Executive Committee [2024-2028]

Mr. Pokharel, who was elected Chairperson of Media Action Nepal in August 2026, has contributed as an expert to several of the  organization’s initiatives over the years. He is a media rights activist, researcher, and media development professional with over 15 years of experience working at the intersection of media, development, communication, technology, gender, climate change, governance, human rights, and business and human rights. His work focuses on strengthening media freedom, journalists’ rights and safety, ethical and inclusive media practices, and the role of media and communication in advancing social justice and sustainable development.

Previously, he served as the South Asia Coordinator of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), working across the region on media rights, journalists’ safety, freedom of expression, and professional standards. He has also worked as a researcher, consultant, and programme evaluator for DW Akademie and other national and international media and development organizations, contributing to research, evaluations, policy analysis, capacity development, and strategic communication initiatives.

Umesh holds master’s degrees in Journalism and Mass Communication,  Sociology  as well as a Bachelor of Laws (LLB).

As the Chairperson of Media Action Nepal, he provides strategic leadership to the organization and supports its work to promoting independent and  accountable media.

Mim Bahadur Pariyar is renowned for his multifaceted contributions as a freelance journalist advocating human rights, press freedom, and marginalized issues, as well as an academician. Holding an LLB and an MA degree, Pariyar has dedicated his career to championing marginalized communities and promoting social justice.

As a freelancer, Pariyar has consistently used his writing to shed light on critical social issues, amplifying the voices of those often unheard. His insightful articles and reports have drawn vital attention to human rights violations, social inequalities, and the struggles of marginalized groups in Nepal.

Pariyar’s academic career has been equally impactful. He teaches social science in various colleges across Kathmandu, inspiring and fostering critical thinking among aspiring young minds. An advocate for human rights and press freedom, Pariyar has tirelessly worked to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure equal opportunities for all, earning him widespread respect and admiration within the Nepali community.

Adding to his remarkable contributions, Pariyar served as Secretary during the first term of Media Action Nepal, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission of promoting independent and accountable media. Pariyar has also made significant strides in education by authoring textbooks for schools. These resources have played a crucial role in shaping young minds, fostering a deeper understanding of social issues, human rights, and the importance of social justice.

A staunch supporter of robust democracy and independent media, Bal Krishna Sah serves as the Secretary of Media Action Nepal. Sah got associated with Media Action Nepal in his early 20s and has been contributing to documentation and monitoring of media rights violations in Nepal.

Along with Sah’s commitment to democracy, independent media, human rights and press freedom, he also reports for The Himalayan Times, the country’s leading English-language daily newspaper. He currently writes about science and politics, including diplomacy, human rights and social issues, and has over 300 bylines so far.

He has received a Global AMR special mention award in the Southeast Asian regional category of the Global AMR Media Awards 2024 for his contribution in reporting on anti-microbial resistance (AMR). He holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Tribhuvan University, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Sah speaks English, Bajika, Nepali, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Hindi and Awadhi.

Laxmi Khatiwada serves as the Treasurer of Media Action Nepal, bringing extensive experience in press freedom, fund management and financial oversight to the organization. A distinguished name in journalism, renowned for her extensive two-decade-long contribution to print media through Gorkhapatra Corporation, her work primarily focuses on issues related to women, children, and rights-based topics.

Currently serving as an Associate Editor, Laxmi focuses on advocating for the right to education for school students, addressing their challenges, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities through her media platform. Her expertise extends to press freedom with a particular emphasis on promoting gender-sensitive media and ensuring the safety of women journalists.

Laxmi holds a master’s degree in Nepali and Development Communication. Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Laxmi has been honored with numerous awards, including the Children Journalism Award and the International Excellence Award 2019, from both national and international organizations. Her professional commitments have taken her across Nepal and to South Asian countries, Dubai, China, Malaysia, the UK, and other European nations.

Ganesh Prasad Ghimire, recipient of the International Human Rights Hero Award (2019) by YHRI USA and the Gandhi Nobel Peace Award (2022) in the UK, brings over two decades of expertise in human rights, journalism, and education, having worked with various institutions in Nepal. Holding a Master’s Degree in Law (LL.M) with a specialization in human rights and gender justice, he has been a strong advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, including children, women, and journalists, through his work in documenting human rights violations and promoting a just society.

As a reporter, Ghimire covered human rights and social justice issues for Image Television and Nepali TV in the UK for over five years. Currently, he is a prominent figure in Nepal’s human rights and social justice sectors. His association with Media Action Nepal has significantly contributed to the journalism community by promoting media development, safeguarding freedom of expression, and strengthening the capacity of journalists and human rights defenders.

Yam Bahadur Dura, a media researcher and journalism educator, serves as an Executive Committee Member of Media Action Nepal. With over two decades of experience, he began his journalism career at Kantipur Daily and later contributed to Nepal Samacharpatra Daily.

He has served as Media and Communication Officer at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES Nepal). Transitioning into a broader role, he joined Nepal Press Institute as Regional Coordinator, stationed in western Nepal. In this capacity, he facilitated journalists from 24 districts across the Mid-western and Far-western Development Regions of Nepal, providing training packages and fellowships.

Dura has also worked with the Association of Nepalese Indigenous Nationalities Journalists (ANIJ), now known as the Federation of Nepalese Indigenous Nationalities Journalists (FONIJ), as Project Coordinator, focusing on ILO Convention 169-related issues. During the Constituent Assembly Election of 2008, he held a short-term position as Media Center Director for the Election Commission of Nepal.

An editor of numerous books, anthologies, and reports, Dura enriches his academic career by teaching mass communication and journalism at the university level. In 2011, he participated in the “Study of the United States Institutes (SUSI) on Journalism and Media” program, visiting Ohio University (E.W. Scripps School of Journalism) and other academic locations in the USA.

Triguna Bhattarai serves as an Executive Member of Media Action Nepal and is a dedicated media professional with extensive experience in journalism.  She has built a multifaceted career spanning reporting, producing, and facilitating media-related initiatives.

She holds a Master’s degree in journalism. Over the years, Bhattarai has produced several reports on critical social issues, including environmental education, prevention of trafficking, safety of journalists, the condition of marginalized people. Triguna worked at Sagarmatha Television, Kantipur Media Group, the Association of Youth Organizations Nepal (AYON), and Avenues Television. Since 2023, Bhattarai has been working as a Correspondent at News 24 Television.

She has facilitated various training programs on gender sensitive media, safety of women journalists, press freedom, media and contributed to numerous volunteer initiatives, such as digital literacy and youth advocacy workshops. Triguna’s diverse expertise in media, commitment to press freedom and social justice, and active engagement in journalism training underscore her dedication to advancing independent and impactful media in Nepal.