NEPAL INTERNET FOUNDATION - Key Persons
Ananta Pokharel is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Social Work while managing social media and creating engaging content. His academic background in social work provides him with a deep understanding of community issues, which he integrates into his content creation process. Ananta is skilled in crafting impactful social media campaigns, producing visuals, and creating content that resonates with diverse audiences.
His ability to merge social work principles with digital communication makes him a valuable asset in promoting social causes and engaging online communities.
Balkishor Chaudhary is an experienced Program Officer specializing in Research and Development. With a strong background in managing and overseeing R&D initiatives, he has demonstrated expertise in project design, execution, and evaluation. Balkishor plays a key role in driving innovation, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and advancing impactful research projects.
Bikash Khatri is an experienced Program Director with over 5 years of expertise in leading complex programs across diverse sectors and Community Network Projects. Skilled in strategic planning, stakeholder management, and cross-functional team leadership, Bikash ensures on-time, on-budget delivery of high-impact initiatives. With a focus on risk management and process optimization, he has successfully directed large-scale programs, improved operational efficiency, and aligned program goals with business objectives.
His expertise fosters collaboration, drives results, and consistently exceeds expectations in program execution.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director of Vianet Communications Pvt Ltd
Binay Bohra, Managing Director of Vianet Communications Pvt Ltd, is a Nepali Internet service provider (ISP) who connects people to the vast internet, quenching their thirst for information, knowledge, and entertainment. Bohra, who completed his higher studies in India in 1995, returned to Nepal and joined Mercantile Communications. His father, who made a significant contribution in the telecommunication sector, inspired him to become a computer engineer. Bohra and his friends founded Vianet Communications in 1999, offering high-speed Internet through fibre optics and cheap, reliable internet at a time when slow and costly dial-up and NTC's leased lines were the only options. The company has a robust network that connects offices and homes everywhere. Bohra, who aspired to become a scientist, has received support from his family, including his wife.
Internet Service Providers' Association of Nepal (ISPAN) formal President Bohra believes that the age of the Internet is crucial for our lives, providing educational materials, entertainment, and various activities. He plans to make the internet reliable and provide high-speed network facilities, while also competing with telecom operators. Despite the tough political environment, Bohara believes that nobody should stop working and admires. He believes that management philosophy varies from person to person and that there is no shortcut to success, and that self-belief and confidence are essential. He believes that success is multifaceted and cannot be measured by career success alone. Bohara believes that human resources are the most valuable asset for any organization, and that a team should be formed based on intellect rather than recommendations alone. He believes that working within the country is the biggest contribution to society and that working with one's own people is more important. Bohara wishes to diversify his operations and take more time for hobbies and interests.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Community Leader
- Member of the Women Agriculture Group of Khunde
Chhiring Sherpa is a passionate community leader committed to uplifting the Sherpa people in the Everest region. As the driving force behind the Everest Community Network, she connects local communities with global audiences, creating opportunities for growth and cultural preservation. Through initiatives like the Sherpa Community Homestay, she helps families earn income by hosting tourists while sharing their unique culture. Chhiring also plays a vital role in preserving the yak population, promoting sustainable practices to ensure their future.
Job Titles:
- Chief Information Officer
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
Ganesh Shah (born December 12, 1949) is a Nepalese politician, former Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, and a senior leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (United). He holds an M-Tech degree in mechanical engineering from Patrice Lumumba People's Friendship University. Shah is a strong advocate for climate change issues in Nepal and has been quoted in various media outlets. He is known for his technological proficiency and maintains a personal blog and an active presence on Facebook. Shah hails from Lohana Dhanusha and belongs to the Madhesi ethnicity, a business caste.
Job Titles:
- Network Administrator
- Software Engineer
Joyal is a skilled Software Engineer and Network Administrator with extensive experience in IT infrastructure, system security, and software development. He specializes in network administration, Python, Django, PHP, and digital marketing, ensuring seamless operation of hardware and software systems.
His expertise lies in network security, system optimization, and automation, making him a key asset in managing complex IT issues and enhancing operational efficiency. Joyal also has hands-on experience in AI and Deep Learning, developing solutions like a Facial Emotion Recognition System and a Cryptocurrency Forecasting System.
His passion for AI and predictive analytics allows him to create innovative, data-driven solutions, driving digital transformation within his organization.
Lipasha Shrestha, a dedicated hospital manager with seven years of experience in healthcare, is currently serving at the esteemed Gorkha Hospital in the western region of Nepal. She has a strong desire to improve society's well-being and technology's progress beyond my professional role.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Head of Transaction Banking
Mr. Amar Rajbhandari is currently the Head of Transaction Banking and Card Operations at GIBL, a position he has held since January 2019. He has been with Machhapuchchhre Bank Limited as the Head of the Card Department in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, since 2011. Prior to that, he worked at Laxmi Bank Limited as an officer in central operations from October 2006 to April 2010. He was President of Budhanilkantha JCI 2018. He holds an MBS in Management from Shanker Dev Campus, where he was involved in activities such as painting, football, and singing.
Mr. Bhushan is a highly accomplished IT professional with over two decades of experience, currently serving as the Deputy General Manager of Banking and Financial Institutions at CAS Trading House in Nepal. Additionally, he holds a crucial role as an ADB consultant for Bhutan Development Bank in Bhutan. Throughout his career, Mr. Bhushan has been actively involved in various projects in Nepal aimed at strengthening IT infrastructure and refining procedural frameworks, including the World Bank's social security fund distribution project.
Prior to his current position, Mr. Bhushan dedicated 12 years of his career to the Bank of Kathmandu from 2004 to 2016, where he specialized in strategically leading information technology operations. His expertise lies in core banking system upgrades, migrations, seamless project execution, product delivery, and team building. Equipped with handhold training in CISA and other professional IT certifications, he remains steadfastly committed to staying at the forefront of industry standards.
Mr. Bhushan is renowned for his deep passion for learning and his keen interest in exploring various facets of IT, notably including cybersecurity. Actively engaged in leadership roles at Budhanilkantha Jaycees, member of Internet Society Nepal and as a founding executive member of the Internet Foundation Nepal, he brings a comprehensive skill set, academic foundation, and a strong commitment to community development to his endeavors.A
Highly accomplished IT professional with over two decades of comprehensive experience, currently holding the position of Deputy General Manager of Banking and Financial Institutions at CAS Trading House in Nepal. Simultaneously, serve as an ADB consultant for the Bhutan Development Bank in Bhutan.
Mr. Bikram Shrestha has more than twenty years of experience in the ICT industry. He established a startup ISP when he was just nineteen and has been dedicating himself to the community since then. Mr. Shrestha is the founding treasurer of the Internet Society Nepal. Currently, he holds the positions of President of Nepal Internet Foundation, Past President of ISOC Nepal, Co-Chair of Cooperation SIG of APNIC, Vice Chair of Nepal IGF, and Treasurer of Oshodhara Nepal.
Professionally, he is working as Head of Digital Banking at Sanima Bank Ltd. Mr. Shrestha is a well-known banking professional with extensive experience in managing and leading major functions like ICT and banking systems, as well as cards and e-banking systems, in leading commercial banks in Nepal. Mr. Shrestha has been contributing to the growth of the ICT sector in Nepal through various policy advocacy and capacity-building programs.
The first Nepal IGF and npSIG were successful programs that were conducted under his leadership. He has been closely working with various national, regional, and global organizations, including npNOG, NPiX, CAN Federation, Lions Club Cyber World, Nepal Jaycees, and the Nepal Government at the national level, as well as the Internet Society, APrIGF, APSIG, APRALO, APRICOT, ITU, UN, World Bank, ICANN, and IGF at the regional and global level. He has attended the fellowship programs at INET Sri Lanka and Global INET in Geneva, Switzerland. He was also an ICANN fellow and an alumni. He also served as a jury member for the national ICT Award for its inception and the mBillionth Award 2017, organized by the ICT Foundation and the Digital Empower Foundation India.
Mr. Shrestha energizes himself by engaging in music and traveling to new destinations. He has traveled to more than 50 countries. He has released two music albums as a singer and composer.
Binay Bohra, Managing Director of Vianet Communications Pvt Ltd, is a Nepali Internet service provider (ISP) who connects people to the vast internet, quenching their thirst for information, knowledge, and entertainment. Bohra, who completed his higher studies in India in 1995, returned to Nepal and joined Mercantile Communications. His father, who made a significant contribution in the telecommunication sector, inspired him to become a computer engineer. Bohra and his friends founded Vianet Communications in 1999, offering high-speed Internet through fibre optics and cheap, reliable internet at a time when slow and costly dial-up and NTC's leased lines were the only options. The company has a robust network that connects offices and homes everywhere. Bohra, who aspired to become a scientist, has received support from his family, including his wife.
Internet Service Providers' Association of Nepal (ISPAN) formal President Bohra believes that the age of the Internet is crucial for our lives, providing educational materials, entertainment, and various activities. He plans to make the internet reliable and provide high-speed network facilities, while also competing with telecom operators. Despite the tough political environment, Bohara believes that nobody should stop working and admires. He believes that management philosophy varies from person to person and that there is no shortcut to success, and that self-belief and confidence are essential. He believes that success is multifaceted and cannot be measured by career success alone. Bohara believes that human resources are the most valuable asset for any organization, and that a team should be formed based on intellect rather than recommendations alone. He believes that working within the country is the biggest contribution to society and that working with one's own people is more important. Bohara wishes to diversify his operations and take more time for hobbies and interests.
Chhepal Dorjee Sherpa, a visionary executive, excelled as Operations Manager at Everest Treks (2008-2015), surpassing goals and enhancing efficiency. As Managing Director at Sherpaland Adventure (2015-2022), he drove profitability through high-performing teams and market expansion.
Head of WW Video Delivery Strategy, Prime Video; Founder SANOG, NPIX; Experienced Infrastructure & Strategy Executive, Two decades+ of experience in ICT, Internet Architecture, IP Networks, CDNs, and ICT Policy, working in Least Developing Countries to Developed economics on small multi - protocol networks to globally distributed IP networks, leading or being part of teams operating a large network with backbone in all continents, including developing parts of the world.
Gaurab's primary interest is in Internet backbone operations, analysing peering/transit relationships between operators and roles of Internet Exchange Points in different parts of Asia. He also spends much of his time in training ISPs in developing countries about best practices on network operations. Gaurab also serves on the Board of APIA, Program Committee of APRICOT and Program Committee of APNIC meetings. He chairs the South Asian Network Operators Group (SANOG), and the APNIC Policy -SIG. He lived most of his life in Nepal, and setup the Nepal Internet Exchange.
Ishan graduated with distinction from Middlesex University of London's Master of Project Management program. He is an expert at managing the company and is in charge of ensuring that its everyday operations run smoothly. He manages and implements the plan required to achieve the company's goals and vision.
He directly monitors all of the company's projects. He has entire authority to define project deadlines, plan execution, and deliverables with the approval of the technical leader of the organization and the person in charge of the company's finances. He has the authority to modify the project's direction and is responsible for any failures. He is in charge of establishing the finest possible working environment for the organization.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Chairman of VRock and Company
Mr. Radhesh Pant is the Chairman of VRock and Company, and his career took off as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the age of 35, where he skillfully led a commercial bank through major political, credit, and liquidity crises. Over the past 15 years, he has held pivotal roles across both private and public sectors, including a prominent position with a public agency reporting directly to the Prime Minister. In this role, he played a crucial part in securing the signing of two major energy projects, overcoming geopolitical challenges, and attracting substantial foreign investments. Mr. Pant began his career as a financial analyst for a biotechnology firm in Los Angeles and spent his early years in Japan, which contributed to his fluency in Japanese. With over 30 years of experience, his expertise covers leadership, general management, corporate finance, and policy dialogue. He champions teamwork and empowers his teams to innovate. In addition to his role at VRock, he chairs various boards, including the Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources (ANSAB) and Smile Nepal, and is a founding director of the South Asia Institute of Management (SAIM) in Kathmandu. His academic credentials include an MBA from UCLA and a Bachelor of Technology in Aeronautical Engineering from IIT Bombay.
With a professional experience of 18years in various ranks, Rupesh has huge experience in low level to mid management and higher management. This has equipped him to understand the strategic planning and for ground execution. An Engineering graduate with MBA and having line of vision for technical solutions and financial implication to measure out cost benefit and P&L has been his forte. He has good knowledge and exposure in Internet industry in IT Networking groups like SANOG, NPIX, ISPAN, APRICOT etc. He started in BPO industry in 2005 with Nepal's first Hi-technology call center with Nortel Passport and Meridian along with IPLC based connection to Los Angeles USA from Nepal. Rupesh headed the 300seater call center and managed to run it with sharp controlled eye on financials. He has managed various Inbound and outbound call center campaigns with great client satisfaction. He has lead a company doing outbound sales for website design and hosting, SEO, and ecommerce site design and development for US based small and medium businesses. While working in Philippines, he was mastermind for complete IT setup for companies that he worked for and their managed services clients in several sites. He was involved in many kind of solution provisioning for different clients in Philippines and Nepal. He prepared IT security documents for various companies and ensured strict compliance and adherence to those. His forte in budgeting and Business plan preparation adds up to his financial acumen. He also has lot of experiences in project management and trained in PMBOK by PMI.
Further to his career, he has lead a software company to develop various software products like Inventory management System, HRIS, Project Management Information System (PMIS), and LIMS etc. He has also successfully executed various consulting roles for IT setup, software development, Regional communication and village communication network setup.
Job Titles:
- Program Assistant
- IT Assistant
Prashant Rai is an IT Assistant who provides technical support and manages IT-related tasks in the organization. Alongside his IT responsibilities, he also assists with content creation and management, helping to organize and update digital content. Prashant supports both the technical side of operations, including troubleshooting and system maintenance, and contributes to content development by editing and uploading material. His versatile role ensures the smooth functioning of both the IT infrastructure and the content workflow. With strong problem-solving skills, he keeps everything running efficiently.
Job Titles:
- Electrical Head
- Head / Electrical and Solar Energy Department
Rabindra Prasad Chaudhary is an experienced Electrical Head for Projects with over 15 years of expertise at BNFI. He specializes in electrical infrastructure development, project management, and system optimization, successfully leading large-scale projects while ensuring efficiency, safety, and industry compliance.
His expertise in power distribution, electrical design, and system maintenance makes him an invaluable asset in overseeing complex electrical projects. Rabindra excels in team coordination, risk assessment, and technical troubleshooting, driving project success, enhancing energy efficiency, and optimizing systems for organizational growth and sustainability.
Ramala Nagarkoti is a dedicated office assistant with a focus on non-administrative tasks. She plays a key role in supporting team operations through hands-on work, such as assisting with project coordination, managing resources, and providing operational support. Ramala is also involved in organizing materials, handling logistics, and ensuring that work processes run smoothly.
Sumitra Tamang is an office assistant who supports various non-administrative tasks. She helps with organizing materials, coordinating schedules, and ensuring smooth workflow in day-to-day operations. Her role focuses on assisting with practical tasks that contribute to the overall functioning of the office environment.