London, August 17 – This year’s Talent Star 2025 has been selected in East London.
The event, held at St. George Garrison Open Ground in Woolwich, brought together more than a dozen talented young contestants, from whom the winners of Prativa Nekchetra (Talent Star) 2025 were chosen. In the youth talent category, Ivana Bhattarai secured first place, Mansuna Saru Magar came second, and Diamond Saru Magar placed third. They won cash prizes of £700, £600, and £500 respectively. Participants showcased their skills through dance, singing, and painting. The competition was conducted in three rounds—introduction, talent performance, and a final question-and-answer session. Based on their performances in these stages, the winners were announced. The panel of judges included Dr. Raksha Thapa, Sushil Prajapati, Tanka Dhamala, Dr Kiran Pradhan, and Elina Gurung.
In the children’s category, Surjya KC took first place, Arshiya Bhattarai second, and Sumina Isbo Limbu third. All winners received shields, while every participant was presented with certificates and tokens of love as encouragement.
The program opened with cultural processions representing Nepal’s diverse ethnic communities. Newar, Tharu, Limbu, Magar, Khas, and Arya groups showcased traditional pageantry in their own attire. Highlights included the Naumati Baja of the UK, the Chyabrung procession of Kirat Yakthung Chumlung UK, the Dhannach dance by Sewaro Kalakar Sangh (Limbu), Newari Gai Jatra, Tharu cultural dances, and Khas community folk dances.
The event was inaugurated by Nepal’s Ambassador to the UK, Chandra Kumar Ghimire, who emphasized that the holistic development of Nepali children and youth—whether born in the UK or brought here at an early age—was a primary responsibility of parents, particularly in imparting education in the Nepali language, literature, and culture. He highlighted the importance of programs like Prativa Nekchetra. Invited guest journalist Tika Ram Yatri from Nepal also remarked that while hundreds of Nepali organizations exist in the UK, the work of Prativa Nekchetra stands out as especially meaningful.
The program, chaired by Kumar Bahadur Shrestha, was conducted in different phases: the first round by Laxman Gurung, and the second round by Samira Lama and Rajesh Bardewa. Participants were welcomed by Manish Shrestha. Distinguished attendees included Dolma Sherpa, President of the Federation of Domestic and Small Industries in Kathmandu, Ishwar Gurung, General Secretary Jitendra Shrestha, journalist Tika Ram Yatri, Rishiram Adhikari of Kitab Jatra, and Shailesh Raj Kuwar of Guthi Sansthan, among others.
Conceived in 2017 by Rajendra Khas, Santosh Karki, and others, Talent Star was established with the aim of encouraging Nepali children growing up in the UK to preserve and embrace their language, traditions, and culture. This year marked its sixth edition. Participants also joined from Belgium and Portugal, while organizers announced that the tenth edition will be held in Nepal with global participation.
