Meet Our Team
Dedicated professionals driving innovation and shaping the future through creativity and technical excellence.
Mr. Upendra Man Shakya
AdvisorMr. Upendra Man Shakya Advisor in Project Development and Management with 29 years of experience.
Mr. Binod Prakash Upadhayay
AdvisorMr. Binod Prakash Upadhayay – Advisor on Governance and Advocacy with 26 years of experience.
Mr. Tirtha Raj Neupane
Mr. Tirtha Raj Neupane – Advisor for MEAL and Quality Control with 18 years of experience.
Mr. Deependra Pd. Bhatt
AdvisorMr. Deependra Pd. Bhatt – Advisor in Health and Nutrition with 12 years of experience.
Mr. Sidhartha Adhikari
AdvisorMr. Sidhartha Adhikari – Advisor for Finance and Administration with 10 years of experience.
Mr. Govind Pandey
AdvisorMr. Govind Pandey – Advisor on Government and Partnership Relations with 40 years of experience.
Nirmala Rawal
Vice- ChairpersonNirmala Rawal from Achham serves as the Vice-Chairperson. With over 18 years of experience in education and GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion), she has been actively contributing to inclusive learning and community development.
Madan Kumar Shahi
Vice- ChairpersonMadan Kumar Shahi from Dailekh serves as the Vice-Chairperson. He holds an MA degree and has over 8 years of experience in social development, contributing to community empowerment and sustainable progress
Er. Krishna Bdr. Air
General SecretaryEr. Krishna Bdr. Air from Kailali serves as the General Secretary. He holds a BE degree and has over 5 years of experience in infrastructure development, climate change, and environmental initiatives.
Krishna Prasad Devkota
SecretaryKrishna Prasad Devkota serves as Secretary, bringing over 10 years of experience in the education sector. He holds a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) and has been actively contributing to educational development in Achham through leadership, coordination, and community-focused initiatives.
Ajit Bhandari
TreasurerAjit Bhandari serves as Treasurer, with over 15 years of experience in administration and finance. He holds a Master’s degree (MA) and brings strong expertise in financial management, organizational governance, and administrative leadership, contributing to transparent and efficient operations.
Laxmi Devi Shahi
MemberLaxmi Devi Shahi is a Member representing Achham, with experience in the social development sector. She holds an SLC qualification and actively contributes to community-based initiatives focused on social inclusion and local development.
Er. Mahesh Shrestha
MemberEr. Mahesh Shrestha is a Member from Bhaktapur, holding a Master’s degree in Engineering (ME). He brings expertise in reconstruction, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and environmental management, supporting resilient and sustainable development initiatives.
Laxmi Shah
MemberLaxmi Shah is a Member from Achham with over 25 years of experience in social development, education, and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). She holds a Master’s degree (MA) and has long contributed to inclusive, community-centered development initiatives.
Kabi Ram Regmi
MemberKabi Ram Regmi is a Member from Achham with over 25 years of experience in social development, education, and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). He holds a Master’s degree (MA) and brings extensive expertise in inclusive development and community empowerment.
Paile Damai
MemberPaile Damai is a Member from Achham with experience in the social development sector. Holding an SLC qualification, he actively supports community-based initiatives that promote social inclusion and local development.
Er. Man Bahadur Shahi
Founder Chairperson & Honorary MemberEr. Man Bdr Shahi is the Founder Chairperson and Honorary Member of ASTHA Nepal. He is a civil engineer, development professional, management advisor, and organizational leader with more than two decades of experience in engineering, management, development programming, institutional strengthening, and community engagement. He has served as a Board Member of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), Chairperson of Transform Nepal (since 2002), and Chairperson of TA Group Pvt. Ltd. (since 2019). Earlier in his career, he held various technical and leadership positions, including Chief Executive Officer, Engineer, and Overseer, with organizations including ASTHA, GIZ, UMN, CARE, and the Government of Nepal/DSCO. His key areas of expertise include strategic management, organizational development, engineering and technical supervision, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and leadership. Throughout his career, he has maintained a strong commitment to professional integrity, institutional excellence, collaborative leadership, and sustainable community development.
Nirajan Bahadur shahi
Executive DirectorMr. Nirajan Bahadur Shahi brings more than six years of experience in organizational leadership, development project management, operations, and partnership building. He currently serves as CEO at ASTHA Nepal, where he provides strategic and operational leadership to support the organization’s overall vision, program implementation, institutional development, and sustainability. He has developed expertise in strategic planning, program management, financial oversight, team leadership, external relations, and partnership development. Since 2017, he has also served as General Secretary of ASTHA Nepal, contributing to the organization’s strategic direction and overseeing a diverse portfolio of programs and projects. In these roles, he has worked closely with teams, partners, government stakeholders, and communities to strengthen collaboration, promote innovation, and achieve meaningful results. He is committed to creating an inclusive and collaborative working environment and believes in participatory approaches to organizational and community development. He holds a MBA from lincoln University and BBS from TU. His professional interests include organizational leadership, advocacy, community engagement, sustainable development, and strengthening partnerships for social impact. He is proficient in multiple languages and information technology and has participated in various professional trainings, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives. He is passionate about contributing to positive social transformation through effective leadership, innovation, community participation, and sustainable development. He believes that strong teamwork, meaningful partnerships, and locally led solutions are essential to creating lasting impact in communities.
Hark Bahadur Balayar
District ManagerMr. Hark Bahadur Balayar serves as the Program Coordinator of the HATEMALO for Child Wellbeing and Integrated Development Project and as a District Manager at ASTHA Nepal. He brings more than 18 years of experience in development programs, project management, institutional strengthening, and community development. He has worked closely with government agencies, development partners, I/NGOs, and local communities, including organizations such as UKAID, USAID, JICA, KOICA, WFP, Mercy Corps, Good Neighbors, Aasman Nepal, Community Development Center, and ASTHA Nepal. His areas of expertise include program leadership, strategic planning, capacity building, partnership development, stakeholder engagement, education and child protection, livelihoods, and inclusive community development.
Vishnu Prasad Jaishi
Admin & Finance ManagerMr. Vishnu Prasad Jaishi is an Admin and Finance professional with over 12 years of experience in the NGO, manufacturing, and hydropower sectors. He holds a Master’s degree in Personnel Management (MPM) in HR & Finance, with expertise in financial management, budgeting and budgetary control, administration, HR, procurement, supply chain management, compliance, audit support, and capacity building. He is committed to strengthening organizational systems, ensuring accountability and compliance, improving operational efficiency, and supporting effective project implementation and organizational growth.
Ganesh Prasad Joshi
Project CoordinatorMr. Ganesh Prasad Joshi brings more than 22 years of experience in the development sector and project management, with extensive experience in community development, local governance, program planning and implementation, monitoring, coordination, and stakeholder engagement. He has worked with a range of national and international development organizations, including UNDP, UNICEF, Mott MacDonald, Save the Children, LWF Nepal, SEBAC Nepal, Community Development Forum Nepal, Bikash Sanchar Samuha, and CDF/GTZ/RPN. His areas of expertise include governance, human rights, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), climate change, education, and nutrition. He has strong experience in facilitating trainings and workshops, community mobilization, advocacy, stakeholder coordination, and working closely with government agencies and development partners. He is also experienced in program management, data analysis, documentation, and report writing. Throughout his career, Mr. Joshi has worked in challenging and conflict-affected settings and with multidisciplinary teams. He values teamwork, inclusive participation, and collaborative approaches to development and is committed to contributing to sustainable and meaningful outcomes for communities. He holds a Master’s degree from Tribhuvan University.
Prem Singh Thakuri
Program CoordinatorMr. Prem Singh Thakuri serves as the Program Coordinator for the EpiC MNCH and Nutrition Project at ASTHA Nepal. He has experience in project coordination, program planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement. He has previously served as Senior Project Coordinator at Social Awareness Center (SAC Nepal), managing projects related to Early Childhood Development, Child Protection, WASH, and Disaster Risk Reduction. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and has experience in proposal and report writing, community development, and managing grant- and sponsorship-funded projects. He is committed to community service, teamwork, and improving health and development outcomes through effective and inclusive program implementation.
Tapendra Thakulla
Program CoordinatorMr. Tapendra Thakulla serves as a Program Coordinator in ASTHA Nepal partnership with UNDP/ A2J and Program Officer in partnership with World Vision International Nepal, bringing over 10 years of experience in child protection, integrated development, project coordination, and community development. He has extensive experience working in partnership with leading organizations, including Save the Children, World Vision International Nepal, UNDP, WACT and WAC Nepal. His expertise includes child rights and safeguarding, Child-Friendly Local Governance (CFLG), community-based child protection, Access to justice, project planning and implementation, stakeholder coordination, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting. As a program coordinator, he is experienced in leading project teams, coordinating with local governments and development partners, facilitating community engagement, ensuring effective program implementation, and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders. He is deeply committed to community empowerment, child well-being, and sustainable development.
Harka Bahadur Khadka
MEAL OfficerMr. Hark Bahadur Khadka serves as the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer for the HATEMALO for Child Wellbeing and Integrated Development Project and as a MEAL Officer at ASTHA Nepal. He has over 14 years of professional experience in development programming, with strong expertise in monitoring and evaluation, accountability, learning, project management, institutional strengthening, and community development. He has extensive experience in developing and strengthening MEAL systems, monitoring program performance, ensuring data quality and evidence-based decision-making, documenting learning and good practices, and supporting program teams to use monitoring findings for adaptive management and continuous improvement. He has worked closely with government agencies, development partners, I/NGOs, and local communities, contributing to effective coordination, partnership building, and stakeholder engagement. His professional experience includes working with organizations such as PRSDC, Office of Cottage and Small Industries, Achham, and ASTHA Nepal. His key areas of expertise include MEAL system strengthening, strategic planning, program monitoring, data quality assurance, data analysis and reporting, capacity building, accountability to affected populations, learning and knowledge management, partnership development, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based program improvement.
Dil Bahadur Shahi
MEAL OfficerMr. Dil Bahadur Shahi is a Monitoring and Evaluation professional with over 16 years of experience across the health and nutrition, agriculture, livelihood, child protection, psychosocial counselling, and M&E sectors. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree and has extensive experience in monitoring, reporting, coordination, collaboration, and project implementation. He is committed to strengthening organizational systems, supporting evidence-based decision-making, enhancing project quality, and contributing to effective coordination and collaboration for successful project implementation and organizational growth.
Khagendra Bahadur Karki
Cluster Field OfficerMr. Khagendra Bahadur Karki currently serves as a Cluster Field Officer at ASTHA Nepal, bring more than 15 years of diverse professional experience across the insurance, education, research, and development sectors. His experience includes five years in insurance, four years in teaching, three years in research, and three years in development work.His areas of expertise include community engagement, field monitoring, research, project implementation, stakeholder coordination, data collection, documentation, and reporting. He has worked closely with local communities, government agencies, development partners, and multidisciplinary teams. He holds a Master’s degree from Tribhuvan University and is committed to teamwork, inclusive participation, and contributing to sustainable development outcomes.
Purna Bahadur Khadka
Cluster Field OfficerMr. Purna Bahadur Khadka brings more than a decade of professional experience in operations, supply chain management, procurement and logistics, communications, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, monitoring, evaluation and reporting, team coordination, and health systems strengthening with extensive experience working in rural and underserved communities of Nepal. He currently serves as a Cluster Field Officer at ASTHA Nepal. Prior to joining ASTHA Nepal, he worked with Nyaya Health Nepal, where he held various roles supporting hospital operations, leading procurement and supply chain management, coordinating projects, and contributing to administration, communications, and community health programs in Achham. Mr. Khadka holds MA, BA and BBS degrees from Tribhuvan University.
Nirmala Kumari Khadayat
Program Officer - TechnicalMs. Nirmala Kumari Khadayat is a public health professional with experience in MNCH, Nutrition, and SRHR. She has experience in technical support, capacity building, coordination, and community-based health program implementation. Currently, she works as a Program Officer – Technical in the EpiC MNCH & Nutrition Project, supported by the U.S. Government and implemented by ASTHA Nepal
Chet Raj Budha
Admin & Finance OfficerMr. Chet Raj Budha is an accomplished Admin and Finance professional at the Hatemalo Child Wellbeing Project, with over 4 years of diverse experience in the NGO, construction, and hydropower sectors. He holds a Master’s degree in Management (MBS) with a specialization in Administration and Finance, providing him with a strong academic foundation. With extensive expertise in financial management, he excels in budgeting and budgetary control, ensuring accurate financial planning and optimal resource allocation to achieve organizational objectives. His experience also encompasses administration, human resources, procurement, and supply chain management, enabling smooth and efficient organizational operations. Mr. Budha is highly skilled in compliance and audit support, proficient in navigating regulatory frameworks and ensuring strict adherence to both external regulations and internal policies. He is deeply committed to capacity building, actively enhancing team competencies and strengthening overall organizational capabilities.
Kalpana Khatri
Admin & Finance OfficerMs. Kalpana Khatri is an Admin and Finance professional with experience in financial management, administration, budgeting, documentation, and organizational support. She is committed to ensuring effective financial management, administrative coordination, compliance, and smooth operations of the organization. Currently, she works as a Admin and Finance Officer at Astha Nepal MNCH Program.