The Nepal Geotechnical Society successfully organized the NGS Youth Symposium 2026 on January 16 at the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Kathmandu, as a key pre-event for the upcoming international conference GeoMandu 2027, scheduled for March 17 to 19, 2027, under the central theme Mountain Geotechnics for Infrastructure Development.
The symposium served as a dynamic technical forum aimed at inspiring learning, professional growth, and collaboration among young engineers, researchers, and students, while strengthening the linkage between academic research and field based geotechnical practice in Nepal.
The session was chaired by Dr. Dhundi Raj Pathak, Convener of GeoMandu 2027.
📘 Youth Lecture I
Delivered by Er. Aadarsha Dhakal, recipient of the NGS Excellent Graduate Thesis Award
Topic: Application of analytical and numerical models in optimizing the analysis of laterally loaded pile foundations
📙 Youth Lecture II
Delivered by Dr. Astha Bhatta, Ministry of Energy
Topic: Investigation of flow dynamics and energy dissipation in two phase flow and barrier interactions
🎯 Thematic Lecture
Delivered by Er. Rajan KC, Youth Convener of GeoMandu 2027
The lecture emphasized the critical role of geotechnical engineering in ensuring safe, resilient, and sustainable transport infrastructure development across Nepal’s rugged and geologically complex terrain.
🗣️ Panel Discussion
Title: Strengthening Nepal’s Transport Infrastructure: Role of Geotechnical Engineering in Planning, Design, and Practice
Moderator
Er. Abhash Acharya
Panelists
Er. Shuva Raj Neupane
Er. Hemant Tiwari
Er. Uday Raj Neupane
Dr. Manita Timilsina
Er. Arpan Bahadur Singh
The discussion highlighted the importance of comprehensive site investigations, early involvement of geotechnical experts in infrastructure planning, and systematic documentation of geotechnical challenges and solutions for effective knowledge transfer.
Speaking during the program, Er. Kalpana Adhikari, General Secretary of the Nepal Geotechnical Society, highlighted NGS activities in capacity building, youth engagement, professional development, and international collaboration. Similarly, NGS President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Indra Prasad Acharya and Conference Chair Dr. Mandip Subedi emphasized the significance of the Youth Symposium as an integral part of the long term vision and preparation for GeoMandu 2027, which will also host the 11th Asian Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference and the 1st South Asian Conference on Geotechnics for the first time in Nepal.
The symposium was organized alongside the Geotechnical Model Competition 2026, providing an additional hands on platform for students to showcase innovation, creativity, and practical geotechnical solutions, making the day a comprehensive celebration of youth, knowledge exchange, and engineering excellence.
For more photographs: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b-_vWVOHkKNdwRg4aSkHYfCSwNxHBj7x?usp=sharing
