Atlas Network is proud to present the 2023 Asia Liberty Award to Bikalpa—An Alternative. The award was accepted by Founder and Executive Director Basanta Adhikari at Asia Liberty Forum 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Asia Liberty Award is part of the “Templeton Freedom Award” prize program sponsored by Templeton Religion Trust—named for the late investor and philanthropist Sir John Templeton. In addition to Africa, the program sponsors awards in Europe, Asia, Latin America, North America, and the Middle East & North Africa. Its grand prize, the Templeton Freedom Award, is presented annually at Atlas Network’s Liberty Forum & Freedom Dinner in New York City. In 2023, the prize program will award $270,000 in grants to high-achieving organizations that make innovative contributions to economic freedom and human progress.
Motorbikes are an essential form of transportation in Nepal, but inadequate and often corrupt administration of motorbike licensing leaves many drivers waiting years to legally operate a vehicle. Nepalis are often forced to drive without a license, risking high fines, demands of bribes from officials, and even prison. Working from their homebase in Nepal’s Koshi Province, Bikalpa—An Alternative brought widespread attention to this injustice, spurring popular protests. In response, the provincial government expanded the number of offices issuing motorbike licenses, slashing wait times down to a single week.
“Across Asia, our partners are working tirelessly for freedom and prosperity, despite facing authoritarianism, protectionism, and other threats to individual liberty,” said Atlas Network President Matt Warner. “Atlas Network is proud to honor these three free-market champions and celebrate the gold standard they have set for other organizations in Asia and around the world. From Indonesia to the Philippines to Nepal, our independent think tank partners inspire us with their efforts to achieve liberty for all.”