Ujawal Jha: The Voice Building the Foundation of Change
Balwa, Mahottari – In times when the nation needs solutions more than speeches, leaders like Ujawal Jha emerge — grounded in the soil, driven by purpose, and guided by empathy. A true servant of the people, Jha is not just part of Nepal's political landscape; he is transforming it, one village, one policy, and one life at a time.
From Dusty Roads to National Recognition
Born on September 14, 1992, in the small village of Dhamaura, Jha's early life was shaped by poverty, inequality, and a lack of basic services. But rather than letting those conditions break him, he let them build him. His experiences gave him a powerful perspective — one rooted in the struggles of everyday people.
'I didn't learn politics in books. I learned it from hungry children and jobless youth,' he says.
Starting as a grassroots social activist, Jha focused on bringing education to rural communities. He organized informal schools, provided study materials, and motivated young volunteers to teach in villages where classrooms were empty and hope was fading.
Stepping Into Politics With a Purpose
Jha's journey into politics wasn't driven by ambition, but by a need for structural change. He realized that without influence at the policymaking level, his efforts would always hit a ceiling. As a representative of the Nepal Communist Party (Maoist Center), he has carried his values into parliament and beyond.
His focus areas are clear and consistent:
Educational equity
Affordable healthcare
Youth employment
Gender equality
Rural infrastructure development
But what sets Jha apart is his style of leadership — accessible, action-oriented, and deeply human.
Real Impact, Real People
Ujawal Jha's work isn't measured by headlines, but by results. Thousands of children now have access to schools. Villages once ignored by the health system now host regular medical camps. Under his guidance, skill development centers are training the next generation in trades and technologies that open doors to self-reliance.
His advocacy for women's participation in leadership is also making waves. Many women in Mahottari and nearby districts are now entering public life, raising their voices, and leading community decisions — a quiet revolution he has empowered with conviction.
One recent example of his connection to the grassroots: Jha personally visited five families in Dhamaura to inform them that their electricity bills had decreased — a result of his efforts for subsidized public utilities. It wasn't a grand event. Just a heartfelt conversation with people whose lives he promised to change — and did.
Beyond Awards: A Vision That Lives in Every Citizen
Though honored with multiple national and international awards, Jha remains grounded. 'A medal on the chest means nothing if the hearts of the people are still heavy,' he says.
His long-term vision? A nation that is fair, inclusive, and opportunity-rich, where no child sleeps hungry, no woman is silenced, and no youth leaves the country out of desperation.
'Nations don't rise on slogans,' he says. 'They rise on sincerity, service, and the courage to care.'
Media Contact:
Name: Ujawal Jha
Email: [email protected]
Original Source of the original story >> Ujawal Jha: The Voice Building the Foundation of Change
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Associated Press
Illinois Cracks Down on Robo-Hiring, Missouri's Law Whiplash and Texas Waits
07/21/2025, St. Louis MO // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Illinois: AI Gets a Human Chaperone Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Illinois is putting AI in the HR hot seat. House Bill 3773 ( HB 3773 ), signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker, prohibits employers from using artificial intelligence in ways that discriminate against protected classes, which includes the use of ZIP codes as a proxy for race, gender, or other protected characteristics. 'The law demands transparency,' says Jacob Wiczer, partner at Source One Staffing. 'If employers use AI for hiring, firing, promotions, or any other employment decision, they must notify employees and applicants. ' Violations can trigger civil rights complaints, investigations, and penalties under the Illinois Human Rights Act. What Illinois Employers Need to Do How can Staffing Agencies Help? Staffing agencies offer significant value for employers by helping them monitor AI tools to ensure compliance. 'Staffing partners, like Source One, can provide the people, tools and resources to ensure their clients remain both compliant and productive,' says Wiczer. Adds Wiczer, 'A staffing company can also offer alternative, human-led screening and selection processes to find qualified candidates, while reducing reliance on AI, especially for roles with high-risk AI bias or where legal restrictions make AI use impractical.' In short: know your tech, or it could cost you. Missouri: Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave—Now You See Them, Now You Don't Missouri voters passed Proposition A in Nov. 2024, which raised the minimum wage and introduced a paid sick leave mandate for most private-sector employees. As of May 1, 2025, workers began accruing paid sick leave (one hour for every 30 worked, up to 56 hours a year), and the minimum wage is set to rise to $15/hour on Jan. 1, 2026. But just as employers were getting used to the new rules, the Missouri legislature threw a curveball. The Missouri Senate passed House Bill 567 on May 14, 2025, repealing most of Proposition A. House Bill 567, which is expected to be signed in mid-July by Governor Kehoe, repeals Proposition A 's paid sick leave mandate and any future automatic minimum wage increases tied to inflation. The paid sick leave mandate vanishes on Aug. 28, 2025, but the $15/hour minimum wage increase will still take effect on Jan. 1, 2026 (with no further automatic increases after that). What Missouri Employers Need to Do Texas: Still Waiting for the Next Move While Illinois and Missouri are keeping employers on their toes, Texas is taking a breather — for now. There are no new statewide employment law mandates for private employers in 2025 or 2026, yet. Texas employers should be aware of pending legislation regarding the E-Verify program under Texas Senate Bill 324 ( SB 324 ). The bill was approved by the Texas Senate in April 2025 and is currently pending in the House. If the bill passes, nearly all Texas employers will have to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm that new hires are legally authorized to work in the United States. However, there is no indication that the bill would require retroactive verification of all existing employees. The bill's effective date will be set upon passage by both chambers and the governor's signature. If passed, implementation would be expected to begin in early 2026. For now, only state agencies, public universities, and certain businesses are required to use E-Verify. Stay tuned: things could change quickly if SB 324 gets the green light. Staffing Agencies: Your Compliance Lifeline Staffing companies are more valuable than ever in regulatory rollercoaster. They can: The Bottom Line for Employers in Illinois, Missouri, and Texas No matter where you are, staying compliant with changing state and federal regulations means staying informed — partnering with a staffing agency can help on all fronts. Source One Source published by Submit Press Release >> Illinois Cracks Down on Robo-Hiring, Missouri's Law Whiplash and Texas Waits
Associated Press
18-07-2025
- Associated Press
Global Times: Translators' Voices: Moral framing becomes a key lever of China's geo-economic influence
07/18/2025, Beijing, China // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // 'Promoting sustainable development,' 'opposing unilateral trade measures,' and 'upholding multilateralism' have emerged as some of the key words at the just-concluded 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The international community closely watched the summit, viewing the expanded BRICS as gaining greater weight and influence, and believing that the enlarged grouping will be better positioned to uphold multilateralism and push for improving global governance. The world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, presenting both opportunities and challenges for emerging markets and developing countries. In the article 'the Role of the BRICS in Building a Global Community of Shared Future' included in volume III of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, President Xi noted, 'We BRICS countries need to keep abreast of the historical trend, seize development opportunities, jointly meet challenges, and play a constructive role in building a new model of international relations and a global community of shared future.' In October 2024, at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, President Xi delivered a speech, emphasizing 'It is for our shared pursuit and for the overarching trend of peace and development that we BRICS countries have come together.' 'The more tumultuous our times become, the more we must stand firm at the forefront, exhibiting tenacity, demonstrating the audacity to pioneer and displaying the wisdom to adapt. We must work together to build BRICS into a primary channel for strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations and a vanguard for advancing global governance reform.' In the eighth installment of the special series 'Decoding the Book of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China,' the Global Times, along with People's Daily Overseas Edition, explores the theme: 'Combining the great strength of the Global South to build together a community with a shared future for mankind.' We continue to invite Chinese and foreign scholars, translators of Xi's works, practitioners with firsthand experience, and international readers to discuss China's theoretical innovations and practical contributions within the BRICS framework and Global South cooperation, and to collectively answer the question of our times: 'How does the Chinese model and wisdom empower multilateralism, global governance and sci-tech and innovation cooperation among the Global South?' In the eighth article of the 'Translators' Voices' column, Global Times reporter Ma Tong interviews Olga Migunova, (Chinese name: Mu Fengling), Doctor of Philosophy, Russian Sinologist and translator, and vice chairperson of the St. Petersburg branch of the Russia-China Friendship Association. Migunova is one of the translators of the Russian edition of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China. GT: As a translator of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, which concepts related to Global South cooperation do you find most representative and how is China advancing them through specific policies? What impact do these efforts have on promoting fair development in other Global South countries? Migunova: In Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, President Xi elaborates on cooperation with the Global South through several key concepts, which fully reflect China's commitment to promoting a multipolar world, mutually beneficial development, and offering a development option and strategic direction distinct from Western hegemonic models, with these principles forming an important component of China's contemporary foreign policy. The concept that resonates with me most is the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. This concept is profoundly rich and difficult to summarize in just a few words, but I believe its core lies in rejecting the condescending, hegemonic approach and 'civilizational posturing' of the West. China emphasizes equal partnerships and mutually beneficial cooperation, advocating for joint development without imposing political conditions. This stands in stark contrast to Western practices that often tie economic aid to forced democratic reforms or arbitrarily interpreted human rights standards. Moreover, China consistently upholds the principle of mutual benefit and cooperation. This approach manifests in multiple ways – from boosting local economies through infrastructure development to creating complementary win-win synergies by pairing Chinese technology with Global South industries. The core philosophy moves beyond one-way assistance to shared growth, embodying the Chinese wisdom: 'Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.' Another key concept is the 'new type of international relations,' embodying China's vision for a multipolar world that prioritizes cooperation over confrontation. This principle guides China's foreign policy. President Xi has summarized the core principles of the new type of international relations as mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation. My understanding is that mutual respect entails respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political choices of all nations, regardless of their size or level of development – a stance fundamentally different from Western practices of imposing values through intervention in other countries' internal affairs. Fairness and justice mean rejecting hegemonism, unilateral sanctions, and double standards, while empowering developing nations to play a larger role in global governance through multilateral frameworks like the UN. Win-win cooperation moves beyond the zero-sum mindset, advancing a collaborative approach where all sides gain. This principle is embodied in initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the BRICS mechanism, which drive shared development through economic partnership. More importantly, the principles proposed by President Xi in the book are not just proclamation, but also serve as action guide. The new type of international relations is already being practiced through China's global partnerships with Russia, African nations, and Latin American countries, without falling into traditional military alliances. Through the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, China provides new platforms for global governance. By enhancing the influence of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, China injects positive energy into improving global governance. GT: In his speech at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia in October 2024, President Xi stated, 'As we Chinese often say, 'A man of virtue regards righteousness as the greatest interest.' It is for our shared pursuit and for the overarching trend of peace and development that we BRICS countries have come together.' How do you interpret this principle? In contrast to exclusive cliques led by certain nations, how does BRICS collaboration in economic, cultural and other domains exemplify this approach? Migunova: President Xi is well-versed in the essence of Chinese traditional culture, often citing ancient famous sayings that embody ancient wisdom. The principle of 'regarding righteousness as the greatest interest' signifies that China's foreign policy is not driven by short-term profit-seeking but is rooted in the millennia-old Confucian ideal of 'noble conduct.' This profound philosophy indicates that China's cooperation with BRICS countries is built on a solid moral foundation, differing from Western models not only in economic terms but also in worldview. In Chinese culture, the concept of 'righteousness' permeates all aspects. It underpins concepts such as mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, opposition to zero-sum games, not sacrificing other countries' security for one's own security, the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, and the Chinese Dream. This moral framing has become a key lever of China's geo-economic influence. Within BRICS cooperation, China's emphasis on shared interests, common goals and peace and development embodies the principle of 'righteousness,' while the long-term win-win benefits gained from equitable partnerships embody the concept of 'interests.' BRICS collaboration vividly illustrates how righteousness and benefits can be harmoniously integrated. For instance, the New Development Bank provides infrastructure loans without political strings attached, reflecting fairness and mutual benefit. BRICS supports the export of competitive products like Brazilian soybeans and Indian rice, creating new avenues for mutual gains. Additionally, establishing dedicated scholarships to train African youth elites fosters long-term trust-building through talent development. GT: At the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, President Xi said, 'We should build a BRICS committed to innovation, and we must all act as pioneers of high-quality development.' In recent years, China has proposed a series of initiatives to promote technological cooperation among Global South nations, such as China-BRICS Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development and Cooperation Center. How do you assess the role that China is playing in advancing innovation among BRICS countries? How does this contribute to economic transformation and sustainable development in the broader Global South? Migunova: China has played a vital strategic role for technological advancement within BRICS, driving cooperation, integration and development through multiple channels. As a key integrator of technology value chains, China actively promotes the construction of joint innovation infrastructure. Notable examples include initiatives proposed in 2025, such as the BRICS+ Alliance of Science and Technology Innovation platform, which have gained support and aim to integrate member states' resources, conduct joint R&D, and establish laboratories. China is a global leader in renewable energy, smart grid systems, and energy storage technologies, providing strong support for BRICS' technological advancement. A prime example is the climate-monitoring satellite program jointly developed with Brazil, which demonstrates China's firm commitment to sustainable development and technological sovereignty. China also prioritizes youth engagement in innovation, facilitating in-depth exchanges in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and smart agriculture through platforms such as the BRICS Youth Innovation Summit. These initiatives enhance knowledge sharing and help cultivate high-caliber international youth innovation teams to jointly address global challenges. Unlike some nations that focus on financial speculation, China champions a real economy and innovation-driven growth model, strengthening its economic and technological sovereignty to navigate complex geopolitical challenges. This development path aligns with the strategic demand of BRICS countries, laying the solid material foundation for a multipolar world. Through open and inclusive tech collaboration, China has emerged as the key coordinator of BRICS innovation, accelerating the Global South's leapfrog progress in critical technologies. As the BRICS+ mechanism expands, China actively facilitates new members' integration, boosting the bloc's collective technological capacity. By linking innovation with global market needs, China helps BRICS countries gradually evolve into global innovation hubs—through resource sharing, infrastructure development, and a sustainable development model supported by the real economy. This offers the world a compelling alternative to Western-centric development models. GT: President Xi stated, 'In the face of new opportunities brought by new science and technology, every country has an equal right to development.' He stressed at the national science and technology conference in June 2024 that 'it is essential to materialize the idea of building a community of shared future for humanity to promote open cooperation in science and technology.' In your view, what are the potential areas for technological cooperation between China and the Global South? What makes China's open cooperation model attractive to Global South countries? Migunova: The science and technology partnership between China and Global South nations holds immense potential, particularly in strategic fields that address development priorities and overcome Western technological barriers. AI is a critical direction for cooperation. Through platforms like the China-BRICS Artificial Intelligence Development and Cooperation Center, China provides comprehensive support to Global South partners, including open-source algorithms, cloud computing services, and talent training, embodying the principle of 'teaching a man to fish.' Digital platform projects, such as digital corridors for trade and education, significantly enhance knowledge-sharing efficiency and logistical coordination, setting a new paradigm for South-South cooperation. At this year's BRICS Summit, how AI can better serve sustainable development was a key topic, with participating countries eager to jointly build a truly independent technological ecosystem. Undoubtedly, China's technological innovation strengths will make significant contributions to achieving this goal. Chinese companies are helping developing countries ride the wave of digitalization. Huawei and ZTE have assisted countries in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia in building 5G networks, with prospects for developing local digital ecosystems, such as smart cities in Nigeria and Indonesia. AI holds great promise for various applications, and Chinese technology is poised to make significant contributions in fields like agricultural algorithms, medical diagnostics, public health, and pharmaceuticals. China is driving South-South cooperation in transformative renewable energy, implementing solar, wind, hydropower and hydrogen projects in nations like Saudi Arabia, Brazil and South Africa. Similarly, in agriculture, China is helping Global South countries modernize their agricultural industry through its advanced farming, fishery and aquaculture technologies, and cooperation with countries such as Egypt and Vietnam has achieved noticeable outcomes. Beyond hardware provision, these partnerships focus on technology transfer, enabling nations to build indigenous capabilities through customized core technology solutions. What makes China's cooperation model uniquely attractive is its no-strings-attached approach. Institutions like the New Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank provide accessible financing in developing countries. China also emphasizes local capacity-building—building factories, training workforces, and delivering complete operational solutions. This 'turnkey' approach effectively reduces partners' reliance on Western tech systems. Notably, China's technological cooperation is always aligned with societal needs, such as addressing hunger through digital agriculture or creating jobs through factory construction. This model enables Global South countries to safeguard sovereignty while quickly reaping the dual benefits of infrastructure and innovation. Amid global trade, technology, and political fragmentation, China contributes its wisdom and solutions to the development of the Global South. GT: The volume III of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China includes part of President Xi's speech at the BRICS Business Forum in 2018, in which he states, 'It is necessary to promote international development cooperation, urge developed countries to fulfill their promises on official development assistance and increase support to developing countries.' How do you evaluate China's role in promoting a just and equitable global governance system? What pathways can the Global South consider in building a more inclusive and sustainable multilateral framework? Migunova: China plays a unique and pivotal role in promoting global development exchanges, reflected both in pioneering cooperative initiatives and in concrete practical explorations. As a core driving force in the transformation and development of BRICS nations, the country has creatively built a bridge connecting developed and developing countries. China has championed global development on the G20 platform, with a focus on the Global South, to improve global governance and collaborate with developing nations in achieving modernization. The BRI exemplifies this approach, offering accessible financing that enables African and Latin American nations to participate more fully in global economic systems. China's investments in transportation and energy projects foster sustainable, locally-driven development. At the financial architecture level, China is reshaping global governance structures. In 2024, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved $8.4 billion in financing for 51 projects, primarily benefiting developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Its practices are breaking the Western-dominated financial governance model, advancing the international order toward multipolarity. In this context, Global South countries should take a more proactive role, sharing agricultural, technological, and medical solutions through multilateral platforms like the UN. The 2025 BRICS Summit proposed opposing unilateral protectionist measures and upholding multilateralism, amplifying the Global South's voice in global governance. However, the Global South's influence in international institutions remains limited. In 2024, BRICS countries accounted for over 40 percent of global GDP, yet their representation in the International Monetary Fund and World Bank does not match their economic contributions. Recent developments like the African Union's inclusion in the G20 in 2023 and the 2025 Global South Financiers Forum's call for a fairer global governance system signals a trend toward multipolarity. President Xi's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind advocates addressing challenges like climate change, pandemics, and inequality through dialogue and respect for sovereignty, resonating deeply with the Global South. By opposing unilateral sanctions and tariff wars and promoting cultural and knowledge exchanges, China is driving global governance toward greater fairness. Its new cooperation model, based on mutual respect and win-win outcomes, offers developing countries an alternative to the unipolar system. Source: Global Times:
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
'Roof over people's heads': Proposed cuts to HUD funding could impact local public housing programs
Editor's note: Federal Fallout is a Tribune-Democrat news series addressing the potential local impact of funding cuts. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – President Donald Trump's proposed broad and historic cuts to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's discretionary funding could, if ultimately enacted, significantly transform the nation's public housing and Section 8 rental voucher programs that approximately 20% of Johnstown residents use. Trump, in his 'skinny' budget, recommended slashing HUD's funding by approximately $33 billion, including $26.7 billion for rental assistance programs, compared to this current fiscal year. For now, it is just an outline of a spending plan that, in its text, refers to the nation's 'dysfunctional rental assistance programs,' he said. 'The skinny budget and what I've seen, it isn't enough for us trying to make any kind of guess of what to expect,' JHA Executive Director Mike Alberts said. 'It's too early. There's been no good numbers coming out of the (U.S.) Senate and House (of Representatives) yet that would give us any kind of idea of where we might see cuts in specific programs. We just haven't seen anything to give us a good idea yet.' Alberts continued: 'Really, the only thing that's going to matter in the end is the budget that they pass that is in effect for Oct. 1, which is the federal government's beginning of fiscal year.' Federal Fallout logo Regardless of what budget changes may occur, Alberts said JHA's mission will continue to be helping people 'with the basic human need of housing.' 'With things being tougher than ever with the cost of living in general, affordable housing is absolutely needed, especially in Johnstown and Cambria County, where the poverty rates are traditionally so high,' Alberts said. 'It's important work, and we really rely on those federal dollars to keep the lights on and keep a safe roof over people's heads.' 'Where things stand' JHA operates 1,504 public housing units – with 1,400 being in the city proper – that are used to assist people in poverty or economically disadvantaged conditions, the elderly, and disabled. The dwellings are almost always filled to capacity. Johnstown Housing Authority | Prospect Homes Blueprints Johnstown Housing Authority executive director Mike Alberts with original blueprints for the Prospect Homes Housing Project. Photo taken at the Johnstown Housing Authority main office in the Cambria City section of Johnstown on Monday, May 8, 2023. Meanwhile, as of the end of May, the authority had 764 of its 960 Section 8 vouchers leased up, as part of the nation's rental assistance program. JHA has left vouchers unused due to funding uncertainties. For example, Alberts pointed out that JHA was told to expect $500,000 for the program in May, but only received $460,000 when the money showed up in its account. 'We've been extremely conservative with those vouchers because we don't know where the money is and what the value is, so we've been extremely conservative,' JHA Chairman Charles Arnone said. 'We probably won't be doing any more during the summer until we know where things stand.' In total, JHA has a total budget of just under $20.3 million for fiscal year 2025. The areas of spending are: • Public housing: $8,642,000 • Section 8 landlord payments: $5,675,903 • Section 8 administration fees: $722,233 • Capital Fund: $4,673,514 • Family self-sufficiency ('On The Rise') program: $72,840 • Choice Neighborhoods grant: $500,000. Alberts said the current situation is 'business as usual' with the next budget being 'a huge question mark.' Last year, JHA was awarded a Choice Neighborhood planning grant to develop an outline for stabilizing and improving Coopersdale Homes. The 30-month process is still ongoing. Alberts said the $500,000 grant is 'completely safe.' 'That (planning grant) money's already obligated to us and that's not in any danger of being taken away,' Alberts said. 'That's not all to us yet, since we have to kind of request it as we need it, but there's no danger of that going away.' 'More state control' The Republican president's plan would transform the funding system 'into a State-based formula grant which would allow States to design their own rental assistance programs based on their unique needs and preferences. 'The Budget would also newly institute a two-year cap on rental assistance for able bodied adults, and would ensure a majority of rental assistance funding through States would go to the elderly and disabled. 'A State-based formula program would also lead to significant terminations of Federal regulations.' 'With respect to cuts to housing, one thing that I would view as a positive is it would put more state control on some of these issues,' said state Senate Majority Whip Wayne Langerholc Jr., R-Richland Township. 'I know when we exposed some of the issues within HUD in the past with the (Section 8 voucher) porting, with the wait list, with the influx of individuals from Philadelphia that could not get a voucher in that area but were coming here to Johnstown, our hands were kind of tied. 'There wasn't a lot we could do from a state perspective, as it fell on the federal government. So if that does in fact change and come back, it will give our state much more discretion in shaping that policy and ensuring that it is done appropriately, and we would be able to have an impact on a lot of those areas, specifically that porting issue and the loopholes that we exposed for residency requirements.' Langerholc said the situation is currently 'in flux.' 'It's a fluid situation,' Langerholc said. 'I know it's something that we're watching very closely at the state level, what the federal government is doing across the board as well.'
