2024
Anita Bhetwal, Special Correspondent, Himal Media, Kathmandu. As a teenager, Anita sold newspapers on the street in her hometown, not knowing that one day she would become a journalist writing about politics, gender issues and social affairs. She is passionate about uncovering untold stories, having seen the impact of her work on trafficked women, hungry children and Covid-19 orphans among others, gaining recognition through awards.
2023
Sahina Shrestha, Editor Online, Nepali Times, Kathmandu. Sahina is in charge of Nepali Times’ online content and social media platforms and remains convinced that journalism is the best way to make a difference in society. She draws the greatest satisfaction from on-the-ground, close-up reporting on issues that matter, from major disasters that devastate communities, to issues of social justice, culture and heritage and development.
2022
Mukesh Pokhrel, Freelance Journalist, Kathmandu. Mukesh has specialised in climate and environment issues over nearly two decades in journalism, covering the critical impact of climate change on Nepal. He has been described as an inspiration for his dedication to drawing attention to endangered wildlife, degradation and other environmental issues. He is interested in travelling.
2021
Anjali Subedi, Freelance Journalist, Kathmandu. Anjali was in university when she wrote a newspaper commentary disagreeing with a seasoned columnist’s view of student protests. She discovered the power of her writing and, despite hurdles along the way, went on to become an award-winning journalist. Her interests are travelling, new cultures, music, nature and writing poetry.
2019
Bhasha Sharma, Correspondent, Nepal Republic Media. As a child, Bhasha walked an hour to school, listened to the radio and knew she wanted to be a journalist when she grew up. Her parents brought her newspapers to read and she pasted news clippings above her bed. After 14 years as a journalist, winning awards and covering legal, political and human rights news, she is still excited about journalism although its less about radio and newspapers these days and more about digital. She wants to research the latest in new media and what traditional media must do to retain audiences. She enjoys travelling.
2017
Girish Giri started out in print but is now a correspondent with Setopati Sanchar, an online newspaper in Katmandu. He made his mark covering social issues and rural communities, and found time to make documentary films and publish a well-received book on his hometown of Birgunj, in southern Nepal. He wants to research the ways in which multi-religious, multi-racial Singapore maintains harmony.
2015
Sudeep Shrestha. He was formerly an associate editor, writing and editing news for the Nepali-language daily newspaper, Nagarik. He now writes for Setopati.com, and is also an award-winning author of non-fiction books. He wants to study earthquake risks.
2014
Narayan Wagle. Writer and columnist with Setopati.com. Formerly editor-in-chief of Nagarik Daily and Kantipur Daily.
2013
Adhikari Krishna. Senior editor of National News Agency, Kathmandu, covering news about parliament, its sessions, its achievement and process of statutes preparing. Project: Comparative Analysis of Energy Supply in Singapore and Nepal.
2012
Prabhakar Ghimire. Senior correspondent and deputy coordinator for business news, Republica (English), Kathmandu, covering mainly economics and business. Project: Nepali migrant workers.
2011
Bhuwan Sharma. Op-ed page editor, Republica National Daily. Writes on Nepalese politics. Topic: Media in repressive regimes.
2010
Guna Raj Luitel. An associate editor with Nagarik Daily (Nepalese), Kathmandu, in charge of around 100 journalists. Also writes for its English-language sister paper, Republica. Wants to study the role of journalism in transitional and post-conflict societies.