National College, affiliated with Kathmandu University, proudly hosted the inaugural session of its newly launched “Dialogue Series on Contemporary Politics and Society” on May 30, 2025. The event featured renowned Political Analyst Mr. Hari Sharma, who delivered an engaging and insightful talk titled "Why Democracy? Pluralism in the Age of Populism."
Held on the college premises, the session witnessed the participation of students and faculty members eager to gain deeper insights into the current political landscape. Mr. Sharma, widely respected for his contributions to both academia and public service, shared his perspectives on the evolution of democratic governance, the challenges posed by populism, and the growing influence of technology on political participation.
Mr. Sharma drew on a remarkable career that spans significant roles in government and academia. He served as Principal Secretary to former Prime Minister GP Koirala during three terms (1991–93, 1997–98, 1999–2001), and as Political Advisor to Nepal’s first President, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav. He also contributed to international governance reforms as a consultant for cabinet restructuring in Afghanistan in 2006–07.
With over 15 years of academic experience at Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu College of Management, and Kathmandu University, Mr. Sharma is also a Fulbright Scholar who studied at Cornell University. He used his rich academic background to relate theoretical concepts to real-world political scenarios, making his presentation both thought-provoking and accessible to students. Mr. Sharma engaged students by discussing the impact of technological advancements on political participation and societal perspectives. He also recounted his educational background, holding Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science from Panjab University, India, and Tribhuvan University, Nepal, underscoring the critical thinking needed in today's era of populism.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where students posed questions on democratic resilience, global political trends, and youth participation in politics. Mr. Sharma responded with a nuanced analysis and encouraged students to remain informed, engaged, and principled in their civic roles.
The Dialogue Series aims to foster critical discourse on pressing sociopolitical issues by inviting thought leaders and experts to share their knowledge and experiences. Following the success of this inaugural session, National College looks forward to hosting more such events to enrich the academic environment and promote informed civic engagement among students.
