From Harvard & MIT to Nepali Diaspora: MP Pukar Bam Completes Impactful U.S. Visit

Exclusive- Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader and Member of Nepal’s Parliament Pukar Bam has successfully concluded a highly impactful visit across the United States, engaging with Nepali diaspora communities, academics, researchers, entrepreneurs, and youth leaders through a series of discussions focused on identity, integration, investment, education, and the future of Nepal.

The nationwide tour connected diaspora Nepalis from New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Texas, Florida, and Massachusetts, while also strengthening intellectual and academic dialogue with scholars from world renowned prestigious institutions including Harvard University and MIT.

MP Pukar Bam’s U.S. visit was marked by energetic public interactions, policy-centered discussions, and strong calls for deeper collaboration between Nepal and its global diaspora.

Harvard & MIT Dialogue on Nepal’s Future

One of the major highlights of the visit was Mr. Bam’s participation in the “Higher Education Policy, Science & Technology: Contributions from the Nepali Diaspora” interaction program held at Harvard Medical School’s Bulfinch Ether Dome in Boston.

The event brought together scholars, researchers, postdoctoral fellows, PhD candidates, and professionals affiliated with Harvard University, MIT, biotechnology firms, and other Boston-area institutions.

Discussions focused on higher education reform in Nepal, science and technology policy, global research partnerships, and innovative diaspora collaboration models.

The program featured collaboration with education leader Swastika Shrestha of Teach For Nepal and was moderated by distinguished Nepali scholars in the United States. Participants emphasized the importance of building institutional bridges between Nepal and the global academic community.

Mr. Bam also participated in “The Nepal Discourse” at Harvard University, where conversations centered around governance reform, innovation, youth leadership, and Nepal’s role in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Nationwide Diaspora Interactions

Throughout the tour, Mr. Pukar Bam held multiple “Diaspora Discussion” and “Meet & Greet” programs with Nepali communities across the United States.

In Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, and New York, diaspora members engaged in open discussions on issues including:

• Continuation of Nepali citizenship for descendants abroad

• Identity and integration of Nepali communities overseas

• Investment opportunities in Nepal

• Youth migration and employment

• Dual citizenship and diaspora rights

• Education and technology partnerships

• Political participation and democratic reforms

Programs organized by chapters of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), Nepali community organizations, youth groups, and advocacy networks witnessed enthusiastic participation from community members, professionals, students, and entrepreneurs.

At a major New Jersey interaction program attended by diaspora leaders, academics, and business professionals, discussions focused heavily on the slogan “Once a Nepali, Always a Nepali,” emphasizing the aspirations of millions of Nepalis living abroad who seek stronger legal and emotional ties with their homeland.

Similarly, in Texas and Virginia, attendees raised questions about diaspora voting rights, recognition of foreign-earned skills and education, investment security, and opportunities for second-generation Nepalis to contribute to Nepal’s development.

Strengthening Diaspora Relations

Community leaders across the United States praised Mr. Bam’s willingness to directly engage with difficult policy questions and his openness toward diaspora concerns.

Participants noted that the discussions represented a new style of political engagement—one centered on dialogue, accountability, and inclusion rather than ceremonial appearances.

Many attendees expressed optimism that Nepal’s younger political generation could help institutionalize stronger diaspora engagement policies in the future.

Organizations hosting the events highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between Nepali policymakers and overseas communities, particularly in areas such as education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, technology transfer, and democratic reform.

A New Generation of Political Leadership

Mr. Pukar Bam, 38, is widely regarded as one of the emerging young leaders of Nepal’s new political generation.

A visionary youth leader, Mr. Bam’s professional career reflects a rare blend of academic excellence, policy insight, and public service. Prior to entering active parliamentary politics, he served as a Lecturer and Head of Department at K&K International College while also working as a researcher, policy expert, socio-political innovator, and entrepreneur.

As a Co-founder and Central Committee Member of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), he has played an important role in shaping a new wave of political participation and reform-oriented discourse in Nepal.

In 2025, Bam was selected as an Edward S. Mason Fellow for the Master in Public Administration program at Harvard University—one of the world’s most prestigious recognitions for leadership and public service potential. However, prioritizing national service, he chose to enter electoral politics and was elected to Nepal’s House of Representatives from Kathmandu–4.

Diaspora Voices for Nepal’s Future

The U.S. tour concluded with renewed commitments from diaspora leaders and professionals to remain engaged in Nepal’s democratic and developmental journey.

Across every interaction—from Harvard and MIT discussions to grassroots community forums—the central message remained consistent: the Nepali diaspora is not only emotionally connected to Nepal, but also prepared to contribute knowledge, investment, innovation, and global networks toward the nation’s future.

For many attendees, the visit symbolized a growing recognition that Nepal’s future development will increasingly depend on meaningful partnerships between the homeland and its millions of citizens living abroad.