CBC : Visionary Social Activist & Film Producer Empowering Nepal

Chakra Bahadur Chand is a prominent Nepali social activist, filmmaker, and changemaker, widely recognized for his dedication to social transformation, youth empowerment, and cinema with a cause. From humble beginnings in the Karnali region to producing internationally acclaimed Nepali films, Chand’s journey reflects vision, resilience, and an unbreakable commitment to building a better Nepal.

Early Life and Humble Beginnings

Born in the remote Dailekh district of Nepal’s Karnali Province, Chakra Bahadur Chand grew up in a struggling peasant family. Raised amidst economic hardship, his early life was shaped by struggle, which built his physical endurance, empathy, and a profound sense of social responsibility.

His educational journey started in a rural village school. Later, he moved from Dailekh to Surkhet, Nepalgunj, and Kathmandu, even working in Siliguri, India. These experiences enriched his worldview, fostering sensitivity toward social injustice and nurturing a desire to serve the community.

Social Activism: A Lifelong Commitment

Chakra Bahadur Chand has dedicated over 28 years to grassroots social activism in Nepal. His focus areas include:

• Education & Youth Empowerment

• Environmental Conservation & Tree Plantation

• Women Empowerment

• Public Health & Sanitation

• Preservation of Local Culture

Key Achievements:

• Coordinated national tree plantation campaigns for over 20 years.

• Led post-earthquake relief efforts in 10 districts during the 2015 Nepal Earthquake.

• Contributed to health camps, income-generation training, and youth leadership programs in Banke, Bardiya, Surkhet, Mugu, Dolpa, and Dailekh.

• Volunteered during the Bhuj earthquake in Gujarat, India, donating to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

• Organized blood donation drives and public speaking/vocational training camps across Nepal and India.

Chand’s commitment is evident through grassroots activism that has impacted thousands of lives, empowered youth, and fostered long-term social development.

A Leader with International Experience

Chand served for 18 years with the Japanese organization Reiyukai, climbing from a general staff position in Nepalgunj to become the Administrative Head in India and later Chief of the Nepal office. His international exposure enriched his management, cross-cultural communication, and leadership skills.

The Bagmati Clean-up Mega Campaign

One of his most iconic initiatives is the Bagmati Clean-Up Mega Campaign, which he has led for 13 consecutive years. Held every Saturday, this campaign mobilizes thousands of volunteers to clean the Bagmati River and surrounding areas. It stands as Nepal’s longest-running civic movement promoting:

• Environmental awareness

• Civic responsibility

• Community-driven change

Film Producer with a Purpose

Chakra Bahadur Chand has effectively merged filmmaking with activism, using cinema as a platform for storytelling, advocacy, and cultural promotion.

Notable Contributions:

• Producer of “Prem Geet 3” – Nepal’s first film to be released in both Nepali and Hindi, gaining entry into India’s Bollywood market.

• Pioneered Nepali film globalization, opening up new markets and international recognition.

• Advocates for regional storytelling, focusing on the lived realities of the Karnali region.

Chand views film as a catalyst for change, believing it can uplift communities, promote Nepali culture and tourism, and address pressing social issues.

Founder of Karnali International Film Festival (KIFF)

To amplify regional voices, Chand launched the Karnali International Film Festival (KIFF) – Nepal’s first major film event based in the Karnali region. The festival:

• Showcases local stories and landscapes to a global audience.

• Promotes film-induced tourism and cultural diplomacy.

• Connects local artists, youth, and government institutions with international creators.

KIFF is a game-changing initiative that has sparked policy discussions, driven local economic growth, and elevated Karnali on the global creative map.

Leadership Style & Values

Chakra Bahadur Chand embodies transformational leadership—marked by humility, hard work, and purpose. His leadership principles include:

• Leading by example, never hesitating to work on the ground with volunteers.

• Creating inclusive spaces for youth, women, artists, and marginalized communities.

• Emphasizing collaboration across sectors for sustainable change.

Legacy of Social Impact

Chand’s contributions to Nepal include:

• Reviving public spaces through cleanliness drives.

• Creating platforms for youth leadership and empowerment.

• Promoting sustainable tourism and local economies through film and festivals.

• Encouraging a culture of self-reliance, innovation, and community development.

His work has inspired thousands, proving that change is possible with commitment, creativity, and courage.

Personal Attributes

• Simple Lifestyle: Known for his modest way of living and strong work ethic.

• Hands-on Leadership: Actively involved in every project from grassroots efforts to international festivals.

• Trusted by Peers: Colleagues describe him as honest, visionary, courageous, and deeply grounded in Nepali values.

Vision for the Future

Chakra Bahadur Chand is determined to continue:

• Highlighting Nepal’s hidden stories, natural beauty, and cultural treasures.

• Empowering youth and local communities to become agents of change.

• Promoting cinema as a tool for national transformation and global connection.

His dream is of a strong, self-reliant, and inclusive Nepal, where creativity fuels progress and stories build bridges.

Conclusion

Chakra Bahadur Chand is much more than a film producer or social activist—he is a visionary leader, a change-maker, and a beacon of hope for Nepal.

Through his bold initiatives, impactful storytelling, and unwavering dedication to social good, he has transformed lives, empowered communities, and redefined Nepal’s potential in both social and cinematic landscapes.