Nepal, though a small landlocked country, has made great strides in putting itself on the global map thanks to the achievements of some extraordinary citizens. These popular Nepali personalities have made the nation proud through their groundbreaking work in diverse fields – from Everest summits to social activism and scientific innovations. As Nepal rapidly modernizes, the following personalities have become household names for leading the charge when it comes to expanding possibilities in their respective realms. Their confidence, perseverance, and willingness to break barriers continue to motivate the new generation to dream big.

Nepal is developing every day, and we have witnessed changes in numerous industries, including the entertainment sector and others. There has been significant improvement, with the entertainment industry thriving, and related sectors like fashion and music also experiencing growth. These industries are interconnected, where the success of one significantly influences the success of the others. Several celebrities have garnered fame and recognition in this evolving landscape. In today’s article, we are listing the names of five individuals excelling in their respective fields, particularly popular among young people.

Tenzing Norgay – The Everest Hero

No list about pioneering Nepalis is complete without the legendary Tenzing Norgay. In 1953, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, this daring Sherpa became the first person ever to reach the summit of Mount Everest – the world’s highest peak.

Tenzing’s unprecedented feat as part of the British expedition brought Nepal into global focus. It also made him an enduring national hero and inspired thousands of Nepali youth to follow in his footsteps. Today, his sons and grandsons continue his legacy as expert Everest guides.

Anuradha Koirala – The Activist

Anuradha Koirala

Anuradha Koirala has dedicated her life to eradicating the rampant sex trafficking trade plaguing Nepal and rescuing its victims. Her non-profit Maiti Nepal, started in 1993, has now grown into a huge force for change with multiple rehabilitation shelters.

maiti nepal cnn hero anuradha koirala

The CNN Hero recipient has helped over 25,000 Nepali girls and women escape exploitation through awareness drives, border checkpoints, legal support and vocational training programs. Her unwavering efforts highlight the power of compassion and grit to transform lives.

Dr. Sanduk Ruit – The Eye Surgeon

Dr. Sanduk Ruit is single-handedly responsible for restoring eyesight to over 1,30,000 cataract patients in Nepal and other Asian/African countries. His genius lies in inventing a simple, quick and affordable surgical technique as well as portable intraocular lenses.

Equipped just with basic facilities, Dr. Ruit has held eye camps in remote Himalayan areas for decades now. The miraculous gift of vision he delivers has been life-changing for scores of underprivileged families. His humanitarian work highlights how innovation can solve healthcare challenges.

Ani Choying Drolma – The Singing Nun

Ani Choying Drolma, renowned as Nepal’s ‘Singing Nun’, is famous worldwide for her soul-stirring renditions of Buddhist hymns and chants. She has performed across the globe, released a dozen albums, runs the Arya Tara school for girls in Kathmandu and remains closely associated with numerous philanthropic endeavors.

Ani Choying’s mesmerizing music gives the world a glimpse into Nepal’s spiritual heritage centered around peace and compassion. By collaborating with international artists, she also builds meaningful bridges between Eastern and Western musical traditions through her art.

Pushpa Basnet – The Social Worker

Pushpa Basnet was shocked to learn about the plight of children imprisoned in Nepal simply because their parents were serving jail terms. She decided to take action. In 2007, at age 21, Pushpa founded the Early Childhood Development Center and subsequently the Butterfly Home to provide a nurturing environment for such kids.

Pushpa basnet

Her tireless efforts to secure basic rights and better future prospects for these innocent children have earned Pushpa global recognition. In 2012, she was honored as CNN Hero of the Year – a testimony to how ordinary citizens can create extraordinary social change.

Manisha Koirala – The Actress

Manisha Koirala is easily among the most famous Nepali actresses globally. She has worked in over 60 Bollywood films, several Nepali and Tamil movies along with various projects in the US.

Critics have acclaimed her versatile acting talent in sensitive roles dealing with themes like societal oppression. Manisha, a cancer survivor, now advocates about early detection and also runs a homestay facility promoting tourism in her homeland Nepal.

Paras Khadka – The Cricketer

As the former captain of the Nepal national team, Paras Khadka has been instrumental in putting his country on the global cricketing map. The all-rounder is Nepal’s most capped player in ODIs and T20s as well as the highest run scorer. Paras has spent years mentoring and training young talents to elevate Nepal’s standing in global tournaments. His leadership and perseverance helped secure ODI status for the country in 2018 – a historic milestone that opens up major opportunities for Nepali cricket.

Apa Sherpa – The Climber

Lastly, the name Apa Sherpa holds an unbeatable world record in mountaineering circles – he has summited Mount Everest a whopping 21 times as part of various expeditions. Apa began his career as a porter but later managed to get certified as a mountain guide.

The holder of numerous honors and titles, Apa is a humble man devoted to his Buddhist faith. He spends his time and earnings in uplifting fellow Sherpa communities through better education and medical facilities. As an Everest legend, his superhuman feats continue to inspire climbers everywhere.

Prabal Gurung – The Designer

Prabal Gurung is a prominent name in Hollywood, likely the first Nepali to achieve such prominence in the industry. Renowned as a successful fashion designer, Gurung has collaborated with stars like Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, Priyanka Chopra, and more, earning a stellar reputation. Born in Singapore to Nepali parents and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, Gurung’s fashion journey began when he moved to New York in 1999. Starting as an intern with Bill Blass, his career has soared, and today he is recognized as one of the most successful designers globally. With an Instagram following of 651k, including Hollywood stars and celebrities, Gurung’s influence continues to grow.

Sisan Baniya – The Vlogger

Sisan Baniya is the owner of the YouTube channel Paradygm TV, which has gained significant popularity in the country, especially among the youth. Known for uploading travel and lifestyle videos, Sisan Baniya has become a well-known figure. Notably, he has recently collaborated with The Hidden Treasure Miss Nepal, contributing to the creation of the introduction video for Miss Nepal 2020. The video received positive feedback from the audience, and Sisan Baniya played an active role in the Miss Nepal 2020 event.

The renowned vlogger and YouTuber, Sisan Baniya, resides in Sitapaila, Kathmandu, as mentioned in his vlogs. Further insights into his life can be gained through interviews and his engaging content. Known for his entertaining YouTube videos, Sisan Baniya serves as a role model for many aspiring individuals looking to make a mark on YouTube.

Sisan Baniya holds a graduate degree in Business Administration from Apex College of Management. Following his graduation, he pursued his passion and founded Paradygm TV. While we now witness his success, it’s important to note that his journey has been long. Achieving recognition in 2020, Sisan gained popularity starting in 2016, even though he initiated the channel in 2011 after completing his bachelor’s degree. As a well-established videographer, photographer, and director, his works are a testament to his talent, skills, and educational background.

Conclusion

The personalities highlighted above perfectly showcase the diversity of achievements that Nepal boasts of despite its modest size. These names have put the Himalayan nation firmly under the global spotlight for their extraordinary contributions. They motivate the younger generation to push boundaries and expand the realm of what is possible, especially for a nation that is rapidly developing. Their stories reveal how the indomitable human spirit can overcome obstacles to create lasting positive change.