26-year-old GU-Q alum is helping build the world’s youngest government in Nepal

Nikhil Sangroula, a former Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) student, is playing a crucial role in Nepal's youngest government, which is currently in place at the age of 36. Sangroula, who is 26 years old, works as a Coordination, Implementation and Monitoring Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He supports the foreign minister's research, drafts speeches, and connects communities and experts with the ministry.

Sangroula grew up in Jhapa, a lowland region in eastern Nepal, where his parents emphasized the importance of education. After graduating from GU-Q, he studied Arabic, international economics, and government. His passion for building bridges led him to join the Nepal Leadership Academy, where he helped design workshops for emerging political leaders.

The current government, led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, is the youngest in the world. Three years after Sangroula graduated from GU-Q, Nepal experienced a government ban on social media, which sparked widespread protests. The situation escalated quickly, resulting in the loss of 19 young lives and a power vacuum. Former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned, leading to the formation of the new government.

Sangroula's work focuses on gathering data to support proposed policies and bringing young, energetic bureaucrats into public service. He sees a strong demand for good governance and economic development, with people looking for swift delivery on outcomes and stability in politics. Sangroula advises GU-Q students considering public service to focus on building consensus and working towards long-term impact, despite the inherent conservatism of the state.