Organizing Committee

Ashish Khanal is a development professional with extensive experience working across government institutions, NGOs, INGOs, and donor agencies. His expertise spans project design, implementation, and monitoring, focusing on creating impactful and sustainable programs that address community needs. Ashish has also been actively involved in research and academic publishing, serving on editorial teams of journals and contributing to scholarly work in development and social sciences. Currently, he serves as the Conference Chair for GRIT Conference 2026, leading the overall planning, coordination, and execution of the event. 

Suja Giri is an environmentalist with extensive experience in the development sector, particularly working with community-based organizations, NGOs, and INGOs. Her work has focused on sustainable development, environmental conservation, and community empowerment, with a deep commitment to creating positive, long-term impacts at the grassroots level. Currently, she serves as the Co-chair for GRIT Conference 2026, where she collaborates closely with the leadership team to shape the conference's strategic direction and ensure its successful execution. 

Niraj Bhattarai is an experienced professional with a strong entrepreneurial background, livelihood programs, and project management background. Over the years, he has worked closely with NGOs, INGOs, and government bodies, contributing to developing, implementing, and evaluating development initiatives that promote sustainable community growth and economic empowerment. Currently, Niraj serves as the Secretary Chair for GRIT Conference 2026, where he is responsible for coordinating internal communications, maintaining records and documentation, organizing meetings, and ensuring smooth logistical support for the organizing team. 

Asmita Dahal is passionate about social sciences, policy research, and youth empowerment. With a solid background in research, project coordination, and nonprofit operations, she combines analytical thinking with effective communication and a deep commitment to driving social impact. Currently, she serves as the Publications & Proceedings Chair for the GRIT Conference 2026, where she oversees the coordination and development of conference publications and proceedings, ensuring accuracy, consistency, academic quality, and alignment with the conference’s research objectives.

Shimran Gongba is passionate about research, academic engagement, and youth empowerment. Currently, she serves as the Academic Engagement Chair for the GRIT Conference 2026, where she supports research coordination, facilitates academic and participant engagement, and contributes to creating an interactive and collaborative environment for researchers, scholars, and participants.

Pragya Pahadi is passionate about research communication, academic writing, and knowledge dissemination. Currently, she serves as the Publications & Proceedings Co-Chair for the GRIT Conference 2026, where she contributes to coordinating conference publications, proceedings, and academic materials, while ensuring their quality, consistency, and alignment with the conference’s research objectives.

Prastuti Risal is passionate about research communication, academic outreach, and connecting researchers and scholars through meaningful knowledge-sharing opportunities. Currently, she serves as the Publicity, Outreach & Marketing Chair for the GRIT Conference 2026, where she leads outreach and promotional activities, engages with academic communities and prospective participants, and supports the effective communication of the conference’s research vision and opportunities.