TEDxKathmanduUniversity

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Dhruba Adhikari

  Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer, IME Khalti | Co-Founder, Sunflower Institute for Autism

  Dhruba Adhikari is a technology entrepreneur, fintech innovator, and social impact leader committed to using technology to solve real-world challenges. As Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of IME Khalti, he has helped build one of Nepal's leading digital payment platforms, advancing financial inclusion through secure and accessible digital services. Beyond fintech, he is the Co-Founder of the Sunflower Institute for Autism, where he is working to develop Nepal's first standards-led autism support ecosystem by integrating therapy, professional training, family guidance, technology, and community-based support. Through his work across technology and social innovation, Dhruba champions the idea that meaningful innovation is measured not only by technological advancement but by its ability to improve lives and create lasting societal impact.

• Kathmandu University Theatre Group

  Theatre Group

  KU Theatre Group (KUTG) is Kathmandu University's student-led theatre collective dedicated to using performance as a medium for storytelling, creativity, and social reflection. Through original productions, stage plays, and collaborative performances, KUTG empowers students to explore complex ideas, challenge perspectives, and inspire meaningful conversations. The group has showcased its work at university events and public platforms, blending artistic expression with thought-provoking narratives

• Muskan Khatun

  Human Rights Advocate and Acid Attack Survivor

  Muskan Khatun is a human rights advocate whose courage has inspired nationwide conversations on justice, dignity, and women's rights. After surviving an acid attack as a teenager, she chose to transform personal tragedy into a lifelong mission to support survivors of gender-based violence. Her advocacy played an important role in strengthening Nepal's legal framework against acid attacks and increasing public awareness about survivor rights. Today, Muskan works to empower women and young people by sharing her story of resilience, encouraging others to challenge injustice, overcome adversity, and become agents of positive social change.

• Narayan Acharya

  Environmentalist | Architect | Founder & Executive Director, Sustainable Future Nepal

  Narayan Acharya is an architect and sustainability advocate committed to redefining how communities build for the future. As the founder of Sustainable Future Nepal, he has dedicated his career to promoting rammed-earth architecture, demonstrating how traditional knowledge and modern engineering can come together to create buildings that are affordable, environmentally responsible, and resilient to earthquakes. Through training programs, research, and community-based projects across Nepal, he has empowered engineers, architects, and local builders to embrace sustainable construction practices. His work highlights the importance of preserving indigenous building techniques while addressing today's environmental and social challenges, making sustainable architecture both practical and accessible.

• Prashadananda Bharti

  Prashadananda Bharti is a talented Nepali sitar virtuoso known for his captivating performances that seamlessly blend the richness of Indian classical music with the essence of traditional Nepali melodies. More than musical performances, his compositions tell stories evoking emotion, preserving culture, and creating immersive experiences through the timeless voice of the sitar.

• Prof. Dr. Bim Prasad Shrestha

  Director, Nepal Technology Innovation Center (NTIC) | Professor, Kathmandu University School of Engineering

  Prof. Dr. Bim Prasad Shrestha is an engineer, researcher, and innovation leader dedicated to advancing technology-driven solutions for sustainable development. As Director of the Nepal Technology Innovation Center (NTIC) and Professor at Kathmandu University School of Engineering, he leads initiatives that bridge academia, industry, and entrepreneurship to transform research into real-world impact. His work spans engineering innovation, technology commercialization, startup incubation, and multidisciplinary research in areas including climate resilience, water resources, and sustainable infrastructure. Through national and international collaborations, he has contributed to strengthening Nepal's innovation ecosystem while mentoring researchers, entrepreneurs, and future engineers. Passionate about fostering innovation for societal impact, he continues to champion technology as a catalyst for economic growth, resilience, and sustainable development.

• Prof.Dr Rajendra Koju

  Professor of Internal Medicine (Cardiology), Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences | Consultant Cardiologist, Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu University Hospital

  Prof. Dr. Rajendra Prasad Koju is a cardiologist, educator, and researcher dedicated to advancing cardiovascular medicine and medical education in Nepal. A Professor of Internal Medicine (Cardiology) at Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences and Consultant Cardiologist at Dhulikhel Hospital, he previously served as Dean of KUSMS from 2017 to 2023. Throughout his career, he has combined clinical excellence with academic leadership, mentoring generations of healthcare professionals while contributing extensively to cardiovascular research and medical publications. His work reflects a commitment to improving patient care, strengthening medical education, and fostering innovation in Nepal's healthcare system. As a respected clinician and academic, he continues to shape the future of healthcare through teaching, research, and service.

• Pushpa Basnet

  Social Worker | Founder/President of Early Childhood Development Center and Butterfly Home

  Pushpa Basnet is a Nepali social entrepreneur whose compassion has transformed the lives of hundreds of children affected by parental incarceration. While studying social work, she witnessed children living inside prisons alongside their parents, an experience that inspired her to establish the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) in 2005. She later founded Butterfly Home, providing children with a safe environment, quality education, healthcare, and opportunities to grow beyond the circumstances of their birth. Her work has received international recognition, including being named CNN Hero of the Year in 2012. Through her unwavering commitment to child rights, education, and dignity, Pushpa continues to demonstrate how one individual's determination can create lasting social change and inspire communities around the world.

• Ram Tiwari

  Advocate for Inclusive Education & Restorative Justice | Executive Director, Inclusive Education Nepal |Lawyer and Legal Scholar

  Ram Tiwari is an educator, restorative justice practitioner, and advocate for inclusive education committed to building equitable systems where every individual can learn, participate, and thrive. As Executive Director of Inclusive Education Nepal, he leads initiatives that strengthen inclusive education through policy advocacy, teacher development, research, and community engagement. His interdisciplinary background spans inclusive and special needs education, restorative justice, criminal justice, and social anthropology. Ram holds a Master's in Inclusive and Special Needs Education from Kathmandu University, an LL.M. in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice from Tribhuvan University, and an M.A. in Sociology and Social Anthropology from Central European University. He believes lasting social change begins with empathy, accountability, and creating spaces where everyone belongs.

• Rishi Dhamala

  Journalist, Broadcaster & Media Entrepreneur | Founder & Chairman, Reporters' Club Nepal

  Rishi Dhamala is one of Nepal's most prominent journalists, broadcasters, and media entrepreneurs, with a career spanning more than three decades across print, radio, television, and digital media. As the Founder and Chairman of Reporters' Club Nepal, he established one of the country's leading platforms for dialogue among political leaders, policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, civil society, and the press. Through thousands of interviews, debates, and public forums, he has contributed to shaping national conversations on governance, democracy, public policy, and current affairs. Known for his fearless interviewing style and commitment to asking difficult questions, Dhamala has become a defining voice in Nepal's media landscape. His work reflects the vital role of journalism in informing citizens, fostering accountability, and strengthening democratic discourse while adapting to an ever-evolving media environment.

• Samriddhi Rai

  Singer-Songwriter, Creative Producer & Digital Storyteller

  Samriddhi Rai is a singer-songwriter and creative producer known for blending music with honest storytelling. Through her songs, videos, and digital content, she explores themes of identity, relationships, self-discovery, and everyday life with authenticity and humor. Over the years, she has built a strong connection with audiences across Nepal, becoming one of the country's most recognizable creative voices. Beyond entertainment, Samriddhi believes storytelling has the power to build empathy, inspire confidence, and encourage meaningful conversations that resonate across generations.

• Sandip Chhetri

  Television Host, Comedian & Media Personality

  Sandip Chhetri is a television host, comedian, actor, and media personality best known for redefining political satire and late-night entertainment in Nepal. Through his widely watched television programs, he has used humor and storytelling to engage audiences in conversations about society, politics, and everyday life. Blending wit with thoughtful commentary, Sandip has created a distinctive space where entertainment meets public discourse, making complex issues more relatable and accessible. His work has helped shape Nepal's modern television landscape while inspiring a new generation of content creators to use creativity as a tool for dialogue, reflection, and positive change. Whether on stage or on screen, he believes laughter can spark conversations that challenge perspectives and bring people together.