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Netra Bahadur Tamang is a distinguished Nepali journalist, children’s author, and cultural advocate whose work has left a meaningful impact on Nepal’s media and literary landscape. Through a combination of investigative journalism, socially engaged storytelling, and active leadership, Tamang has established himself as a voice for the voiceless—especially for marginalized communities and children.
Early
Life and Education
Born in Indrawati Rural Municipality
of Sindhupalchok District, Nepal, Netra Tamang grew up witnessing social
inequalities and linguistic marginalization, which would later shape his
professional journey. He pursued higher education in Mass Communication and
Journalism at Tribhuvan University, where he cultivated a passion for
truth-telling and social change through media.
Journalism
Career
Tamang began his journalism career
in the early 2000s, working with national publications such as Nagarik
Dainik, Naya Patrika, Pahilopost, and Bizmandu. His
reporting often focused on issues overlooked by mainstream outlets, including
indigenous rights, rural development, labor migration, and child welfare. He
also served as Bureau Editor of Everest Times, a Nepali-language
newspaper published from New York, expanding his global reach.
In 2020, Tamang was selected as a
fellow for the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) Conference organized
by the Missouri School of Journalism—an international recognition of his
commitment to credible, in-depth reporting. His work has also taken him to the
UAE, India, Bangladesh, and the United States for professional engagements and
research.
Contributions
to Children’s Literature
Beyond journalism, Netra Tamang is
an accomplished children’s author. His stories blend entertainment with
education, using accessible language and culturally relevant characters to
connect with young readers. His notable books include Bojraj ra Baunne, Phurbako
Photo, Kalo Biralo, and Jambiyangko Janmadin, the last of
which has been incorporated into Nepal’s Grade 5 school curriculum. Many of his
works are bilingual, contributing to the promotion of mother tongues like
Tamang, which are often underrepresented in formal education.
He has written and edited more than
20 storybooks and picture books, many of which have been translated into English,
Tamang, and Korean. Tamang’s storytelling emphasizes empathy, cultural pride,
and problem-solving skills, making him one of Nepal’s most influential voices
in contemporary children's literature.
Leadership
and Advocacy
Tamang is also a leader in the field
of media rights and indigenous advocacy. As president of the Association of
Tamang Journalists (ATJ), he has led campaigns for linguistic inclusion in
national media, including a successful effort to launch Tamang-language news
through the national news agency, RSS. He also holds a central position in the
Federation of Indigenous Nationalities Journalists (FoNIJ), where he advocates
for representation and press freedom for marginalized communities.
Vision
and Legacy
Netra Tamang envisions a future
where journalism is rooted in justice, children grow up with culturally
relevant books, and Nepal's indigenous languages are preserved and promoted.
His long-term goals include developing a Tamang language curriculum and
establishing platforms for ethnic minority youth in media and literature.
Conclusion
Netra Tamang is not only a
journalist and author—he is a changemaker. His ability to blend hard-hitting
journalism with imaginative storytelling makes him a unique figure in Nepali
society. Whether exposing truths through news reports or inspiring young minds
through literature, Tamang’s work reflects a deep commitment to truth, equity,
and cultural pride. In a country as diverse as Nepal, professionals like Netra
Tamang are essential to building an inclusive and thoughtful future.
Written By ChatGPT - July 15, 2025
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