NIDA Team – NIDA NEPAL

NIDA’s Advisor

Dil Prasad Magar

Mr Magar is a development practitioner since last 17 years. He has been working as a consultant, researcher, trainer and lawyer, and served to the government, I/NGO and corporate sectors of Nepal. He is also associated with social service. Mr Magar has designed and delivered dozens of research and consulting projects. He has contributed by involving in the academic works like published, edited books, reports, journals and journal articles, magazines and mouth-pieces of the social organizations. He has been working not only as a right activist and advocating for rights of socially excluded and marginalized communities and peoples but also supported to the dozens of right-based organizations for their organization development and strategic direction.

Board members

Khadga Saru Magar

President, NIDA

Mr. Saru Magar is Magar language activist and disability rights worker who has been
working for the individual and collective rights of the disabled communities who are
suffering discrimination within the disability community and as a language script writer and
instructor of the Magar community for the past two and a half decades. Saru Magar initially
served as Secretary, Central Member, Vice-Chairman and currently serving as Advisor of
Nepal Magar Association Ramechhap Committee. He had been member, Secretary-General
and Vice-Chairman of Nepal Disabled Society before. Since 2009 till now, he has been active
in NIDA as Chairperson.

Indra Maya Gurung

Vice President, NIDA

Ms. Indra Maya Gurung, a respected social activist from Barpak Sulikot Rural Municipality, Gorkha, is the Vice President of the Nepal Indigenous Disabled Association (NIDA). A person with a physical disability and a proud member of the Gurung community, she holds degrees in LL.B. and M.A. She served as a Constituent Assembly Member (2007), contributing to Nepal’s constitution-making process and championing the rights of marginalized groups and peoples with disabilities.

Indra Maya is also President of the Gorkha Aru Arbang Tamu Cultural Family and advisor to the Gorkha Pachkot Tamu Society, working to preserve Gurung cultural identity. Trained by JICA in leadership and awarded the Constituent Assembly Medal, she continues to advocate for equity, inclusion, and the empowerment of indigenous peoples with disabilities.

Mr. Padam Bahadur Pun

General Secretary

Born on June 19, 1965, in Myagdi District, Nepal, Padam Bahadur Pun is a committed educator, social worker, and disability rights advocate. Living with a physical disability that paralyzed his left leg from the waist down, he has transformed personal adversity into a lifelong journey of service and empowerment. He holds two bachelor’s and two master’s degrees, including an MA in Mass Communication and Journalism from Purbanchal University and a Master in Ministry (MIT). With 17 years of teaching experience and a diverse professional background, he brings depth and dedication to every role.

Since the late 2000s, Padam has been an active voice in Nepal’s disability rights movement. As the current General Secretary of the Nepal Indigenous Disabled Association (NIDA), he works tirelessly for equity, inclusion, and the dignity of indigenous persons with disabilities. He resides in Nakhipot, Lalitpur.

MS. Shobha Shrestha

Secretary of NIDA

MS. Shobha Shrestha is a passionate advocate for indigenous peoples with disabilities, representing the Newar community of Nepal. Living with multiple disabilities herself, she serves as Secretary and Board Member of the Organization of Indigenous Disabilities since 2024, and has been actively involved with NIDA for over two years. With a Master’s degree in English (Humanities and Social Sciences), Shobha combines cultural preservation, community empowerment, and inclusive activism. Though naturally reserved, she thrives in collaborative environments, promoting equity, accessibility, and intersectionality through her leadership and dedication.

Ms. Ranjana Dhami

Treasurer of NIDA

Ranjana Dhami is an inspiring Indigenous woman from the Tharu community who has been serving as the Treasurer of NIDA since 2021. Born without her right hand from the elbow, she has never let her physical disability define her limits. Holding a Master’s degree in Sociology from Tribhuvan University, Ranjana has broken societal stereotypes—first as a national and international Para-taekwondo player (2015–2022), and now as a passionate para-cyclist. She has proudly represented Nepal on global platforms, winning multiple medals for the country. She is a passionate advocate for the rights, equity, and inclusion of Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth with disabilities.

Mr. Nawang Chhiri Sherpa

Member

Ms. Kopila Gurung

Member

Management Team

Nisma Dhami

Project Coordinater

Mr. Pradip Kumar Shrestha

Finance and Admin. Officer

Mr. Pradip Kumar Shrestha, a person with multiple disabilities from Nepal’s Newar community, serves as the Finance and Admin Officer at NIDA since 2024. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Studies (MBS), specializing in Finance. With over two years of experience in financial management, budgeting, and monitoring, his background includes work with NGOs such as Spiny Babbler and World Vision Advocacy Forum, as well as two years in private accounting firms. His commitment to transparency and efficiency strengthens NIDA’s mission of empowering indigenous peoples with disabilities.