toward my goals, an unshakable drive to keep going, no matter the resistance.
From a young age, I was involved in community efforts, such as cleaning lakes, managing waste, and maintaining clean water supplies for animals in our village. We faced criticism from educated people in the community who would scold us or tell their children not to associate with us, simply because we were working outdoors. Eventually, we established ‘Jagriti Bal Club Sanjal Samiti Badagau’ in my own home. Despite having only one house and six rooms for my family of six, I insisted on dedicating three rooms to the children who would come to share ideas and stories with us. It wasn’t easy, but that small space became a hub for learning and creativity with newspapers and poetry books stacked on the walls.
Another challenge I encountered was in Ghorahi, where I had to vacate four rooms due to my caste. People’s perception of caste often dictates how they treat you, regardless of your accomplishments or appearance. Many would assume my last name was ‘KC’ or ‘Shahi’ based on my looks alone, without bothering to ask. When I topped my law studies two years ago in Ghorahi, some questioned why I didn’t speak out more against this discrimination, given my background in law. But I was facing my own struggles at the time, living away from my family, working in a law firm as early as 5:45 am, often without breakfast, cleaning the office for about a month before earning my first salary of 200 rupees. I was proud of that paycheck, and to this day, I have kept that 100 rupees as a reminder, framed and untouched.
In Ghorahi, I stayed in a modest room for about Rs 4,000, sharing space with someone from the Muslim community, as I didn’t need anything fancy. While these challenges persist, it’s disheartening that people we consider mentors or gurus, who should be encouraging the younger generation, often fail to believe in us. This remains one of the biggest obstacles for people like me working in this field.
There are many more challenges I have faced, but some are better left unsaid. What remains constant is the will to push forward, no matter what.
How do you balance activism with other aspects of your life?
Balancing the different aspects of my life can sometimes get overwhelming, and there are moments when I just want to let go and be carefree. After taking my first semester exam, I felt a strong pull toward activism which gave me a sense of purpose and happiness. I also have a deep passion for music, and I had planned to take music lessons to explore that further. However, every time I achieve a goal, new opportunities seem to come my way, and I find myself diving into new projects with full dedication. Once I complete one task, I move on to the next, which often means I haven’t yet been able to fully pursue what I truly want to as a 19-year-old.
My friends often praise my work and achievements, and while Glocal Teen Hero is a major milestone for me, I still don’t feel like I have achieved something truly great. Since returning from Rukum three days ago, I have been less active and haven’t felt particularly productive. Yet, I believe that when I find something positive and sustainable, that vision carries me forward, even through the ups and downs. I have always maintained consistency in my work and will continue to do so, as that’s what keeps me balanced in my time, goals and decision-making.
I continue to grow with each new experience, whether it’s through platforms like WOW or other meaningful projects. There’s so much to learn, and I am absorbing new lessons every day moving forward.
What advice would you give to young people who want to get involved in activism?
Working in this field comes with significant challenges, which is why it’s essential to remain unfazed by those who may try to discourage us. It’s important not to let a few negative words derail our efforts, as that can cause even the purest of intentions to fade. Thoughts like ‘This isn’t for me’ or ‘I should stop’ may creep in, but in the face of adversity, we must persevere. These challenges, in time, will become stepping stones or guideposts to help us grow.
The key is to focus not on personal gain, but on the betterment of society and the country. While obstacles are inevitable, it’s crucial to move forward with a fresh mindset and a clear vision. Maintaining focus on our direction, while putting in the hard work necessary to reach our goals, is essential. Success might not come immediately, but with persistence, we will eventually reach the heights we strive for.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals as an activist?
This is always a difficult question for me. Wherever I go, people ask, ‘You’ve worked in so many different sectors, but if you had to choose, which one would it be?’ The truth is, I don’t see my identity or future without all the things I am involved in. These are aspects of my life that need to be balanced. If you are not satisfied with the work you are doing, it can feel like struggling to breathe, which I have experienced at times. Rather than choosing one path, I focus on finding harmony between my advocacy, activism, and personal passions like music.
While my personal interests are important, my main priority remains on giving back to the society. As a law student, my focus lies in social advocacy, particularly in defending the rights of minorities who are marginalized due to their caste or culture. Many people are still denied justice and fundamental rights due to legal complexities, and I want to guide them in reclaiming those rights. Although my personal passions will always be a part of me, my drive to make a difference in society is what motivates me the most.
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