In celebration of International Youth Day on August 12, Onlinekhabar.com has unveiled its list of 40 Under 40 Influential Youths in Nepal. The list honours 40 young individuals under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions in diverse fields, including politics, society, art and literature, culture, youth and sports, knowledge and science, entrepreneurship, and the diaspora.
2024 marked the first time Onlinekhabar published its 40 Under 40 list, establishing an annual tradition of recognising exceptional young talent.
List of 40 Under 40 – 2025
1. Abhirath Agrawal
Agrawal is the founder of Nepal’s first organic fertiliser industry, producing 10 tons of fertiliser and 1,500 kg of biogas daily since 2018. His innovation addresses annual chemical fertiliser shortages with eco-friendly solutions.
2. Amrita Acharia
British actress of Nepali-Ukrainian descent Acharia has a global film career spanning Nepal, Ukraine, UK, and Norway. She is also engaged in philanthropy, writing, directing, and marathon running.
3. Anil Regmi
Regmi is the developer of Smart Krishi app aimed at professionalising farming and empowering Nepali farmers. His app has been downloaded over 500,000 times, revolutionising agriculture in Lamjung.
4. Anjila Tumbapo Subba
Captain of Nepal’s national women’s football team Subba has rose from basic hardships to international leagues. Her life story inspired a biopic film titled Anjila.
5. Bablu Gupta
Gupta is a philanthropist from Siraha who started free food campaigns and a clothing bank during Covid-19. He leads the “Hundred Group,” which has been supporting 110 students and coordinating blood donations.
6. Bijay Baral
From theater artist to becoming one of Nepal’s most sought-after actors in silver screen. Baral’s extraordinary success reflects perseverance common among Nepali artists.
7. Binita Singh Danuwar
Farmer leader turned parliamentarian from Madhesh, Danuwar advocates for farmers’ rights. She rose through grassroots activism to national political influence.
8. Binod Kunwar
Leading the construction of Rs 400 million cricket stadium in Rupandehi. Kunwar’s project contrasts with delays faced by existing facilities in Kirtipur.
9. Bishwas Chepang
From humble Chepang roots to championing education for marginalised children. Chepang works tirelessly to open opportunities for the Chepang community.
10. Dr Akhanda Upadhyay
Doctor serving Dolpa’s remote areas for four years despite geographic and infrastructural challenges. Performs surgeries by torchlight and provides life-saving care without limits.
11. Dipesh Karki
Nepali founder of India’s peer-to-peer lending platform LenDenClub, with 160 billion INR loans facilitated. The platform has 30 million borrowers and 3 million lenders.
12. Arika Gurung
Nepali karate champion from Dhading with international medals including the Asian Games and Karate 1 Premier League. Has raised Nepal’s profile in global karate competitions.
13. Ganpatilal Shrestha / Sanjay Adhikari
Shrestha and Adhikari are activists working in the field of protecting and promoting Nepali cultural heritage. They have opposed harmful construction in historic sites post-earthquake. They also advocates for archaeological preservation in Kathmandu’s Basantapur area.
14. Gaurav Neupane
Agricultural officer from Chitwan who uses social media and field visits to solve farmers’ problems. His guidance has benefited thousands nationwide.
15. Hemraj Paneru and Saraswati Kadayat
Paneru and Kadyat are the pioneers who introduced Nepali kho-kho to the world by securing runner-up status in the World Cup. Their historic achievement brought international recognition to the sport in Nepal.
16. Karna Kshetri
Young app developer from Bardiya whose ‘Birthday Wish’ and ‘Life Lessons’ apps have 150,000+ downloads. Kshetri has invested his earnings in land and dreams further tech innovation.
17. Kamal Jung Kunwar
Kunwar is the founder of ‘Daddy’s Kitchen,’ a fast-food empire expanding across Nepal with 25 branches and 750 employees. Started from a pushcart selling chowmein in Arghakhanchi.
18. Manisha Shah Yadav
Innovator in modern Mithila art from Sarlahi, blending tradition with contemporary creativity. Her works decorate everything from walls to papers.
19. Manish Harijan
Dalit artist from Baglung Harijan’s work challenges caste discrimination on international stages. His artworks have been exhibited in London, Vienna, Delhi, Copenhagen, The Hague, Sheffield, and New York.
20. Manoj Ram
Dalit education activist who ignited awareness and free tuition campaigns in his community. Ram believes education is key to eradicating caste discrimination.
21. Mahendra Raj Pandey
Migrant worker advocate who repatriated thousands of stranded bodies abroad after rescuing his own father. Committed to helping trapped labourers on foreign soil.
22. Dr Namrata Khadka
Nepal’s first female neurosurgeon in government service, leading a female neurosurgery team at Bir Hospital. A pioneer breaking gender barriers in a complex medical field.
23. Phunjo Lama
World-record fastest female Everest climber and Nepal’s first female helicopter long-line rescuer. Overcame a childhood of hardship and yak herding to achieve remarkable mountaineering feats.
24. Prakash Tiwari
Chairperson of Arjunchaupari Rural Municipality known for setting exemplary leadership standards. Joined Nepali Congress at 33 and shines as a local political force in Syangja.
25. Rahbar Ansari
Madhesh Province assembly member who tirelessly advocates for governance, education, environment, and tolerance. Renowned for integrity and public service from dawn till night.
26. Rashmi Pant
Banking executive who rose from Business Planning Officer to Chief Business Officer at Prabhu Bank. Chose banking over family’s wish for her to become a doctor.
27. Sanjan Gautam
Nepali YouTuber and PUBG streamer who rapidly grew his channel to 100,000 subscribers. Earns up to Rs 1 million monthly from gaming content.
28. Sarita Lamichhane
Blind advocate from Gorkha fighting for digital accessibility for the visually impaired across sectors. Works to make hospitals, education, ride-sharing, and banking accessible.
29. Sarita Pariyar
Writer and activist from Makwanpur fighting caste and patriarchal injustices through critical thought. Evolved from committed rebel to influential social commentator.
30. Shivnath Raut
Volunteer teacher providing free tuition to disadvantaged Dalit children for over two years. Dedicated to educational upliftment in poor communities.
31. Santosh Shah
Janakpur-born Master Chef UK winner promoting indigenous cuisine through Mithila Thali and Janakpur Fish House. Returned from abroad to advance Nepal’s culinary heritage.
32. Sushant KC
Popular singer whose hit ‘Bardali’ was produced by India’s T-Series, gaining widespread acclaim. Known for a growing repertoire of youth-favourite songs.
33. Surya Karki
Returned entrepreneur and education activist overcoming stigma to impact Nepal’s agriculture and education sectors. From Sankhuwasabha, he founded an education startup after selling his business in the US.
34. Victor Poudel
Founder of “Routine of Nepal Banda,” a trusted platform for updates on shutdowns and power outages since 15 years ago. Evolved into a positive social messaging medium for youth.
35. Ranjit Bhatta, Punit Jajodia, and Aswin Shrestha
Creators of Programiz, a global coding education platform with millions of users and university curriculum inclusion. Their vision empowers millions to learn programming, free for Nepali users.
36. Sunita Dangol
Kathmandu’s Deputy Mayor known for bridging political divides and fostering dialogue in a polarised metropolis. Advocates leadership through consensus, communication, and collaboration.
37. Bhupi Air and Swoyam Shrestha
Student leaders who rose by rebelling against powerful party syndicates in campus politics. Their activism has sparked reform and improved student representation.
38. Ramesh Thapa
Deputy Inspector of the Armed Police Force, is a diving commander renowned for his life-risking rescue operations. With 15 years of service, he has braved high-flow floods, retrieving drowned bodies. His work during the Simaltal incident remains a testament to his courage and dedication.
39. Suresh Bhattarai
A pioneering Nepali astronomer, Bhattarai has spent over two decades inspiring young minds to explore the cosmos. Despite past obstacles such as security checks and limited infrastructure, he continues to promote space science in Nepal. Through research, outreach, and global collaboration, he shows children the moon, stars, and their own potential in astronomy.
40. Kuma Sagar
Nepali musician blending devotional hymns and Newa folk tunes into a distinctive, sweet fusion. A consistent presence in Nepal’s musical landscape.
