Who is Sagar Dhakal?
Sagar Dhakal is a Nepali politician, hydropower engineer, researcher, author, and youth activist. Moreover, he gained national attention as an independent candidate in the 2022 general elections from Dadeldhura, directly challenging five-time Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. In addition, he promotes clean government and fights corruption, giving young people more power. His blend of technical expertise, global education, and outspoken activism has made him a symbol of generational change in Nepalese politics.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Sagar Dhakal
- Birthplace: Pipalbot, Gulmi, Nepal
- Nationality: Nepali
- Occupations: Politician, Hydro-Mechanical Engineer, Researcher, Author, Social Activist
- Education: B.E. in Hydro-Mechanical Engineering, Pulchowk Engineering Campus, MSc in Water Science, Policy, and Management, University of Oxford, Regent’s Park College (Weidenfeld–Hoffmann Scholar)
- Political Role: Independent candidate, House of Representatives (Dadeldhura, 2022)
- Known For: Candidacy against Sher Bahadur Deuba, outspoken critic of corruption, youth reformist leader
Early Life and Education
Sagar Dhakal was born in 1992 in Pipalbot, Gulmi District. With an early interest in social issues, science, and arithmetic, he completed his foundational education at local schools. Subsequently, he was accepted as an undergraduate student at Pulchowk Engineering Campus, where he studied hydro-mechanical engineering. He was among the 12,000 students who received full government scholarships after placing fifth in the national entrance exam. Besides this, he received the Indian Embassy’s prestigious Golden Jubilee Scholarship, which is given to just 25 exceptional engineering students each year.
He earned the prestigious Oxford Weidenfeld Scholarship in 2018, graduating with a master’s degree (MSc) in Water Science, Policy, and Management at Regent College of London, University of Oxford.
Academic Accomplishments
- Published peer-reviewed research papers about water resources and hydropower.
- Participated in international conferences throughout the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Received research funding totaling more than $100,000 USD.
- Authored seven math and physics textbooks that have sold over 25,000 copies in Nepal.
Professional Career of Sagar Dhakal
The Ministry of Energy employed Dhakal as the Hydro-Mechanical Engineer for the 410 MW Nalsing Gad Storage Hydropower Project in Nepal. He collaborated with professionals from SMEC (Australia) and MWH (USA).
Outside of Nepal, he worked on initiatives focusing on the intersection of water, health, energy, environment, and climate across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. At the same time, he also played a key role in securing international research partnerships and publishing in leading journals.
Before entering politics, he was well-known for writing reference books and reviews for Nepali high school students, particularly in the subjects of mathematics and physics.
Entry into Politics
In spite of his early interest in politics, Dhakal began his official political career in 2015. Before this, he served the U.S. Embassy Youth Council (USYC) in Kathmandu, and later became the Team Leader of Civic Engagement Project.
He gained more national attention during a viral interview with P.M. Sher Bahadur Deuba on the television program Sajha Sawal, in which Dhakal questioned the prime minister about governance issues and received a barbaric answer. The incident inspired him to formally challenge Deuba in the elections.
Independent Candidate for House of Representatives
In the general election of 2022 (5 Mangsir 2079 B.S.), Sagar Dhakal, with the election symbol of a syringe (सुई), stood as an independent in Dadeldhura, where Sher Bahadur Deuba had his longtime stronghold.
Political Vision
- Put an end to long-standing corruption.
- Increase transparency and accountability.
- Empower underprivileged groups and young people.
- Use science and technology to advance sustainable development.
Highlights of the Campaign
- Despite having few resources, it managed to gain national attention.
- Reaching voters through grassroots efforts and social media.
- Portrayed as a “freedom” reformer, similar to Balen Shah.
- Garnered widespread support from young people nationwide, even though voting was restricted to Dadeldhura inhabitants.
Election results (Sagar Dhakal vs Sheer Bahadur Deuba)
Sagar Dhakal received 13,042 votes (27.16%) in the general election of 2022 in Nepal for the Dadeldhura 1 constituency. In contrast, Sher Bahadur Deuba received 25,534 votes (53.18%), 12,492 more than Dhakal.
Future Plans of Sagar Dhakal
Currently, Sagar Dhakal is working as a professional engineer while slowly laying the groundwork and exploring strategies for the upcoming Nepal’s election. Although he has not openly spoken about his future roadmap in detail, he has mentioned his goal is to create a corruption-free Nepal. In his ideal future, the government will be open, accountable, and centered on the needs of the people rather than the interests of political parties. Therefore, his ongoing political research and grassroots engagement suggest that he is preparing to contest again, with stronger plans for the next elections.
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