Centre for Self-help Development celebrates 35th anniversary

KATHMANDU: Centre for Self-help Development (CSD) celebrated its 35th anniversary, with nearly 100 dignitaries, stakeholders and microfinance representatives gathering to honour outstanding micro-entrepreneurs and institutional contributions to entrepreneurship development.

Former governor of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Dipendra Bahadur Chhetry formally inaugurated the anniversary programme on Thursday, which was chaired by CSD chairperson Shankar Man Shrestha. Executive director of the NRB’s Microfinance Institutions Supervision Department Rajan Bikram Thapa and chairperson of the Nepal Microfinance Bankers’ Association Ram Bahadur Yadav were also in attendance.

As part of the event, CSD presented the Outstanding Micro-Entrepreneur Member Award to three women in recognition of their entrepreneurial achievements. The awardees were Lila Kumari Tharu of Nawaprativa Savings and Credit Cooperative Society, Nawalparasi; Sharmila Thebe of Sahara Nepal Savings and Credit Cooperative Society, Jhapa; and Sunita Tharu of Unique Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha, Banke. The recipients shared their experiences and expressed appreciation for the recognition.

CSD also presented the Entrepreneurship Development Award to Jeevan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha, Morang, in recognition of its organisational efforts to promote entrepreneurial activities among its members.

The programme included an audio-visual presentation on CSD’s history and the release of the Proceedings of the Fifth National Microfinance Member Summit. Bharat Sah, chief executive officer of Chameli Savings and Credit Cooperative Society, delivered remarks on the newly released proceedings.

Guest speakers Ram Bahadur Yadav and Rajan Bikram Thapa offered perspectives on the microfinance sector, followed by an address from chief guest Dipendra Bahadur Chhetry. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from CSD executive committee member Dambar Bahadur Shah and closing remarks from CSD chairperson Shankar Man Shrestha.