At Rivers & Roots, our mission has always been about more than just projects or initiatives. It’s about fostering long-term, sustainable change that creates ripples across Nepal. And to achieve this, we rely on a team of individuals who are passionate about making a difference, each bringing their unique skills and vision to the table. Among these remarkable individuals, Projwal Pradhan stands out as a pivotal figure in our organization’s success, especially during times when Pravaek Pradhan the founder, has been away. His leadership, strong relationships, and unwavering commitment to our cause have ensured that Rivers & Roots continues to flourish and make meaningful impacts in the lives of people across Nepal.
One of the most challenging aspects of running a nonprofit or social enterprise is maintaining momentum, particularly when projects are in their infancy. From finding the right partners to building trust within the community, this groundwork is crucial. This is where Projwal’s contribution has been nothing short of exemplary.
He has an innate ability to connect deeply with people, and it’s this talent that has made him indispensable to Rivers & Roots. He was the one to step up, meet with key stakeholders, and build meaningful, long-lasting relationships that continue to support our projects today. His personable approach and ability to listen to the needs of school principals, local community members, and business leaders have earned him the trust and respect that any organization needs to thrive.
It’s not just about the partnerships themselves; He ensures these relationships are nurtured over time, creating a foundation of mutual understanding and shared goals. For example, Jagat Sundar School and VSP—two of our flagship schools—have benefitted immensely from his efforts. At Jagat Sundar School, he was instrumental in ensuring that the school’s engagement with Rivers & Roots was smooth, right from the initial commencement of the program. His detailed coordination and follow-through ensured that every step of the process was transparent, allowing both the school and Rivers & Roots to align their efforts seamlessly. This level of professionalism is what sets him apart and has given Rivers & Roots the credibility it needs to succeed.
As Rivers & Roots began to grow, it became evident that we needed strong leadership on the ground, someone who could handle day-to-day operations without compromising on quality. This is where Projwal’s leadership became invaluable. From scheduling meetings with school leaders to managing project timelines and resource allocation, he has been at the helm, ensuring that every task gets done. His problem-solving abilities are evident in how he handles unforeseen challenges, from logistical hiccups to communication breakdowns. Not only does he step in to find quick solutions, but he also ensures that such issues are addressed long-term, preventing them from recurring in the future. This foresight and attention to detail are precisely what makes him such a valuable member for Rivers & Roots.
Projwal’s commitment to improving Nepal’s infrastructure and environment goes far beyond his role at Rivers & Roots. His passion for community development is reflected in everything he does, whether it’s working on our waste reduction programs or engaging with students to educate them on environmental sustainability. His deep-rooted desire to make a difference is what fuels his work, and it is this same desire that makes him such a valuable asset to our organization.
What sets him apart is not just his ability to manage projects, but his genuine compassion for the people he works with. He is frequently seen going the extra mile to help others, often donating clothes, money, and other resources to those in need. This kind of empathy is rare, and it aligns perfectly with the core values of Rivers & Roots, where we believe that real, lasting change comes from a place of care and mutual respect.
In his personal life, he remains deeply connected to his passion for environmental sustainability. His hobbies reflect his love for the outdoors—whether it’s cycling through the lush landscapes of Nepal or playing competitive squash, he always finds a way to stay active and engaged with the environment. He also manages real estate projects, using his business acumen to create opportunities for sustainable development in Nepal. When he’s not working or engaged in his personal hobbies, he can often be found enjoying time with friends, reflecting his belief in the importance of community, both professionally and personally.
Under Projwal’s leadership, Rivers & Roots has been able to make a significant impact on the schools and communities we work with. One of our most successful initiatives has been our Future Star High School project, where we focused on recycling and waste management as a way to educate students about environmental sustainability. Projwal was instrumental in making sure that this project ran smoothly, working closely with teachers and students to implement the program and track its success. The project was able to recycle 230 kilograms of materials in just one month, a remarkable achievement that would not have been possible without Projwal’s dedication.
Through programs like this, we’ve been able to engage students in meaningful environmental action, teaching them the importance of sustainability while giving them the tools they need to make a difference in their own communities. Projwal’s ability to communicate the goals of these projects clearly and inspire both students and educators has been a key factor in their success.
As we look to the future, Rivers & Roots is poised for growth, and much of that is due to the solid foundation Projwal has helped to build. We are currently working to expand our presence in schools across Nepal, with plans to launch more Rivers & Roots clubs in rural and urban areas alike. These clubs will serve as hubs for environmental education and action, empowering students to take the lead on sustainability projects in their own communities.
We are also excited about the potential of our research sector, where we plan to use the data we’ve collected from our waste reduction and river restoration projects to publish peer-reviewed studies. This research will not only help us improve our own initiatives but also contribute to the broader field of environmental science. Projwal’s meticulous attention to detail and project management skills make him the ideal person to lead these efforts, ensuring that our research is both accurate and impactful.
At Rivers & Roots, we are incredibly fortunate to have someone like Projwal on our team—someone who not only shares our vision for a greener, more sustainable Nepal but also has the drive and determination to make that vision a reality. His leadership and dedication continue to inspire us all, and we look forward to working alongside him as we take Rivers & Roots to new heights in the years to come.
Thank you, Projwal, for all that you do! 🌍
