{{Short description|Nepalese politician}} {{Orphan|date=April 2026}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Nirdesh Silwal | native_name = निर्देश सिलवाल | native_name_lang = ne | image = | image_size = 280px | caption = A Portrait of Nirdesh Silwal in 2025 | office = Central Committee Member<br>Ujyalo Nepal Party | term_start = November 2025 | term_end = | leader = Kulman Ghising | office2 = Chief Advisor<br>Ministry of Youth and Sports (Nepal) | term_start2 = 6 March 2024 | term_end2 = 15 July 2024 | minister2 = Biraj Bhakta Shrestha | office3 = General Secretary<br>Bibeksheel Nepali | term_start3 = October 2019 | term_end3 = 2021 | birth_date = {{Birth date|1990|02|08|}} | birth_place = Lamjung District, Nepal | party = Ujyalo Nepal Party (2025–present) | other_party = Bibeksheel Sajha Party (2019–2021) | education = South Asian University (PhD candidate)<br>Tribhuvan University (MA - Political Science)<br>Malmö University (BA - Global Political Studies (International Relations)) | alma_mater = Malmö University <br />South Asian University <br />Tribhuvan University <br />Nepal Law Campus <br />National School of Sciences, Lainchour <br />Bhu-Pu Sainik Awasiya Ma. Vi. | occupation = Politician, Researcher, Academic | office4 = Lecturer of International Relations and Political Science<br>National Law College, Tribhuvan University | term_start4 = 17 February 2018 | term_end4 = 1 August 2024 | office5 = Lecturer of Political Science<br>Little Angels' College of Management, Kathmandu University | website = {{URL|https://www.facebook.com/nirdesh.silwal}}<br>{{URL|https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirdeshsilwal/}} | awards = Gold Medal in Political Science, Tribhuvan University }}
'''Nirdesh Silwal''' (Nepali: निर्देश सिलवाल) is a Nepalese politician, academic (Gold Medalist), and political scientist.<ref>South Asian University - Academia.edu. [https://southasianuniversity.academia.edu/NirdeshSilwal "Nirdesh Silwal - South Asian University, New Delhi"] Profile indicates PhD Candidate status at Department of International Relations, SAU. Retrieved January 14, 2026.</ref><ref>Aajako Press. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2JZ97pw0wQ&t=137s "एमालेकाे दाउ अर्कै। २५ गतेभित्र हुन सक्छन् यस्ता खेल"] ''YouTube''. 25 February 2023. At 2:17. Interview with journalist Rohit Bhandari where he states he received a Gold Medal in Political Science from Tribhuvan University.</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Pvo2TktikA |title=अबकाे नेपाल {{!}} रास्वपाकाे भविष्य {{!}} चुनाव {{!}} संविधान |date=2026-01-15 |language=ne |publisher=Mayorsap |time=3:05 |access-date=2026-01-19 |people=R C Mishra |website=YouTube}}</ref> He is currently a doctoral candidate in International Relations at the South Asian University (SAU) in New Delhi. Silwal previously served as the General Secretary (Mahamantri) of the Bibeksheel Nepali Dal, a prominent alternative political force in Nepal, from October 2019 to November 2020.<ref>South Asian University - Academia.edu. [https://southasianuniversity.academia.edu/NirdeshSilwal "Nirdesh Silwal"] Academic profile states "Malmö University, Global Political Studies (International Relations), Undergraduate." Retrieved January 14, 2026.</ref><ref>OnlineKhabar. [https://english.onlinekhabar.com/pandey-elected-bibeksheel-nepali-president.html "Pandey elected Bibeksheel Nepali president"] OnlineKhabar. October 2019. Documents Silwal's election as General Secretary of Bibeksheel Nepali Dal.</ref><ref>Wikipedia. "Bibeksheel Nepali" Retrieved January 14, 2026. Lists Nirdesh Silwal as General Secretary (2019–Nov 2020).</ref> He served as a Central Committee Member(CCM) of the Ujyalo Nepal Party.<ref>Khabarhub. [https://english.khabarhub.com/2025/11/505646/ "Actors, independent politicians join Kulman Ghising's Ujyalo Nepal Party"] English Khabarhub. November 27, 2025. Documents Silwal's central committee membership in Ujyalo Nepal Party.</ref><ref>Setopati. [https://en.setopati.com/political/165438 "Why did Kulman Ghising, the Maoists' poster boy... Nirdesh Silwal joins Ujyaalo Nepal Party Central Committee"] Setopati. November 15, 2025.</ref><ref>Kathmandu Post. [https://kathmandupost.com/politics/2025/11/11/ghising-backed-ujyaalo-nepal-party-set-to-register-with-election-commission "Ghising-backed 'Ujyaalo Nepal Party' set to register with Election Commission"] The Kathmandu Post. Published November 10, 2025. States: "A total of 51 members have been selected so far for the party to be listed under the leadership of former energy secretary Anup Kumar Upadhyay."</ref> He has been active in Nepal's alternative politics since around 2012-2013 through the Bibeksheel movement led by Ujwal Thapa.<ref>Nirdesh Silwal Official Website. [https://nirdeshsilwal.com.np/ www.nireshsilwal''.com.np'']. Retrieved 14 January 2026.</ref> He is now a CCM in RaSwaPa.
== Early life and education ==
=== Birth and background ===
Nirdesh Silwal was born on February 8, 1990, in Lamjung District, a district located in the Gandaki Province of Nepal.<ref>Wikipedia. "Lamjung 1 (constituency)" Retrieved January 14, 2026. Describes Lamjung constituency location in Gandaki Province of Nepal.</ref> He received his early education at multiple institutions including Bhu-Pu Sainik Awasiya Maha Vidyalaya, National School of Sciences (Lainchour), and Nepal Law Campus.
=== Undergraduate education ===
Silwal completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Political Studies with a specialization in International Relations at Malmö University in Sweden.<ref>South Asian University - Academia.edu. [https://southasianuniversity.academia.edu/NirdeshSilwal "Nirdesh Silwal"] Retrieved January 14, 2026. States: "Malmö University, Global Political Studies (International Relations), Undergraduate."</ref> Malmö University's Department of Global Political Studies is recognized for its focus on global processes and their implications for power, security, justice, and development, offering an internationally-oriented education in global governance systems.<ref>Malmö University. [https://mau.se/en/about-us/faculties-and-departments/faculty-of-culture-and-society/department-of-global-political-studies/ "Department of Global Political Studies | Malmö University"] Retrieved January 14, 2026. States: "The main focus of our research is on global processes and their implications for power, security, justice and development."</ref>
=== Graduate education ===
Silwal obtained a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal.<ref>South Asian University - Academia.edu. [https://southasianuniversity.academia.edu/NirdeshSilwal "Nirdesh Silwal"] Retrieved January 14, 2026. Lists "Tribhuwan University, Nepal, Central Department of Political Science, Graduate Student."</ref> Tribhuvan University is the oldest and most prestigious university in Nepal, established in 1959.<ref>Tribhuvan University. [https://tribhuvan-university.edu.np/ "Tribhuvan University Official Information"] Retrieved January 14, 2026.</ref>
He was distinguished as an '''Academic Gold Medalist''' at Tribhuvan University, receiving the Lalit Chand Gold Medal for securing the highest academic rank in his graduating cohort.<ref>Tribhuvan University Records. "Tribhuvan University Convocation & Medalist Records" Tribhuvan University. Nirdesh Silwal listed as Gold Medalist in Political Science.</ref><ref>South Asian University - Academia.edu. [https://southasianuniversity.academia.edu/NirdeshSilwal "Nirdesh Silwal"] Academic profile. Retrieved January 14, 2026.</ref>
=== Doctoral education ===
As of 2024, Silwal is a PhD candidate at the Department of International Relations, South Asian University (SAU), New Delhi. His doctoral research focuses on democratization, geopolitical dynamics, and civic space in South Asia.<ref>South Asian University - Academia.edu. [https://southasianuniversity.academia.edu/NirdeshSilwal "Nirdesh Silwal"] Retrieved January 14, 2026. Lists research interests: "Political Science, International Relations, Geopolitics, Democratization, Civic Space."</ref> The PhD in International Relations program at South Asian University is a rigorous program that trains doctoral researchers in advanced international relations theory and methodology.<ref>South Asian University. [https://sau.int/phd-in-international-relations/ "PhD in International Relations"] Retrieved January 14, 2026. Program details and research focus areas.</ref>
== Academic career ==
Silwal has developed an extensive background in higher education, having served as a lecturer at prominent institutions in Nepal. From February 2018 to August 2024, he served as a Lecturer of International Relations and Political Science for the Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Laws (BALLB) program at National Law College, affiliated with Tribhuvan University.<ref>National Law College. [https://www.nalc.edu.np/ "National Law College"] Retrieved January 14, 2026. Official website of institution.</ref><ref>National Law College. [https://www.nalc.edu.np/about-us/faculties "Faculties - National Law College"] Retrieved January 14, 2026. Faculty directory lists Nirdesh Silwal as faculty member.</ref><ref>Tribhuvan University. [https://fol.tu.edu.np/pages/ballb-bachelor-of-arts-bachelor-of-laws-240 "B.A.LL.B (Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Laws)"] Retrieved January 14, 2026. States National Law College offers BALLB program.</ref> National Law College is recognized as the first private law college affiliated with Tribhuvan University in Nepal.<ref>Edusanjal. [https://edusanjal.com/college/national-law-college/ "National Law College"] Retrieved January 14, 2026. Describes NaLC as "the first Private Law College affiliated to Tribhuvan University in Nepal."</ref>
Additionally, Silwal taught Political Science to Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Bachelor of Business Information Systems (BBIS) students at Little Angels' College of Management (LACM), affiliated with Kathmandu University.<ref>Little Angels' College of Management. [https://www.lacm.edu.np/article/AboutUs "About Us"] Retrieved January 14, 2026. States LACM offers BBA and BBIS programs.</ref><ref>Colleges Nepal. [https://www.collegesnepal.com/little-angels-college-of-management-lacm/ "Little Angels College of Management"] Retrieved January 14, 2026. Confirms LACM affiliation with Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM).</ref>
His research interests encompass democratization, civic space, and Nepal's geopolitical dynamics. He has contributed to academic discourse through research papers and articles analyzing Nepal's democratic transition and the role of civil society.
=== International academic recognition ===
Silwal was recognized internationally as a speaker on student politics and youth political participation. He participated as a panelist in the "Young Politicians Round Table: Analysing Student Politics in Asia," organized by the International Association of Political Science Students (IAPSS) on July 3–4, 2020.<ref>IAPSS (International Association of Political Science Students). [https://www.ipsa.org/na/event/young-politicians-round-table-analysing-student-politics-asia "Young Politicians Round Table: Analysing Student Politics in Asia"] IPSA Event. Published July 3, 2020. Lists speakers including "Nirdesh Silwal, Secretary General: Bibeksheel Nepali Party, Lecturer National Law College and Khatmandu University, Former President Society of Political Science Students, Nepal."</ref> This international forum brought together youth political leaders from across Asia to discuss emerging trends in student politics and youth engagement.
== Political career ==
=== Early activism and 2017 election ===
Silwal has been active in the alternative politics sphere since 2012–2013, involving himself in the early stages of the Bibeksheel Nepali movement. He formally entered electoral politics during the 2017 Nepalese general election, where he contested as a candidate for the House of Representatives from Lamjung District.<ref>Electoral Commission of Nepal Records & Ekantipur. Lamjung District constituency information showing candidates in multiple election cycles. Nirdesh Silwal documented as candidate from Lamjung in federal elections (2017, 2022).</ref><ref>Wikipedia. "1st Federal Parliament of Nepal" Retrieved January 14, 2026.</ref> In the 2017 election, Dev Prasad Gurung of the CPN (Maoist Centre) was elected from Lamjung.<ref>Wikipedia. "Lamjung 1 (constituency)" Retrieved January 14, 2026. States "Elected to the House of Representatives from Lamjung in the 2017 polls."</ref>
=== Bibeksheel Nepali Dal leadership (2019–2021) ===
Following the Bibeksheel Sajha Party split on January 11, 2019, Silwal played a key role in reorganizing the Bibeksheel Nepali Dal. During the party's general convention held in Janakpur on October 17, 2019, Milan Pandey was elected as Chairman, and Silwal was elected as General Secretary (Mahamantri).<ref>OnlineKhabar. [https://english.onlinekhabar.com/pandey-elected-bibeksheel-nepali-president.html "Pandey elected Bibeksheel Nepali president, Silwal General Secretary"] OnlineKhabar. October 2019. Documents Silwal's election as General Secretary of Bibeksheel Nepali Dal.</ref><ref>MyRepublica. [https://www.myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/milan-pandey-elected-as-bibeksheel-nepali-dal-president "30-year-old Milan Pandey elected as Bibeksheel Nepali..."] December 19, 2025. Retrieved January 14, 2026. Confirms: "Nirdesh Silwal has been elected as general secretary."</ref>
In his role as General Secretary, Silwal advocated for "virtuous politics" (Sanskritik Rajniti) and structural reforms within the party. He served in this capacity until November 2020.<ref>Wikipedia. "Bibeksheel Nepali" Retrieved January 14, 2026. Lists "Nirdesh Silwal (2019–Nov 2020)" as General Secretary.</ref> During this period, he was also recognized as a speaker on youth political participation, being identified as "Former President Society of Political Science Students, Nepal" at the IAPSS July 2020 event.<ref>IAPSS (International Association of Political Science Students). [https://www.ipsa.org/na/event/young-politicians-round-table-analysing-student-politics-asia "Young Politicians Round Table: Analysing Student Politics in Asia"] IPSA Event. Published July 3, 2020.</ref>
=== 2022 election and independent activism ===
Silwal contested again in Nepal's House of Representatives elections held on November 20, 2022, again from Lamjung District.<ref>Electoral Commission of Nepal Records & Ekantipur. Lamjung District constituency information showing candidates in multiple election cycles. Nirdesh Silwal documented as candidate from Lamjung in federal elections (2017, 2022).</ref><ref>Wikipedia. "2022 Nepalese general election" Retrieved January 14, 2026.</ref> In this election, Prithvi Subba Gurung of the CPN (UML) was elected from Lamjung.<ref>Kathmandu Post. [https://kathmandupost.com/national/2022/11/21/uml-s-prithivi-subba-gurung-leading-in-lamjung-1 "UML's Prithivi Subba Gurung leading in Lamjung-1"] November 21, 2022. Retrieved January 14, 2026.</ref>
Following internal shifts in the alternative political landscape after 2020, Silwal remained active as an independent political voice and commentator on Nepali politics.
=== Ministry of Youth and Sports (2024) ===
In March 2024, following the appointment of Biraj Bhakta Shrestha as Minister of Youth and Sports, Silwal was appointed as Chief Advisor to the Ministry.<ref>Biraj Bhakta Shrestha - Wikipedia. "Biraj Bhakta Shrestha" Retrieved January 14, 2026. States he served "since 6 March 2024 to July 2024" as Minister of Youth and Sports.</ref><ref>Nepal Olympic Committee. [https://www.nocnepal.org.np/welcome-to-the-newly-appointed-minister-of-youth-and-sports-ministry-honorable-biraj-bhakta-shrestha "Welcome to the newly appointed Minister of Youth and Sports"] March 22, 2024. Retrieved January 14, 2026.</ref> He served in this capacity from March 6, 2024, until the government changed in July 2024. During his tenure, Silwal was part of the core team responsible for policy formulation, focusing on sports governance reforms and youth engagement strategies. He worked closely with Minister Shrestha to address systemic issues within Nepal's sports administration, advocating for transparency and the depoliticization of sports bodies.
=== Ujyalo Nepal Party (2025) ===
In November 2025, Silwal formally joined the Ujyalo Nepal Party, a newly consolidated political force backed by Energy Minister Kulman Ghising.<ref>Khabarhub. [https://english.khabarhub.com/2025/11/505646/ "Actors, independent politicians join Kulman Ghising's Ujyalo Nepal Party"] English Khabarhub. November 27, 2025. Documents Silwal's central committee membership in Ujyalo Nepal Party.</ref><ref>Kathmandu Post. [https://kathmandupost.com/politics/2025/11/11/ghising-backed-ujyaalo-nepal-party-set-to-register-with-election-commission "Ghising-backed 'Ujyaalo Nepal Party' set to register with Election Commission"] The Kathmandu Post. Published November 10, 2025. States: "A total of 51 members have been selected so far for the party to be listed under the leadership of former energy secretary Anup Kumar Upadhyay."</ref> He was appointed as a Central Committee Member representing the party's technocratic and youth wing.<ref>Setopati. [https://en.setopati.com/political/165438 "Why did Kulman Ghising, the Maoists' poster boy... Nirdesh Silwal joins Ujyaalo Nepal Party Central Committee"] Setopati. November 15, 2025.</ref><ref>Kathmandu Post. [https://kathmandupost.com/politics/2025/12/04/kulman-s-ujyalo-nepal-calls-for-replacing-provincial-assemblies-with-councils "Kulman's Ujyalo Nepal calls for replacing provincial assemblies with councils"] December 4, 2025. Retrieved January 14, 2026. States "Kulman Ghising... unveiled his own party, Ujyalo Nepal... Ghising is the party's patron."</ref>
Silwal has publicly announced his intention to contest in upcoming legislative elections representing the Ujyalo Nepal Party, focusing his political platform on energy security, good governance, and evidence-based policymaking. According to reports, he has been engaged in discussions on political negotiations and power-sharing at the central committee level.<ref>Kathmandu Post. [https://kathmandupost.com/politics/2025/12/28/lamichhane-shah-and-ghising-pursue-comprehensive-deal "Lamichhane, Shah and Ghising pursue comprehensive deal"] The Kathmandu Post. Published December 27, 2025. Direct quotes from Nirdesh Silwal as central committee member on political negotiations and power-sharing concerns.</ref>
== Research and academic interests ==
Silwal maintains active profiles on multiple academic research platforms documenting his scholarly work and interests.<ref>ResearchGate. [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nirdesh-Silwal "Nirdesh Silwal"] Academic research profile on ResearchGate platform documenting research interests.</ref> His research interests encompass democratization, geopolitical dynamics, and civic space in South Asian contexts. His Academia.edu profile indicates over 312 followers and lists multiple research interests including Political Science, International Relations, Geopolitics, Democratization, and Civic Space.<ref>South Asian University - Academia.edu. [https://southasianuniversity.academia.edu/NirdeshSilwal "Nirdesh Silwal"] Retrieved January 14, 2026. Academic profile with publications and research interests.</ref>
== See also ==
2022 Nepalese general election
2017 Nepalese general election
== External links ==
* [https://www.facebook.com/nirdesh.silwal Official Facebook Profile] * [https://southasianuniversity.academia.edu/NirdeshSilwal Academia.edu Profile] * [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirdesh-silwal-6a256532/ LinkedIn Profile] * [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nirdesh-Silwal ResearchGate Profile] * [https://x.com/SilwalNirdesh Twitter/X Profile]
== References ==
<references />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Silwal, Nirdesh}} Category:1990 births Category:People from Lamjung District Category:Bibeksheel Sajha Party politicians Category:Bibeksheel Nepali politicians Category:Living people Category:Rastriya Swatantra Party politicians