Nepal, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, is also home to several individuals who have made significant contributions to the social sector. These people have championed various causes, such as education, human rights, health, and social justice, and have created lasting impacts in their communities.
In this blog post, we will explore 20 notable and famous Nepali people who have excelled in the social sector and how their work has transformed Nepal.
1. Pushpa Basnet – Champion for Children’s Rights
Pushpa Basnet, often referred to as “Mamu,” is a social worker dedicated to the rights of children whose parents are incarcerated. Her journey began when she realized that children in Nepal who have parents serving time in prison often accompany them due to a lack of alternative care. In response, she founded the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) and the Butterfly Home, where children can live a more normal life while their parents are in prison.
Basnet’s work has earned her international recognition. She was honored as CNN’s Hero of the Year in 2012, and her relentless efforts have transformed the lives of countless children by providing them with education, care, and emotional support.
2. Anuradha Koirala – Crusader Against Human Trafficking
Anuradha Koirala, founder of Maiti Nepal, is a leading figure in the fight against human trafficking, particularly the trafficking of women and girls in Nepal. Maiti Nepal works tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Koirala’s passion for her cause has been recognized globally, earning her the CNN Hero of the Year Award in 2010. Her work has rescued thousands of women and children from trafficking, providing them with a safe space, legal assistance, and vocational training. Koirala continues to be an inspiration for human rights activists worldwide.
3. Dr. Sanduk Ruit – Restoring Sight to the Blind
Dr. Sanduk Ruit is a globally acclaimed ophthalmologist known for pioneering a low-cost cataract surgery that has restored sight to over 120,000 people in Nepal and around the world. He co-founded the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, where he developed the cost-effective cataract surgery technique, making it accessible to the underprivileged.
Dr. Ruit’s work extends beyond Nepal, as he has trained surgeons from all over the world to perform the surgery, contributing to blindness prevention globally. His innovations have not only restored eyesight but have also changed the lives of those who were previously marginalized by their disability.
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4. Mahabir Pun – Advocate for Rural Technology
Mahabir Pun is a social entrepreneur and the founder of the National Innovation Center. He is best known for bringing internet connectivity to remote villages in Nepal, significantly improving education, communication, and healthcare in these areas.
Pun’s Himalayan Wireless Network helped bridge the digital divide, allowing people in isolated regions to access modern technologies. His work has received national and international accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, often considered Asia’s Nobel Prize, for Community Leadership in 2007. Pun continues to advocate for innovation and technology as tools for social change in Nepal.
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5. Sanjeev Pradhan – Environmentalist and Community Developer
Sanjeev Pradhan is a prominent environmentalist and social worker who has made a mark in the field of sustainable development in Nepal. He has been deeply involved in various community-based forest management programs, empowering local communities to conserve their natural resources while ensuring their livelihood.
Pradhan’s efforts have led to the creation of numerous community forests across Nepal, benefiting thousands of rural families. He has been instrumental in promoting eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy projects, which have helped uplift the living standards of marginalized communities in Nepal.
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6. Lily Thapa – Empowering Widows
Lily Thapa, the founder of Women for Human Rights (WHR), has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of widows in Nepal. In a society where widows often face discrimination and exclusion, Thapa’s organization provides them with support, empowerment, and opportunities for economic independence.
WHR’s work has helped break the stigma associated with widowhood in Nepal, providing legal aid, vocational training, and psychosocial counseling. Thapa’s efforts have empowered thousands of women to reclaim their dignity and lead independent lives. She is recognized as a pioneer in the fight for women’s rights in Nepal.
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7. Kanak Mani Dixit – Journalist and Social Activist
Kanak Mani Dixit is a renowned journalist, editor, and social activist who has been at the forefront of advocating for democratic values, human rights, and social justice in Nepal. As the founder of the Himal Southasian magazine and the Social Science Baha, Dixit has used his platforms to raise awareness about social issues, particularly those affecting marginalized groups.
Dixit’s advocacy for human rights and freedom of speech has made him a respected figure in Nepal and South Asia. His work in the social sector also includes disability rights, and he has been involved in the creation of the Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Center in Kathmandu.
8. Rup Chandra Bista – Champion of Social Equality
Rup Chandra Bista, a social reformer and politician, is best known for his advocacy of Tharuwat, a movement aimed at empowering the indigenous Tharu community in Nepal. Bista’s efforts were instrumental in giving a voice to the Tharu people, who had been marginalized for decades.
Bista’s activism focused on promoting social equality, education, and political representation for the Tharu community. His work has inspired generations of Tharu activists to continue fighting for their rights. Bista’s legacy lives on as a symbol of resistance against social injustice in Nepal.
9. Dhurba Giri – Wildlife Conservationist
Dhurba Giri is a notable figure in wildlife conservation in Nepal, particularly for his work in the Bardia National Park. He has been instrumental in the conservation of endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, rhinoceros, and elephant.
Giri has worked closely with local communities to promote sustainable conservation practices, which has not only protected wildlife but also enhanced the livelihoods of the people living near the park. His efforts have contributed to a resurgence in Nepal’s wildlife population and have made Bardia a prime destination for eco-tourism.
10. Kul Chandra Gautam – Advocate for Child Rights and Development
Kul Chandra Gautam is a former Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations. His work in global development, particularly in promoting child rights, health, and education, has made a significant impact both in Nepal and internationally. Gautam has been a strong voice in advocating for social reforms aimed at improving the lives of children, women, and marginalized groups.
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After his UN career, he returned to Nepal to focus on developmental projects, contributing to various initiatives promoting human rights, democracy, and sustainable development. His leadership has earned him respect in global development circles.
11. Rupesh Shah – Advocate for Mental Health Awareness
Rupesh Shah is a leading advocate for mental health awareness in Nepal. As the founder of Psychbigyaan Network Nepal (PNN), an organization dedicated to promoting mental health education and awareness, Shah has played a pivotal role in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues in Nepalese society.
Through PNN, he has spearheaded campaigns, workshops, and counseling services, focusing on educating both urban and rural populations about the importance of mental well-being. His work has been instrumental in creating a supportive environment for people facing mental health challenges, and he continues to push for greater access to mental health care and support services across Nepal.
12. Radha Paudel – Menstrual Health and Women’s Rights Activist
Radha Paudel is a social activist known for her work in promoting menstrual health, dignity, and education in Nepal. As the founder of the Radha Paudel Foundation, she has been at the forefront of challenging deep-rooted taboos related to menstruation, especially the practice of Chhaupadi, where women are isolated during their menstrual cycles.
Paudel’s activism and campaigns have led to increased awareness and policy changes regarding menstrual health management in Nepal. She continues to empower women and girls by educating them about their rights and advocating for safe and dignified menstrual practices.
13. Dr. Bhagawan Koirala – Leading Heart Surgeon and Philanthropist
Dr. Bhagawan Koirala is a renowned cardiologist and the former director of the Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center. His contributions to the medical field, particularly in performing life-saving heart surgeries for underprivileged patients, have earned him a reputation as a compassionate physician.
Dr. Koirala has led numerous initiatives to make heart surgery accessible and affordable to Nepal’s rural population, often conducting free surgeries for those who cannot afford the treatment. His philanthropy has extended beyond medicine, as he has been involved in advocating for better healthcare infrastructure in Nepal.
14. Padma Ratna Tuladhar – Human Rights and Peace Activist
Padma Ratna Tuladhar was a prominent human rights activist, politician, and advocate for the rights of indigenous people in Nepal. He played a significant role in the 2006 People’s Movement, which led to the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of Nepal as a federal democratic republic.
Throughout his life, Tuladhar championed the cause of marginalized communities, particularly the Newar and indigenous peoples. His efforts were critical in promoting peace and inclusion during Nepal’s transitional phase, and his legacy continues to influence the country’s political and social spheres.
15. Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba – Advocate for Women’s Empowerment
Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, a well-known social worker, politician, and gender rights activist, has played an important role in promoting women’s rights and development in Nepal. She is the founder of several organizations, including SAATHI, which focuses on domestic violence and gender-based violence.
Dr. Deuba’s work in advocating for gender equality, women’s participation in governance, and women’s access to healthcare has been recognized both nationally and internationally. She continues to push for policy reforms that promote gender equity and social justice in Nepal.
16. Sudarshan Subedi – Disability Rights Advocate
Sudarshan Subedi is a prominent disability rights activist who has tirelessly advocated for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities in Nepal. As the former president of the National Federation of the Disabled Nepal (NFDN), Subedi has worked to ensure that people with disabilities have access to education, employment, and social services.
Subedi’s activism has contributed to significant policy changes in Nepal, including the inclusion of disability rights in the country’s constitution. His work continues to inspire advocacy for inclusive education, accessibility, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
17. Mina Pariyar – Advocate for Dalit Rights
Mina Pariyar is an advocate for Dalit rights and social justice. Growing up in a marginalized Dalit community, she experienced firsthand the discrimination that comes with the caste system. She later became a leading voice in the fight for Dalit rights, working on issues such as caste-based discrimination, access to education, and economic empowerment.
Through her work with various NGOs and social organizations, Pariyar has contributed to the empowerment of Dalit women in Nepal, helping them break free from systemic oppression and gain access to education and employment opportunities.
18. Gauri Pradhan – Child Rights and Youth Advocate
Gauri Pradhan is a social activist and a prominent advocate for child rights, youth development, and democracy in Nepal. He is the founder of Child Workers in Nepal (CWIN), an organization that focuses on protecting children from exploitation, abuse, and trafficking.
Pradhan has been a significant figure in promoting child protection laws and advocating for the welfare of street children and child laborers. His work has had a profound impact on child rights advocacy in Nepal, making him one of the leading voices in this field.
19. Shanta Thapaliya – Advocate for Women’s Legal Rights
Shanta Thapaliya is a lawyer and social activist who has dedicated her career to advocating for women’s legal rights in Nepal. She has been a strong voice in promoting gender equality in the legal system, particularly in areas like property rights, domestic violence, and inheritance laws.
Thapaliya’s work has been instrumental in changing discriminatory laws and empowering women to seek legal redress for their grievances. Her advocacy has helped shape Nepal’s legal framework to be more inclusive and gender-sensitive.
20. Karma Lekshe Tsomo – Buddhist Nun and Social Activist
Karma Lekshe Tsomo is a Buddhist nun, scholar, and social activist who has worked on issues of human rights, women’s rights, and education in Nepal and globally. As the founder of Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women, Tsomo has been actively involved in promoting gender equality in Buddhist communities.
Her advocacy for education, gender equality, and interfaith dialogue has created a platform for women, particularly Buddhist nuns, to gain access to education and leadership roles in their communities. Tsomo’s efforts have helped bridge the gap between religious traditions and social justice, inspiring women across Asia to pursue education and equality.
These additional figures further showcase the diversity of individuals working to make Nepal a better place. Whether through education, human rights, healthcare, or environmental conservation, their contributions have had a far-reaching impact on Nepal’s social fabric. Together, they embody the spirit of social change, striving to create a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society for future generations.
Conclusion
These 10 notable and famous Nepali figures in the social sector have significantly shaped Nepal’s social landscape through their tireless work in education, human rights, conservation, healthcare, and more. Their contributions continue to inspire future generations to advocate for social change, making Nepal a more inclusive and equitable society. Through their efforts, they have not only impacted their immediate communities but have also left a lasting legacy on a national and even global scale.
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