Suryodaya’s Vision: A Conversation with Rishi Dhamala on ‘Janta Janna Chahanxan’ About Our Progress, Potential, and Purpose

Namaskar and greetings to all!

Recently I as the Mayor of Suryodaya Municipality, had the distinct honor of appearing on the esteemed and popular program “Janta Janna Chahanxan” with one of the most respected journalist of Nepal, Mr. Rishi Dhamala. On this moment through this blog post I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Rishi Ji and the entire dedicated team at “Janta Janna Chahanxan” for providing me the platform as the Mayor of Suryodaya Municipality to share our visions, missions and goals to the entirety of Nepali community.

About Suryodaya Municipality

As it is known to most of the Nepalis living around every corner of Nepal, Suryodaya Municipality is nestled in the lap of nature, is rapidly emerging as a significant tourism hub (with numbers now exceeding to above 1,50,000) due to the presence of breathtaking natural beauty, most notably the serene landscapes of Kanyam tea gardens and captivating sunrise views from Antu Danda.

The appearance on the program with such a massive audience enabled me to further promote and share the uniqueness and the immense potential that uniqueness beholds for our Suryodaya Municipality.

Highlighting Ilam’s Global Tea Identity

The key highlight of the discussion on the program with Rishi Ji was the discussion regarding the global recognition of Ilam’s orthodox black tea which offers it’s own set of quality and flavor. Our tea which is the primary cash crop of our residents has been a subject of our active promotion mostly in the international market and including the local markets and having provided with such a stage for promotion of our Ilameli orthodox black tea by “Janta Janna Chahanxan” team has undoubtedly helped us in amplifying this message.

Agricultural Growth and Potential

Beyond tourism and tea, the conversation also highlighted the agricultural potential and progress Suryodaya Municipality is currently witnessing. Our farmers are diligently producing high-quality milk and squash, and we are actively working to expand their access to both domestic and international markets.

To fully tap into the promise of our agricultural sector, the municipality has been proactively supporting farmers through the provision of essential tools, technologies, and resources which includes the likes of mini tillers, cow mats, and climate-suitable plant varieties, all aimed at boosting both the quality and quantity of agricultural production.

We are also committed to long-term sustainability through afforestation efforts, which not only improve our ecological balance but also contribute to better agricultural outcomes. While we do face challenges at times, our resolve remains firm. We are dedicated to creating an environment where agriculture thrives and farmers feel supported both through resources and through opportunity.

Infrastructure and Development: Laying the Foundation

To facilitate growth and development across our municipality, infrastructure development remains a top priority for the Municipality. It has always been a matter of pride to share the progress we are making under our comprehensive Municipal Transportation Master Plan (MTMP). This plan focuses on improving road connectivity throughout the municipality, not just for ease of transport, but also to unlock the potential in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and local enterprise.

By enhancing infrastructure, we aim to identify and support areas with high potential for development. Providing these areas with proper road access and essential infrastructure allows us to capitalize on their strengths and promote inclusive, sustainable growth.

Investing in Education and Health

The municipality has always prioritized the well-being of its citizens, and a key reflection of this commitment is our strong focus on quality education and healthcare. We firmly believe that healthy and educated citizens are the backbone of economic prosperity, and this belief guides many of our initiatives.

To support this vision, we have been making significant investments—most notably in the ongoing construction of a new hospital in Phikkal and the establishment of well-equipped health posts across every wards of the municipality. These efforts aim to ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of geography.

Equally important is our dedication to education. From early childhood to higher levels, we are continually working to improve the learning environment and ensure that no child is left behind.

I was also pleased to share details of our innovative pilot program utilizing AI for early disease detection, a pioneering step that showcases how we are embracing technology for public health advancement. This initiative reflects our forward-thinking approach and our desire to build a resilient and future-ready community.

Good Governance and Accountability

I believe in transparent and accountable governance, and it was gratifying to note Suryodaya’s recognition for good governance. We take pride in our low outstanding audit figures from several of regulatory firms without any degree of scattering, reflecting our commitment to financial discipline and responsible management of the public funds.

Looking to the Future

Finally, Rishi Ji also inquired about my future aspirations. While my current focus remains solely on serving the people of Suryodaya Municipality to the best of my ability, I acknowledged that future opportunities in provincial politics are a possibility. Regardless of future roles, my guiding principle will always be honesty and integrity in public service.

Final Words of Gratitude

Once again, I and the entirety of Suryodaya Municipality extends deepest gratitude to Rishi Dhamala Ji and the entire team of “Janta Janna Chahanxan” for this invaluable opportunity. Your program plays a vital role in connecting leaders with the public and fostering important dialogues. We in Suryodaya Municipality are energized by the opportunity to share our story and our vision for a prosperous and sustainable future.

Watch the full discussion unfold below:

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