The Department of Rural Development at Patan Multiple Campus is a hub for nurturing skilled professionals, researchers, and change-makers in the field of rural transformation. The program is founded on the principles of inclusive, sustainable, and balanced development. It offers students comprehensive knowledge in areas such as economics, sociology, governance, environmental management, agriculture, entrepreneurship, migration, and more. The curriculum blends theory with practical experience through fieldwork, research, and community service.
The Master in Rural Development (MARD) program began at Patan Multiple Campus in 2004, having first been launched at the Central Department of Rural Development (Tribhuvan University) in 2000. Initially, the program was under the Department of Political Science at Patan Multiple Campus and thrived due to the dedication of esteemed academics, including Late Laxman Bahadur KC, Ms. Mansuri Malla, Mr. Tulsi Oli, and Mr. Lal Babu Yadav.
In 2016, the program became an independent department, marking a significant milestone in its growth and innovation. Mr. Gopal Khadka served as the inaugural Program Coordinator and later as the department's first Head of Department (HOD), leading it through a phase of academic and institutional advancement. During the department's early years of independence, Mr. Bimal Khadka also served as the inaugural Program Coordinator. This position was later dissolved to establish a unified leadership structure under the HOD.
Following Mr. Gopal Khadka's tenure, Mr. Raju Ram Adhikari successfully led the department, succeeded by Mr. Awatar Subedi, who continued to enhance its academic standards. The department is now under the leadership of Mr. Bimal Kumar Khadka, who aims to expand its contributions to research, community development, and policy engagement.
Today, the Department remains committed to its mission of promoting academic excellence and leadership for sustainable rural futures through its two-year, four-semester Master's program. Graduates are equipped to make meaningful impacts at the local, national, and global levels.