Our Team

Dr. Raju Thapa is a practitioner lawyer with wide range of academic degrees and experiences on different areas like disaster management, conflict management, political science, sociology and human rights. He has a vast experience in these areas working with various national and international agencies. He has served as a research fellow in Tribhuvan University, CINAS. He is also an Alumnus of Queensland University of Technology in inclusive disaster management and an awardee of Australia Awards in 2018.

Mr. Thapa has been working in the development and Disaster Management sectors in various capacities in national and international organizations and federations since 1985. He is a former Treasurer of the Social Welfare Council. He has been honored with the 'International Humanitarian Award 2017' by Dan Church Aid, the 'Disaster Relief Award' by MoHA, and the National Award for 'Outstanding Development Worker-1996' by the NGO Federation of Nepal.

Ms. Shakti Gurung is a Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Professional. She has been working in development sectors especially in the area of climate change and disaster risk management since last 15 years. Ms. Gurung is the Executive Director of Centre for Disaster Management Studies (CDMS), a women led organization which has been working in the sector of CC/DRR since 2007. Ms. Gurung is the member secretary of a Women Humanitarian and DRR Platform (WHDRRP), a loose platform of women working in Humanitarian Response and Disaster Risk Reduction. Ms. Gurung is conducting research in ecosystem and community resilience to climate induced disasters as a PhD scholar in Central Department of Environment Science, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. In addition to the CC/DRR issues, Ms. Gurung advocates flagging the agenda of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion to be integrated in overall disaster risk reduction and management to ensure their representation and meaningful participation. Ms. Gurung through different national and international platforms advocates the GESI sensitive DRRM policies, guidelines and most importantly the GESI sensitive policy formulation process. Ms. Gurung is also involved in the capacity development of humanitarian actors and local level government in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. Ms. Gurung is the certified trainer of humanitarian standards guidelines such as Sphere and Core Humanitarian Standards, which ensures the right and entitlements of disaster affected people.

Shakti.gurung086@gmail.com 

A Youth Activist, Researcher and an Entrepreneur, Mr. Suraj Gautam is a Civil Engineer and a DRR Professional with a healthy experience in leading DRR related projects, Trans boundary research, conducting risk assessments, using frontier technologies like Drones for DRR planning and urban development. His key research interests include the study of Geo-Hazards, Climate Change, Flood/Landslides Risk Mapping, Modelling, and Early Warning System. Currently, he is serving as an Executive Director at the Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction. He is also enrolled in a Young Scientist Program of Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR). He also served as a Fellow at the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor's Research Fellowship 2020/21 Program.

Mr. Harshaman Maharjan has completed Masters in Mathematics from Tribhuvan University. He has been working on disaster risk reduction and management from 2060 B.S. He has been working as Program cum program coordinator in NRCS Kirtipur Sub Chapter. He has completed several trainings and has been active in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management since 2060 B.S. He has been facilitating DPNet as Deputy General Secretary.

Mr. Keshab Datta Bhatta holds a Master’s degree in Educational Planning and Management from T.U. Nepal. With nearly 26 years of progressive professional management and technical experience, his expertise spans various sectors. Mr. Bhatta background includes 10 years of teaching, 8 years in the Nepal Red Cross Society, and 8 years and 6 months with CARE International, Nepal. His focus has been on building community resilience through development initiatives, disaster preparedness, and Climate Change Adaptation. He has extensive experience in rapid response procedures, Build Back Better (BBB) programs, and multi-sectorial humanitarian response projects funded by donors such as ECHO, FCDO, LDSC, DFAT, USAID, UNICEF, Save the Children, and Rota Foundation. As a multi-skilled professional, Mr. Bhatta excels in managing diverse programs including education, shelter, WASH, cash assistance, livelihood, and early recovery. He is well-versed in disaster risk management, including community-based, school-based, and urban DRR. Additionally, he is
proficient in cash programming and capacity building for organizations like the Nepal Red Cross, local government, and civil society. Mr. Bhatta is also an experienced facilitator, offering expertise in various areas such as Generic ToT, Inclusive Disaster Risk Management, School Safety Planning, Community Mobilization, Reflect, Leadership, Inclusive Early Warning Systems, Shock-Responsive Social Protection Systems (SRSP), Anticipatory Action (AA), Forecast-based Action (FbA), Social Inclusion, Community Action for Disaster Response (CADRE), Local Disaster Response Team (LDRT), District Disaster Response Team (DDRT), Sphere Standards, Core Humanitarian Standards, Rapid Response Team (RRT) training, First Aid, Gender in Emergency, Disaster Needs Assessment, and more.

Mr. Jagannath Pr. Kurmi has long experience working at the community level, making contributions to disaster management and community resilience. He previously served as the president of the National Community Disaster Management Committee (NCDMC), where he played a important role in shaping policies and strategies for effective disaster response and recovery. Currently, he is the focal person for the community group within the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR), where he focuses on enhancing community engagement and ensuring that local voices are heard in disaster management discussions. His dedication to empowering communities and fostering collaboration among stakeholders is a testament to his commitment to building safer and more resilient communities. 

Mr. Rokaya, having more than two decades of experience in social development work and has directly involved on the sector of good governance, Food security, Human rights, Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction, Preparedness and Emergency Response Plan development, Evaluation and Capacity Building, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS), SAR and MFR operations and conducting/coordinating and monitoring different levels of trainings in Nepal. He has a sound academic and professional career. Upon completion of master’s degree in social science from Mahendra Multiple Campus Nepalgunj, Nepal. In 2005, He started his social development journey from the grassroot level experience as a social mobilizer. He has engaged in FIAN, Nepal, COCAP, NGO Federation of Nepal, Human Rights Alliance, Nepal Redcross Society, Bird Conservation Nepal, Environmental Rights and Climate Justice Network-Nepal, RTF network Nepal, Help Nepal, NEAR, DPNet Nepal, Vulture Conservation Foundation, Diman Nepal and Peace initiative Network Nepal. In addition, he is involved as a facilitator of Food Security, Human Rights and Good Governance. Mr. Rokaya is a bright and vivacious individual working in the social and development fields. He has contributed significantly to the advocacy forum at all levels, from the local to the national. He constantly speaks up in support of the underprivileged people, encouraging them to demand their rights. He has devoted his life to advancing environmental sustainability, gender equality, and human rights. His dedication towards Developmental sector has been recognized by various I/NGOs. He is active and dedicated member of NGO federation of Nepal. Mr. Rokaya is still dedicated to promoting equality and social justice, concentrating on creating alliances, encouraging teamwork, and obtaining funding to deal with structural injustices. He want to keep being a force for good in the community, empowering people and pushing for laws that put everyone's and families' welfare first.

Dr Chaudhary, having a highly skilled Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Professional with more than 15 Years of Experience on Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction, Preparedness and Emergency Response Plan development, Evaluation and Capacity Building, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS), SAR and MFR operations and conducting/coordinating and monitoring different levels of trainings in Nepal and South Asian countries.

He has a sound academic and professional career. Upon completion of master’s degree in Geography from the Central Department of Geography of Tribhuan University in 2008, He joined the National Society for Earthquake Technology – Nepal (NSET) in 2008 as a Multi-hazard and Risk Assessment and Planning Expert. He has contributed to the preparation of climate change related Disaster Preparedness Plans and Emergency Response Plans of sub-national units. In addition, he is involved as an instructor for a series of standard professional teaching courses such as the Training for Instructors (TFI), Climate change and Risk Sensitive Land Use Planning, Post Disaster Damage and Needs Assessment (PDNA). Medical First Responder (MFR) and Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR).

Dr. Chaudhary completed his PhD in physical geography with dissertation entitled on “Social and Eco-environmental Risk of Changing climate pattern and agriculture land use in the Mountain Regions of Nepal” from the Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment (IMHE), Chengdu, China. During my four years (September 2016-July 2020) research at IMHE, I served as a researcher cum Project Manager for different multidisciplinary research projects as a part of my PhD. I was involved in designing research project, conducting surveys using the latest technology and global best practices advocated on conducting complex and comprehensive surveys and analysis and management of quantitative and qualitative data. In addition, He served as a mentor for an undergraduate who analyzed data from a large secondary data set for his final year’s thesis. He has published several scientific papers in an international peer-reviewed journals (Sustainability, Land, Science of the total environment, Journal of mountain science).

Mr. Santosh Neupane working as an Emergency Operations coordinator of the Nepal Red Cross Society. Possessing more than 15 years of experience working with the Nepal Red Cross Society NHQS and NRCS District Chapters, he has extensive insights into the fields of disaster risk management (DRM), humanitarian preparedness and response, disaster simulation exercise, health and public health in emergencies, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), emergency shelter, community engagement and accountability (CEA), protection, gender and inclusion, and research. He engaged in various epidemics, pandemic outbreaks, and disasters such as earthquakes, floods, fires and tornado response and recovery that further sharpen understanding and practically applied the CHS & SPHERE standard into the humanitarian actions. Santosh has facilitated disaster simulation exercises from local to national levels. He managed the CDMRM project, the EWS project, and the disaster response project and coordinated with the disaster law activities in NRCS. He was awarded the US Professional Fellowship Program 2023, which is organized by World Learning and the United States government. He completed the Master Degree in Law (LLM) in 2021 and the Master Degree in Economics (MA-Economics) in 2017 in the First Division. Santosh completed the Regional Disaster Response Team (RDRT) organized by IFRC in Sri Lanka.

Amika Rajthala has been active in Nepalese media since 1996 AD. Within the time span of journalism career, she has been involved in daily, weekly, monthly and online outlets of news media. She had started her career as a journalist from Nepal Samachar Patra Daily and worked as a Editor and Publisher of Hasana Magazine, women focused Nepalese monthly magazine for 12 years. With the experience of 28 years journalism career she is leading Disaster Journalism Network, DJN and  she is former president of Working Women Journalists, WWJ which has 54 district chapters.

Her academic background is PGD (Post Graduation Diploma) in Women Studies and Masters in Sociology. As a women and gender expert, apart from journalism she initiated and coordinated for Research Book entitled, "Women in Newsroom: A study on status and Barriers", 2020 Published from Working Women Journalists, WWJ and Profile book, 'Working Women Journalists' (English) and 'Kriyashil Patrakar Mahila' (Nepali), 2019, Published from Working Women Journalists (WWJ).

She has been Editor of book entitled,'Preranadaee Mahilaharu'[Inspirational women](2073, 2075 and 2079 B.S. Different volumes), and Editor of  book Sangharshasheel Yoddhaharu, second volume. These books have been Published by Motidevi Smriti Kendra, Kathmandu, Nepal. She is Editor and coordinator of a book entitled, "Pratham Tatha Agraj Nepali Mahila"  [First and foremost Women of Nepal]. Women's profile collection book is from earlier to 1961 A.D. It was supported by National Women Commission, Nepal and published too. She had worked as a biography writer for many books, among them "Sambidhansabhaka Mahila Sadashyaharu" (Women member of Constituent Assembly) was published by women caucus, Constituent Assembly, and Nepal law society.

Nowadays, she is a freelance journalist leading for  Insight  Publication Pvt.Ltd, which has published 11 books.

Mr. Sher Bahadur Basnet has completed Bachelors in Political Science. He has worked as Program Director of FAYA Nepal, Province Coordinator in Education Watch Group, Central Committee Secretary in National Allaince for Human Rights and Social Justice and Central Committee Member in DPNet Nepal. 

With nearly three decades of experience in civil engineering and extensive involvement in NGO management, social mobilization, and community empowerment, Hira Singh Thapa, founder of SOSEC Nepal, is a tireless advocate for marginalized groups' rights in Karnali Province, Nepal.  He has been deeply committed to addressing societal challenges, actively campaigning against harmful practices like child marriage and Chhaupadi, while championing children's and women's rights. His leadership roles within SOSEC Nepal highlight his ability to effectively manage teams and drive impactful initiatives, ensuring that decisions are implemented and objectives achieved. Furthermore, his involvement in diverse committees and networks underscores his commitment to broader social causes, while his technical skills and training in areas ranging from project management to gender balance reflect versatility and dedication to continuous learning. Through his exemplary contributions and achievements, Mr. Hira Singh Thapa has made significant steps in promoting social justice, community development, and sustainable practices in  the Rural areas of Karnali Province. His efforts have earned him prestigious awards, including the NCRC award and the N-Peace award 2018 from South Asia region.

Mr. Hari Bandhu Aryal is from PutaliBazar Municipality Ward No 11 Syangja .He has been involved in the Disaster Management sector in Nepal continuously for 17 years .He is currently from the organization named International Nepal Fellowship (Nepal) Centre Office Pokhara and working as a DRR & CCA Technical Coordinator. His academic education level Masters in Sociology and Masters in Population Education from Tribhuvan University. He has published different disaster relevant articles in national and local level newspapers.

He is an experienced practitioner specializing in Natural Resource Management, Watershed Management, and River System Management. Proven track record in Climate Change Adaptation (CCA), Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), and Livelihood projects with both national and international exposure. He has expertise in mobilizing local communities, engaging with local governments, and delivering high-quality results. Proficient in Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), needs assessment, problem-solving, institutional development, administrative management, emergency management, health, and sanitation education. 

Mr. Kamal Kumar Bishwakarma has been working on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management since 2065 B.S. He has been involving in different training facilitations on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change. He is working as Vice President of NGO Federation of Nepal, Bagmati Province Committee and as a member of Capacity Building Department, NGO Federation Central Committee. He has completed several trainings and has been active in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management since 2065 B.S. He has been facilitating DPNet as Bagmati Province Coordinator.

Mr. Dharma Raj Ghimire currently holds the position of Programme Manager/Executive Director at the Center for Development and Disaster Management (CDM Nepal). With 17 years of experience, he has actively contributed to various interventions such as disaster management, livelihood promotion, water and sanitation, emergency response, and community resilience projects. Additionally, he serves as the Lumbini Province Coordinator, playing a facilitating role for DPNet Nepal.

Mr.Rabin from Madi-4 Sankhuwasabha is a humanitarian professional and development practitioner, experienced and trained with social development and humanitarian actions. He holds more than 10 years of working experience with Nepalese communities and organizations in disaster preparedness, disaster management, emergency response, humanitarian assistance, post disaster recovery, flood and landslide response operation, Cash and Voucher Assistance, Shock responsive social protection, anticipatory action and so on. Currently He is working with Save the Children as a Coordinator in Humanitarian and DRRM team and represents different clusters CoPs and technical working groups like Cash Coordination Group, SRSP Technical Working Group, AIN-TGDM, and Anticipatory Action CoP.

Mr. Sabin Adhikari is well-qualified and technically proficient in the areas of DRR, Emergency, and Anticipatory Action Practitioner with more than 10 years of experience. Currently, working with the Checz Republic-based agency People in Need Country Office Nepal in the capacity of Emergency and Anticipatory Action Lead. Mr. Adhikari holds a Master's degree in International Cooperation and Development (MICD), a Master's degree in Sociology, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Disaster Management. Also, trained on the Regional level DRR and Emergency Response training from Japan, Malaysia, Philippines through IFRC.

Ms. Sita Sharma is an experienced professional who serves rural, disadvantaged women in Nepal become empowered and aware of their civil rights. She is a Coordinator of DPNet Nepal Provincial Committe from Koshi. In her employment at Nari Bikash Sangh, she works to empower and develop women in the region, promoting gender equality, economic opportunities, and social inclusion.