TEDxIOM

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Dr. Anup Subedi

  Infectious Disease Specialist + Social Commentator

  Dr. Anup Subedi is a physician, infectious disease specialist, and one of Nepal’s most trusted public health voices. Educated at the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, and trained further in infectious diseases and epidemiology, he has been at the forefront of advancing evidence-based healthcare in Nepal. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Subedi became a guiding public figure, simplifying complex science into clear, empathetic messages that helped millions navigate uncertainty with confidence. His efforts played a vital role in combating misinformation and strengthening trust between the public and health institutions. Alongside his clinical and academic contributions, he works on national health system strengthening and policy development. Beyond medicine, he is deeply passionate about teaching, writing, and community service. Dr. Subedi’s work reflects the importance of clarity, compassion, and trust in public health leadership.

• Dr. Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra

  Obstetrician & Gynecologist + Additional Health Secretary, Ministry of Health and Population

  Dr. Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra is a distinguished Obstetrician & Gynecologist and Public Health Expert with nearly two decades of experience. She currently serves as Additional Health Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population, where she has been central to shaping national health strategies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led two major hospitals with resilience and vision. A Fulbright Scholar and the first female spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, she has been a strong advocate for women’s health, reproductive rights, and gender equity. With expertise in policy-making and community-based health programs, Dr. Mishra continues to inspire through her commitment to equitable, quality healthcare and leadership that transcends borders.

• Manose Singh

  Musician

  Manose Singh is an internationally acclaimed bansuri flautist whose music bridges cultures and generations. Born in Nepal, he discovered the flute early in life and has since become a global ambassador of Nepali sound. He is recognized as the first Nepali musician to appear on a Billboard chart and has performed on some of the world’s most celebrated stages. His collaborations with renowned artists such as Deva Premal and Miten have taken him across continents, where his performances blend ancient tradition with modern expression. Through his flute, Manose conveys both the spirit of Nepal and a universal language of peace, creativity, and connection.

• Min Bahadur Bham

  Filmmaker + Screenwriter

  Min Bahadur Bham is an internationally acclaimed filmmaker, screenwriter, and storyteller who has brought Nepali cinema to the global stage. Born in Mugu, one of Nepal’s most remote districts, he pursued literature and film before crafting a storytelling career that bridges cultural authenticity with universal human themes. His debut feature film, The Black Hen (Kalo Pothi), became the first Nepali film selected for the Venice International Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Fedeora Award. His second feature, Shambhala, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival to international acclaim, further cementing his reputation as a visionary storyteller. Alongside filmmaking, Min serves as a professor and mentor, guiding the next generation of Nepali filmmakers. His work reveals untold stories from Nepal while resonating with audiences around the world, proving that local narratives can transcend borders and illuminate universal truths.

• Nima Rinji Sherpa

  Mountaineer

  Nima Rinji Sherpa is a record-breaking Nepali mountaineer who, at the age of just 18, became the youngest climber in history to summit all 14 of the world’s eight-thousanders. Born in the Sherpa heartland of Nepal, Nima grew up surrounded by the Himalayas that shaped both his identity and his destiny. Inspired by the proud Sherpa legacy, he began climbing at an early age and soon embarked on expeditions that would place him among the legends of high-altitude mountaineering. His achievement is more than a world record—it is a story of resilience, youthful ambition, and the unyielding human spirit to push beyond limits. Beyond mountaineering, Nima advocates for preserving mountain culture, protecting fragile ecosystems, and inspiring young people to pursue their dreams fearlessly. His journey demonstrates how heritage, courage, and determination can redefine what is possible.

• Prof. Dr. Ramesh Singh Bhandari

  Liver and hepatobiliary Surgeon

  Prof. Dr. Ramesh Singh Bhandari is a pioneering liver transplant surgeon in Nepal and Professor of Surgery at the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). Born in Baitadi, he studied MBBS at BPKIHS, completed MS in Surgery at TUTH, and later specialized in GI and HPB surgery with a liver transplant fellowship in Australia. He led the team that performed Nepal’s first successful liver transplant at TUTH in 2019, after years of training and collaboration with international centers. With over 100 publications, he is recognized as a leading academic surgeon. Beyond medicine, he is passionate about music, football, futsal, and marathons. For his contributions, he received the Prabal Jana Sewa Shree Tritiya award in 2021.

• Reeta Pariyar

  Activist + Writer + Advocate for Social Justice

  Reeta Pariyar is an activist, writer, and fearless advocate for equity who has emerged as one of Nepal’s most powerful voices against caste-based discrimination. Born into a marginalized community, she experienced the deep-rooted inequities of the social system from an early age. Determined to challenge silence and stigma, Reeta embarked on a bold march across Nepal, confronting discrimination and amplifying the dignity and humanity of marginalized voices. Her journey became both a personal act of defiance and a national movement for justice. Through her writing and activism, she has inspired thousands to rethink equity, question long-standing norms, and imagine a more inclusive society. Reeta continues to work with grassroots communities, empowering women and youth to lead change. Her courage, compassion, and determination embody a vision for a Nepal where equality is more than an ideal—it is a lived reality.

• Saroj Karki

  Founder of Project Kura + Content Creator + Social Commentator

  Saroj Karki is the creative force behind Project Kura, a widely followed digital media platform that has redefined storytelling in Nepal. With a background in media and communications, Saroj uses creativity to address pressing social issues such as inequality, corruption, and governance. His content blends fearless commentary with humor and honesty, sparking dialogue and challenging the public to think critically. Through Project Kura, he has built a platform that resonates particularly with youth, amplifying conversations that shape Nepal’s present and future. Beyond content creation, Saroj actively engages in advocacy, training, and mentorship, inspiring young people to use media as a force for awareness and change. His vision is rooted in the belief that bold storytelling can bridge divides, foster accountability, and transform society.