The most defining narrative of Kalikot in 2024 is the struggle for education. Historically, Karnali has lagged behind national literacy averages, but Kalikot has recently gained national attention for a revolutionary shift in its educational governance. Following the local elections, the local government, led by Chairperson Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, implemented a policy to switch the medium of instruction in community schools from Nepali to English. By 2024, this policy has begun to bear fruit, with a reported increase in student enrollment rates as parents gain confidence in public schooling. This shift represents a broader desire among the people of Kalikot to compete on a national stage, breaking the cycle of educational migration that has long drained the district of its youth.
