Swoopna Suman

Durga Prasad Khatiwada is a renowned Nepali bansuri (flute) maestro, educator, and cultural ambassador, originally from Ilam. A graduate of Banaras Hindu University with a Master’s in Flute (2003), he has performed in over 20 countries, representing Nepal at prestigious events—including during state visits by leaders like Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi. Khatiwada is a music officer at Rastriya Nachghar and has taught classical music at institutions like Lalit Kala Campus and Sirjana College of Fine Arts. He pioneered flute education in Nepal’s higher education system by developing formal curricula. His international teaching includes sessions in Norway, Sweden, Germany, and France. Inspired early on by Gopal Yonjan, Khatiwada has dedicated his life to promoting classical music as the foundation of all musical forms. His performances and teachings emphasize peace, discipline, and cultural identity, making him a vital figure in Nepal’s musical heritage.

Dibya Khaling (March 28, 1952 (15 Jestha 2009 BS)) is a famous Nepali musician, composer and lyricist. Dibya Khaaling has rendered music for about 1000 songs, including the famous “Mero geet sabai timi laai..” sung by Arun Thapa , Ma Ta Laligurans Bhayechhu, Hey Bir Hinda Aghi Sari, Preyasika Yaadharu, Mayako Aadharma, and Bipana Babhaye Bachidine, and music for plays and films (Nepali film Didi by Pratap Subba). Khaling moved to Nepal from Darjeeling in the 1960s and worked with Radio Nepal. He composed music for singers like Narayan Gopal, Arun Thapa, Gyanu Rana, Mira Rana etc. A book “Dibya Sangeetkaar, Dibya Khaaling” has been written by his friends and family members, such as poet Madhav Prasad Ghimire and musicians Kiran Pradhan and Bulu Mukarung in his memory. He was married to Grace Khaaling. He is survived by three sons (Prajaya, Pradesh, Pratibimba), one daughter (Pratigya), two granddaughters (Divyanah Grace and Aanyata Parisa) and two grandsons (Noah and Deedan Daniel). Dibya was suffering from heart problems and died on 25 June 2006.

Gyanu Rana is a celebrated Nepali singer known for her contributions to modern and folk music. Born on October 3, 1949, in Batulechaur, Pokhara, Nepal, she grew up in a musically rich environment. Her father, Dharmaraj Thapa, was a renowned poet and folk singer, and her mother, Savitri Thapa, was a cultural promoter. Gyanu Rana's upbringing deeply influenced her musical journey. She has recorded over 2,000 songs in various languages, including Nepali, Hindi, Urdu, Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Newari. Her repertoire spans modern, classical, folk songs, bhajans, and ghazals. Some of her most iconic songs include "Siri Ma Siri Ni Kanchha" and "Manchhe Ko Maya Yaha," which she performed with the legendary Narayan Gopal. Gyanu Rana has also been a judge in national music competitions and has represented Nepal in international cultural festivals. Her career includes contributions to more than ten Nepali films as a playback singer. She retired as an Assistant Director of Music from the Royal Nepal Academy in 2006.