Bighnaharta Nepal

Our Mission


To sustainably empower the vulnerable and marginalized communities of Nepal by enhancing their resilience to climate change, disaster risk, inequality, and poverty using culturally and environmentally appropriate interventions.

Our Vision


A nation with self-sustainable communities where diversity of life thrives.

About Bighnaharta Nepal

Bighnaharta Nepal (BN) is a Kathmandu-based not-for-profit organization established in 2019 by Nepali youths. The organization has been working in sectors of poverty alleviation, disaster risk reduction, socio-economic development, women and youth empowerment, social entrepreneurship, and research and advocacy. 

Working in various social and development sectors, Bighnaharta Nepal has been successful in implementing projects holistically addressing core livelihood, climate change, gender, and food security issues among the marginalized communities across Nepal by using the tools of social entrepreneurship, cooperative farming, and research and advocacy on the policy level.


Chairperson

Sudan Manandhar

Sudan Manandhar Chairperson


Sudan Manandhar is one of the executive members of Bighnaharta Nepal and has been supporting the organization in achieving its goals with his expertise. He is also currently the executive member of the Family Planning Association Nepal. For 11 years, Sudan worked as a counselor at Saarathi Nepal. He performed a similar role at Youth Vision Organisation for 2 years and Saksham Nepal Sudhar Kendra for 3 years. He was even the Vice President of Basantapur Dozo for 2 whole years. On top of that, he has three years of working experience as an outreach worker at RECPHEC. Currently, he is working as a counselor at Sankramit Tatha Durwesani (संक्रमित तथा दुर्वेसनी ) and Re Unity Rehabilitation Center. In addition to being the founder of Recovering Voice, he is currently on the board of members as the chairperson.

Executive Team

Gomesh Singh Upreti

Gomesh Singh Upreti Co-founder and Executive President


Gomesh Singh Upreti is the Co-Founder and Executive President of Bighnaharta Nepal. His academic qualifications includes degrees in Business Administration and Anthropology. He has been working in the Social Development sector for more than a decade and has expertise in Project management, Project design and implementation, Community sensitization, Fundraising and Monitoring and Evaluation. It is under his leadership that Bighnaharta implements various projects across Nepal.

Rajiya Banu

Rajiya Banu Co-founder and Vice President


The Co-founder and Vice President of Bighnaharta Nepal, Rajiya Banu has been relentlessly working to establish the vision and mission of the organization from the very beginning. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Political Science. On top of being the Co-Founder and Vice President of Bighnaharta Nepal, she has been working as the Office Secretary at QUEST-Nepal for over three years. Rajiya has also gathered ample experience from working in institutions and organizations including One Love One World, Loo Niva Child Corner Group, Ashra Rehabilitation Centre. With the desire to help the people in need, she has been in part of several organizations including Boudhik Disabled Society and Social Welfare Council’s Elderly’s Home, Pashupatinath. On top of that, she was also one of the helping hands in the Earthquake Relief Campaigns of Bibeksheel Nepali (Rasuwa), Hatemalo Sanchar (Gorkha), and Youth Action Nepal (Kathmandu).

Ankita Shah

Ankita Shah Executive Director


Ankita Shah is the Executive Director of Bighnaharta Nepal. In addition, Shah serves as an Advisor of Youth and International Relations to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Government of Nepal. She holds a master's degree in Crisis Management from Tribhuvan University and has over six years of experience in the development sector. Her key projects include contributing to the development of the BIPAD system, an integrated Disaster Information Management System owned by the Government of Nepal. Shah is also a certified Master Trainer of Trainers (ToT) for Fire Risk Reduction. She has worked as a Management Information System (MIS) expert for the NWASH system under the Ministry of Water Supply. Her research efforts include conducting a vulnerability and risk assessment in the Langtang region, heavily affected by the 2015 Nepal Earthquake, in collaboration with ICIMOD and the Institute of Crisis Management Studies. Further, she led a research initiative called ProjectWE, funded by Women Deliver, focusing on policy gaps affecting women and the obstacles faced by marginalized women in accessing their rights. Shah is an executive member of the Women in Nature Network, leading its Nepal Chapter, and promotes urban forest restoration projects while mentoring young women conservationists. Shah also ventures into social entrepreneurship as the Managing Director of AGRA Industries, a company that produces eco-friendly products from agro-waste, in collaboration with indigenous communities. Her work spans various sectors, including climate change, disaster management, cultural heritage preservation, youth empowerment, women's rights, environmental conservation, and social entrepreneurship.

Transparency

As per the convenience of the donors, we have various streams from which you can help fund our ongoing as well as future projects. All the information including the transparency of the funds will be public.


Team

Santosh Bhusal

Santosh Bhusal Admin and Finance officer


Santosh Bhusal, our Admin and Finance Officer at Bighnaharta Nepal, brings extensive experience from international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and holds a degree in Business Administration. With expertise in financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, Santosh ensures efficient management of our financial operations. Dedicated to transparency and integrity, Santosh supports our mission of sustainable development and disaster risk reduction, contributing significantly to the success of our projects.

लोक बहादुर प्रजा

लोक बहादुर प्रजा Field Coordinator


म आफ्नो समुदायहरूलाई शक्तिशाली बनाउन र सान्त्वना गर्न निरन्तर उत्साहित भएको कारण ले बिघ्नहर्ता नेपालमा आवद्ध भए। प्रभावी संचार र सहयोगात्मकतामार्फत, म सामाजिक समस्याहरूलाई समाधान गर्न र स्थायी विकास योजनाहरू प्रेरित गर्छु।

Aadarsh Shuvam Karn

Aadarsh Shuvam Karn Social Media and Communication Associate


Aadarsh Karn is currently pursuing a BSCS in Data Science. As a dedicated Social Media and Communication Associate, he brings a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to our team and enhances our online presence.

Anjala Bajracharya

Anjala Bajracharya Project Associate


Anjala is an environmental science graduate currently working as a project associate at Bighnaharta Nepal. With a passion for sustainability and climate action, she works on projects that help communities adapt to environmental challenges while promoting eco-friendly practices. Anjala enjoys blending academic insights with practical solutions to make a real impact on the ground.

Prakriti Kafle

Prakriti Kafle Project Co-ordinator


As an enthusiastic Bachelor of Business graduate student, Prakriti is currently working as a project coordinator at Bighnaharta Nepal. Her responsibilities include organising sustainability initiatives, involving stakeholders, and ensuring the successful implementation addresses social and environmental issues. With business experience, She uses her strategic planning and managerial skills to advance the cause of environmental advocacy and action.

Urusha Lamsal

Urusha Lamsal Research Lead


Urusha Lamsal is a forestry graduate with an interest on the intersection of forestry, climate change, society and sustainable development. She has experience in research and development in the natural resource management sector, having worked with different government and non-government organizations. Urusha serves as the Research Lead for the project, "Bioengineering Social Enterprise for Disaster Risk Reduction and Livelihood Upliftment." In this role, she has been instrumental in designing research methodology to develop a theoretical framework and research implications for project implementation. Her work focuses on identifying and assessing bio-engineering methods to address socio-economic challenges and land restoration in landslide-prone areas of the project sites. Her research capabilities and experience working with diverse communities make her a valuable asset in our team.

Alumni

Samrajya Shah

Samrajya Shah Program Coordinator


Identifying myself as a social worker I aim to work for society and be part of its positive change. I enjoy working in the field, understanding ground reality, and working on immediate important issues. For me, Bighnaharta Nepal is a bridge between me and society as it has provided me an opportunity to work as a Field Coordinator in its different projects. Being a youth-led organization that aims to empower communities, I believe that the organization’s vision and mission align with my beliefs and provide me with the perfect opportunity to excel in the future and work on my and the organization's dream at once.

Garima Bista

Garima Bista Documentation Officer


Working with Bighnaharta Nepal has provided me with the opportunity to experience what it is to work in a team. Being surrounded by people who work relentlessly for the betterment of the needy has certainly widened my perception of the society.

Shristi Gautam

Shristi Gautam Communication Assistant


While working for Bighnaharta Nepal as a communication officer, I was adept at translating complex ideas into clear and compelling messages. With a strong background in communication strategy and a passion for storytelling, I excelled in crafting narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.

Pratima Shrestha

Pratima Shrestha Legal Researcher


As a skilled legal researcher I was able to navigate intricate legal frameworks and offer in-depth analysis and insights. Competent in gathering information for legal papers, evaluating case law, and writing them in order to aid in making well-informed decisions.

David Gurung

David Gurung Administrative and Financial Officer


As an administrative and financial officer at Bighnaharta Nepal, I had the opportunity to actively participate in meaningful projects aimed at uplifting communities. My personal and professional development has been enhanced by this role, which has given me significant insights into organizational operations and financial management. I have been appreciative of the chance to use my position to further long-term, sustainable change in Nepal.

Rakhsya Bam

Rakhsya Bam Volunteer


With the launch of “Operation Two Meals,” I began my journey in Bighnaharta Nepal. Working from my hometown, Kailali, I was able to coordinate meet the awesome team too. I am currently leading the project named “Operation Sanjeevani” in Bighnaharta Nepal and am thankful for all the work they do not just for the social cause but also for the needy and underprivileged.

Shreeti KC

Shreeti KC Project Co-ordinator


Shreeti KC blends media and development well, as a South Asian Scholar and a Development Studies student. She tries to see society through different social lenses. She is an academician who researches the ground issues of a community to understand their evolution and adaptation. She is passionate about solving grassroots issues which aligns with the missions of Bighnaharta Nepal. As a program coordinator in the organization, she strives to bring innovative ideas and perspectives to the program implementation at the grassroots level. She is responsible for producing evaluation and monitoring reports and documentation.

Sunir Praja

Sunir Praja Social Mobilizer


As a proud member of the Chepang Community, I have had the privilege of being both a beneficiary and a contributor to Bighnaharta Nepal's transformative projects. I worked as a Social Mobilizer connecting with my community members and ensuring they received the necessary support and resources. My time with Bighnaharta Nepal has been rewarding journey of growth, learning and making a meaningful difference in my community.