Diaspora Team Set 3
Manish Harijan
Manish Harijan, born in Nepal and now based in Sheffield, UK, is an award-winning artist known for his bold, thought-provoking works that challenge social hierarchies and injustices. Manish Harijan’s journey as an artist is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and the socio-cultural landscape of Nepal. Harijan's work blends Eastern and Western influences, incorporating elements from Thangka and Paubha traditions alongside graphic novels and pop culture. His unique ‘Thang-Su-flat’ technique seamlessly merges religious iconography with contemporary themes, creating striking compositions that question power, representation, and discrimination.
His artistic journey took a transformative turn when he pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Kathmandu University, graduating in 2011. In 2012, his debut solo exhibition at Siddhartha Art Gallery in Kathmandu stirred national controversy, as his fusion of Hindu deities with contemporary superhero imagery was deemed provocative by other groups sharing different views. Seeking greater professional growth, he relocated to the United Kingdom, where he completed a Master of Fine Arts at Sheffield Hallam University in 2019. His work continued to evolve, gaining international recognition for its bold commentary on injustice, identity, and the intersection of Eastern and Western iconography.
Harijan’s art has been exhibited globally, from the Welt Museum in Vienna to the Museum of Communication in The Hague and the Nepal Art Council in Kathmandu. In 2023, he was honoured with the NAE Open Future Exhibition Prize, and his work has also become part of the UK’s Government Art Collection. Through his paintings, installations, and multimedia creations, Harijan continues to challenge societal norms, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities while forging his own path in the contemporary art world.
Prabin Khadka, PhD
Prabin B. Khadka, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Government at the University of Essex, specializing in the Political Economy of Conflict. He received his PhD in political science from New York University in 2020, and an M.A. in international security from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in 2011. His research examines how international interventions shape social cohesion and conflict dynamics, focusing on peacekeeping, counter-insurgency, and countering violent extremism within broader political and economic frameworks. He also investigates the nexus between climate change, conflict, and migration, using experimental methodologies such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), survey experiments, and lab-in-the-field behavioural games to assess attitudes and behaviour in fragile environments, particularly in the Horn of Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. His work has been published or is forthcoming in leading journals, including American Political Science Review (APSR), American Journal of Political Science (AJPS), International Studies Quarterly (ISQ), Journal of Peace Research (JPR), and Defense and Peace Economics. Some of his notable publications include “Why Protectors Become Predators: The Logic of Civilian Abuse by Peacekeepers” (ISQ, 2025), “Social Reintegration of Former al-Shabaab Militants: How Formal Channels Help Mitigate Threat Perceptions” (JPR, 2025), and “Intrinsic Social Incentives in State and Non-State Armed Groups” (APSR, 2023). He is an invited researcher with J-PAL, a research member with EGAP, a primary researcher with Inclusion Economics Nepal, an affiliated researcher with the University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation (UCIGCC), and a fellow with the Institute for Integrated Development Studies Nepal(IIDS).
Before academia, Dr. Khadka served in the Nepal Army for 14 years as a Combat Engineer Officer, focusing on infrastructure development in rural Nepal. During the Maoist Conflict, he specialized in Bomb Disposal Operations, leading the removal of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and overseeing the clearance of minefields as part of the 2006 peace settlement. He also served as a UN peacekeeper in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2003 & 2008). After transitioning from the military in 2009, he worked with international organizations, including the UNDPKO, UNDP, UNU, the World Bank, and the Danish Refugee Council, across Africa, the Middle East, Nepal, and New York. Recently, he supported UNDP Somalia and the Somali Ministry of Justice in measuring SDG 16.3 outcomes and is currently assisting the UN in Ukraine with their Mine Action Strategy. Dr. Khadka earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from New York University (2020) and an MA in International Security from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service (2011).
Dr. Priya Rimal
Dr. Priya Rimal is a dedicated internist, endocrinologist, and Medical Director of Adult and Internal Medicine at North Hudson Community Action Corporation (NHCAC) in New Jersey. With a specialization in diabetes and metabolism, she has been at the forefront of community healthcare, bridging the gap between clinicians, researchers, and patients. As a leader at one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in New Jersey, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring quality healthcare access for underserved populations across ten campuses
With a strong background in both clinical practice and medical research, Dr. Rimal has been an Endocrinologist and Internist at NHCAC since 2023. Prior to this, she completed a Fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and a residency in Internal Medicine at St. Luke’s Hospital in Missouri. She holds certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Rimal has actively contributed to medical research and has authored multiple papers. She has also led healthcare awareness initiatives through local media in Nepal, advocating for public health and disease prevention.
Committed to global health, Dr Rimal played a key role in telemedicine services for Nepal during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing remote consultations to support medical providers. She has also volunteered in rural health camps, participated in fundraising for social causes, and mentored aspiring medical students. Her efforts in patient advocacy and healthcare access reflect a lifelong mission to improve lives, both in the U.S. and internationally.
Notably, Dr. Rimal’s leadership at NHCAC makes her the youngest Medical Director in the institution’s history, a testament to her dedication, expertise, and passion for advancing healthcare. Interestingly, Dr Rimal’s diverse background includes an early stint in the entertainment industry—modelling for a commercial at the age of five.
Shornima KC
Shornima KC is a stand-up comedian and writer known for her sharp wit and engaging storytelling. Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, she discovered comedy while teaching in Memphis, using humour as an outlet beyond the classroom. Her fresh perspective and natural stage presence quickly gained recognition, leading to performances at top comedy festivals, including Moon tower Just for Laughs and the prestigious Just for Laughs New Faces showcase. KC has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in comedy, including Dave Attell, Shane Gillis, Nate Bargatze, Ari Shaffir, and Dusty Slay. She was named Nashville’s Best Up-and-Coming Comedian by Nashville Scene Magazine and was a semi-finalist for Stand-Up NBC. Beyond stand-up, her writing has been featured on Kevin Hart’s LOL Network and Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update. Currently based in New York City, KC serves as a writer for Saturday Night Live, contributing to the “Weekend Update” segment. Prior to this, she was a writer on Comedy Central’s Tooning Out the News. With her distinct voice and undeniable talent, KC continues to make waves in the comedy world, bringing her unique blend of humour and storytelling to audiences across the country.
Dr. Sangita Shrestha
Dr. Sangita Shrestha, who writes under the pen name Dr. Sangita Swechcha, is a Nepali writer, poet, and scholar based in England. She has authored a novel, poetry, and short stories, including Pakhalieko Siundo, a novel published at the age of 18 (later republished as Seto Siundo), and Gulafsangako Prem, which was translated into English in 2024 as Rose’s Odyssey: Tales of Love and Loss. She has co-edited anthologies such as The Himalayan Sunrise and A Glimpse Into My Country and founded Book Hill International to promote Nepali literature globally. In recognition of her contributions to Nepali literature, she was awarded the Nawaratna Nari Award by the International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) in 2023. Dr. Sangita has made remarkable contributions to Nepali literature, international development, and environmental communication. Alongside her literary works, she co-authored Asahamatika Pailaharu, a collection of short stories, and co-edited The Himalayan Sunrise: Exploring Nepal’s Literary Horizon (with Karen Van Drie) and A Glimpse Into My Country (with Andrée Roby), the latter of which has been listed as a textbook at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). As a strong advocate for Nepali literature on the global stage, she served as the Guest Editor for Nepali Literature Month (Nov 2019) at the Global Literature in Libraries Initiative (GLLI) in the USA. Her literary and advocacy work has earned her several prestigious accolades. In addition to the Nawaratna Nari Award (2023), she was honored with the Ambassador of Peace Award by the Universal Peace Federation UK in 2024 for her efforts in international development and peace-building. She has also been recognized with the Mahendra Vidhya Bhushan (2000) and Nepal Vidhya Bhushan (2014) for academic excellence.
Beyond literature, Dr. Sangita has over 15 years of experience in international development, higher education, and research across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Holding a PhD in Environmental Communication, she currently works at an international development organization in London, where she actively champions women’s rights and education, amplifying their voices through articles and blogs. Her work and insights have been featured in prominent media outlets such as BBC, Global Voices, and ALB UK Global TV. A dedicated campaigner, writer, and development communicator, she continues to advocate for gender equality, education, and the global recognition of Nepali literature.
Sanyukta Shrestha
Sanyukta Shrestha is a trailblazing Nepali-British designer reshaping luxury bridal fashion with sustainability at its core. Hailed as “the Greta of the Wedding World,” she pioneered eco-friendly, cruelty-free couture, using materials like nettle, hemp, bamboo, and organic cotton. Her designs celebrate Nepal’s 1,000-year-old craftsmanship while empowering women artisans in developing countries.
Her zero-waste approach and transparent supply chain have earned her global acclaim, with her work featured in The Fashion Museum—making her the first Nepali-origin designer to be archived there. From the Oscars to Cannes, her creations have graced red carpets, worn by stars like Victoria’s Secret model Candice Swanepoel. With every stitch, Shrestha is redefining luxury, proving that fashion can be both glamorous and kind.
Prof Shobhakar Dhakal
Prof Shobhakar Dhakal is a distinguished professor and former Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand, where he also served as Dean of the School of Environment, Resources, and Development. A leading expert in energy policy, climate change mitigation, and urban sustainability, Dhakal has made significant contributions to global climate science and policy.
He is a Coordinating Lead Author for the Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 5th and 6th Assessment Reports, focusing on human settlements, infrastructure, and emissions trends. He also contributed to the UNEP’s landmark report, Making Peace with Nature (2021). Educated in electrical engineering (BEng, India), energy economics (Masters, AIT), and environmental studies (PhD, University of Tokyo), Dhakal has held visiting roles at MIT and other prestigious institutions. His work spans global assessments on cities and climate change, urban energy systems, and carbon management. He co-founded the Carbon Management Journal and has served on editorial boards of numerous academic journals. Dhakal’s career bridges academia, policy, and international collaboration, making him a key figure in advancing sustainable urban development and climate action.
Anup Kaphle
Anup Kaphle is the Editor-in-Chief of Rest of World, a global tech and business publication he helped launch in 2020. Based in New York City, Kaphle has nearly two decades of journalism experience, including leadership roles at The Kathmandu Post, Roads & Kingdoms, and BuzzFeed News. He also spent six years at The Washington Post, where he served as Digital Foreign Editor and helped shape its global coverage. His reporting spans the world, with datelines from Afghanistan to Nepal, and stories published in The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, The Atlantic, and The Globe and Mail. Kaphle holds a Master’s degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism—where he received the Henry N. Taylor Award for the top international student—and a B.A. in English from Tusculum University in Tennessee. He has been recognized with honors including the Eugene Meyer Award, the SAJA Reporting Fellowship, and a fellowship for news executives by the Poynter Media Transformation Challenge Program. His career reflects a deep commitment to impactful storytelling and innovation in global journalism.
Surya Prasad Subedi
Surya Prasad Subedi (KC, OBE), DPhil, is a globally renowned expert in international law, human rights, and diplomacy. He is Professor of International Law at the University of Leeds and a barrister based in London. A former United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Cambodia, he has advised governments, international organisations, and NGOs across the world, and has served as an expert to both the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. Subedi is a Membre Titulaire of the prestigious Institut de Droit Internationaland has held influential roles, including membership in the British Foreign Secretary’s Advisory Group on Human Rights and the World Economic Forum’s Task Force on Investment Policy. He has authored 10 influential books and over 100 publications, shaping global debates on human rights, public law, international investment law, among others. His honours and appointments include the King’s Counsel (KC), the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of REDRESS, a leading human rights organization. Professor Subedi holds a PhD (known as DPhil in Oxford) and a Doctor of Civil Law (DCL) from the University of Oxford, an LLM with Distinction from the University of Hull, and an LLB and MA from Tribhuvan University, Nepal.
Bal Krishna Joshi
Bal Krishna Joshi is the visionary founder of Xuno, a leading fintech platform dedicated to building an inclusive, borderless economy. Before Xuno, he co-founded Thamel.com and ThamelRemit, Nepal’s first digital e-commerce and remittance platforms. Launched in 1998 as a chat service, Thamel.com evolved into an online gift delivery platform, allowing Nepali migrant workers to send gifts home. Through his groundbreaking work in digital remittance and successful advocacy for regulatory reforms, Mr. Joshi has become a pioneer in cross-border financial innovation. With Xuno, he continues to lead the way in transforming global payments and digital banking for Nepal and beyond.
