Famous Personalities from Nepal

1. Historical and Political Leaders

A. Prithvi Narayan Shah (1723–1775)

• Founder of modern Nepal and the architect of the unification of numerous small kingdoms into a single nation in the 18th century.
• Laid the foundation for Nepal’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

B. King Tribhuvan Shah (1906–1955)

• Played a key role in ending the Rana autocratic regime and restoring democracy in Nepal in 1951.

C. Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala (1914–1982)

• Nepal’s first democratically elected Prime Minister (1959–1960).
• Prominent leader of the Nepali Congress and champion of democracy and social justice.

D. Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’

• Leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and former Prime Minister.
• Instrumental in Nepal’s transition from monarchy to a federal democratic republic.

E. Dr. Baburam Bhattarai

• Former Prime Minister and leading intellectual in Nepal’s political transformation.

2. Literary Figures

A. Laxmi Prasad Devkota (1909–1959)

• Nepal’s “Mahakavi” (Great Poet), famous for epic poems like Muna Madan.
• Pioneered modern Nepali literature and enriched the Nepali language.

B. Bhanubhakta Acharya (1814–1868)

• Known as the “Adikavi” (first poet) of Nepali literature.
• First to translate the Ramayana from Sanskrit to Nepali, making it accessible to common people.

C. Parijat (1937–1993)

• Influential female writer and poet, author of the classic novel Shirishko Phool (Blue Mimosa).

3. Artists and Cultural Icons

A. Araniko (1245–1306)

• Renowned medieval architect and artist, credited with spreading Nepali pagoda-style architecture to China.
• Built the White Stupa (Miaoying Temple) in Beijing.

B. Bhupi Sherchan (1937–1990)

• Prominent poet known for his socially conscious poetry and nationalism.

C. Manisha Koirala

• Internationally acclaimed Nepali-born Bollywood actress, known for films like Dil Se and 1942: A Love Story.

D. Narayan Gopal (1939–1990)

• Legendary singer, known as “Swar Samrat” (King of Voice) in Nepali music.

4. Scientists and Academics

A. Dr. Sanduk Ruit

• World-renowned ophthalmologist famous for developing cost-effective cataract surgery techniques.
• Founder of the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, improving eye care in Nepal and worldwide.

B. Dr. Chandra Bahadur Dangi (1939–2015)

• Recognized by Guinness World Records as the shortest adult man ever recorded.

C. Dr. Bharat Jangam

• Prominent writer and researcher in Nepali culture and history.

5. Sports Personalities

A. Tenzing Norgay (1914–1986)

• Legendary Sherpa mountaineer, first to summit Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953.

B. Paras Khadka

• Former captain of the Nepal national cricket team, instrumental in popularizing cricket.

C. Sandeep Lamichhane

• Nepal’s first cricketer to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other international leagues.

D. Bidhan Lama

• Nepal’s first Olympic medalist, winning bronze in Taekwondo (1988, demonstration sport).

6. Social Activists and Humanitarians

A. Anuradha Koirala

• Founder of Maiti Nepal, an organization combating human trafficking and supporting survivors.
• Awarded the CNN Hero of the Year in 2010.

B. Pushpa Basnet

• Founder of Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC), providing education and care for children of incarcerated parents.

C. Mahabir Pun

• Innovator and social entrepreneur who pioneered wireless internet access in rural Nepal, connecting remote villages.

7. Business and Entrepreneurship

A. Binod Chaudhary

• Nepal’s first billionaire and chairman of the Cha-udhary Group.
• Known for his success in food and beverages (notably Wai Wai noodles) and philanthropy.

B. Upendra Mahato

• Prominent businessman and philanthropist active in social welfare.

8. Contemporary Influencers

A. Prabal Gurung

• Internationally acclaimed fashion designer of Nepali origin, dressing celebrities worldwide.

B. Manjushree Thapa

• Award-winning writer and journalist, internationally recognized for her books on Nepali society.