Santosh Bhakta Shrestha

Hiranya Bhojpure is a respected Nepali singer, musician, and writer, known for his contributions to folk and modern Nepali music. He was born in Deurali, Bhojpur and became a household name through his work with the Lekali music group, alongside artists like Ganesh Rasik and Urmila Shrestha. His music often reflects themes of Nepali identity, nature, and social issues. Some of his popular songs include: Rato Bhale (with Ganesh Rasik) Lahara Pahara Chhahara Ko Desh Tyamka Daanda Hara Hara Mahadev Paani De Mero Atit Ek Anjuli Ghaam (Album) Bhojpure was also a poet and writer, incorporating his hometown into his artistic identity. His work helped shape Nepali music by blending traditional elements with modern storytelling.

Nhuche Bahadur Dangol is a distinguished Nepali folk music educator, researcher, and multi‑instrumentalist, widely respected for his lifelong contribution to preserving and teaching Nepal’s traditional musical heritage. As an Associate Professor at Tribhuvan University, he has dedicated more than 36 years to teaching Nepali folk music, folk musical instruments, and traditional folk tunes to new generations of Nepali students.His career reflects a rare combination of academic depth, practical musicianship, and cultural stewardship. Dangol has played a central role in documenting, teaching, and transmitting the musical traditions of Nepal’s diverse ethnic communities. His classroom work, field knowledge, and performance experience have shaped thousands of young musicians, many of whom now serve as performers, teachers, and cultural ambassadors.Known for his mastery of multiple Nepali folk instruments, Dangol emphasizes authentic technique, historical context, and cultural meaning in his teaching. His approach blends scholarship, performance, and preservation, making him one of the most influential figures in Nepali folk music education.Through decades of service at Tribhuvan University, he has contributed to curriculum development, academic research, and the institutional recognition of Nepali folk music as a formal discipline. His work continues to strengthen the identity, continuity, and global appreciation of Nepal’s musical heritage.

Manoj Khadka is a passionate Nepali lyricist whose words bridge music, emotion, and meaning across generations. While his professional journey spans over two decades, working with renowned agencies such as SAARC, the World Bank, USAID, DFID, American Red Cross, and several other international, inter-governmental, and nonprofit organizations across Nepal, the USA, Africa, and many countries in Asia, songwriting becomes his creative passion — a space where he channels personal expression, cultural reflection, and social insight. His debut song, “Timi Je Bana Udaharan Bana”, performed by Pramod Kharel and Trishala Gurung, is a motivational piece especially cherished by children and educators. Among his most celebrated works is the historic song “Ghazal Unkai Geet Unkai”, which became the first-ever recorded song by three generations of the legendary Ghulam Ali Khan family — a rare and historic milestone in South Asian music history. His lyrical works have been brought to life by Nepal’s most respected voices, including “Gaughar Le Sodhyo Pardeshi Lai” by Ram Krishna Dhakal, “Tejasvi Apsara” by Menuka Poudel, “New York Sahar Ghumna” by Rajesh Payal Rai, and the powerful duet “Sensation” by Ram Krishna Dhakal and Pratap Das. Known for his ability to capture the nuances of romance, social dynamics, and cultural identity, Manoj’s songs resonate deeply with diverse audiences. His commitment to lyrical storytelling — grounded in emotion and cultural context — has positioned him as one of Nepal’s most thoughtful and boundary-crossing contemporary lyricists.