Nepalese Student Society

Namaste!
I’m Pradip Bhattarai, a Physics Ph.D. student at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and proud President of the Nepalese Student Society (NSS). Originally from Nepal the land of Mount Everest and Gautam Buddha, a nation rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. I’m passionate about Quantum Physics, Social work, and cultural preservation. Through NSS, I aim to foster community, celebrate our heritage, and support fellow students on their academic and cultural journeys.

Vice President: Niranjan Bhusal,

Email: nirajan.bhusal@siu.edu

Coming from land full of culture, tenacity, and peace—the land of Buddha and the courageous Gurkhas. Having these roots as a child taught me to appreciate kindness, bravery, and the power of community. Life, in my opinion, is about inspiring people around us as much as it is about achieving personal goals. I’ve learnt patience and perseverance from challenges, and my belief in kindness and unity has been influenced by my interactions with other people. Every journey is a chance for me to develop and contribute. I aspire to spread these ideals throughout and do it with pride.

Kundan Lamsal serves as the Secretary for the Nepalese Student Society (NSS) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. A graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Kundan brings a wealth of leadership and community service experience to his role.

As Secretary, he is the central hub for communication, managing records and facilitating dialogue to ensure the NSS operates as a supportive and vibrant home away from home for Nepalese students. He is passionate about fostering unity and preserving cultural heritage through society’s events and initiatives. His previous experiences in leadership positions in voluntary service organizations shaped his dedication to community building and civic engagement, a passion he now directs toward supporting his fellow students at SIU.

Treasurer: Prashna Prasai,

email: prashna.prasai@siu.edu

“Prashna Prasai is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health care management at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, with plans to transition into Nursing to advance her career as a registered nurse. She serves as Treasurer of the Nepalese Student Society at SIUC, where she works to strengthen community bonds, support Nepalese students, and promote cultural awareness on campus. Dedicated to unity in diversity, she values society as a platform for personal and professional growth. Outside her academic and leadership roles, she enjoys exploring new places and engaging with her community.”

Email: arjitmani.dhakal@siu.edu

“I’m Arjit Mani Dhakal from Eastern Nepal—the land of brave soldiers. As a master’s student at SIUC, I’m passionate about transforming our community through collaboration and harnessing our collective spirit for positive growth.

Email: rohan.makaishrestha@siu.edu

Rohan Makai Shrestha is a dynamic graduate student at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, currently pursuing his Master of Accountancy. With over 3.5 years of professional experience in the international banking sector, Rohan brings a rare blend of technical expertise and creative leadership to every endeavor. He began his corporate journey immediately after earning his undergraduate degree in Business Information Systems from Kathmandu University. A passionate advocate for youth empowerment and community engagement, Rohan has held several leadership roles—including President of the Kabhre Banepa Leo Club and Campus Director of the Hult Prize at Kathmandu University. He also served as a U.S. Embassy Youth Council Alumni (2023–24), amplifying his commitment to civic impact and global collaboration. Beyond the boardroom and classroom, Rohan is a multifaceted creative with a flair for voiceover, graphic design, and musical performance. His accolades include winning the Hult Prize at Kathmandu University and securing the Runner-up title in the All Nepal Oratory Competition. Driven by a vision to connect with like-minded changemakers across borders, Rohan aspires to spark innovative solutions that uplift communities and inspire lasting change.