2025 Scholarship Recipients

Akshyata Adhikary is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Ethnomusicology at Kathmandu University, specializing in traditional Newari percussion (Nagarā and Dhimay) and fusion practices. She has been recognized for her outstanding academic and artistic achievements, including a 4.0 GPA scholarship in her first year and multiple research projects on music, psychology, and cultural heritage. Akshyata is also an accomplished performer, founder of the fusion band Arc, vocalist and DJ for Everest Sound System, and winner of the Tuborg Image Award (2014). Beyond academics, she mentors women in sound cultures and explores ways to blend Nepali traditions with contemporary electronic music.

Spotify, YouTube, Instagram

Shishir Raj Kharel is a fourth-year Ethnomusicology student at Kathmandu University, focusing on Tamang music traditions and guitar performance. With a 3.55 GPA, he is also a performer and songwriter under the band name Pine Canopy, where he blends ethnic Nepali elements with contemporary styles. Shishir’s goal is to bring Nepali fusion music to a global audience while promoting the country’s cultural heritage through innovative projects.

Link Tree

Sanjaya Tamang is a Bachelor of Music (Ethnomusicology) student at Kathmandu University, specializing in guitar performance. With an impressive 3.94 GPA, he has combined academic excellence with active participation in ensembles, strengthening his collaborative and performance skills. Sanjaya’s work bridges folk and contemporary fusion, with a focus on preserving Tamang and Nepali musical traditions. His long-term vision is to establish himself as a professional musician, composer, and educator who contributes to Nepal’s evolving music scene.

Arpan Ghalan is studying Eastern Classical Vocals as part of his BMus in Ethnomusicology at Kathmandu University, where he has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA for three consecutive semesters. He is the vocalist of Waddafolk, a band rooted in folk traditions and storytelling, and has performed at KU’s 2025 Ensemble Recital. Arpan’s passion lies in documenting, preserving, and reimagining Nepali ethnic sounds while fostering cultural pride through contemporary collaborations and cross-genre projects.

Prithak Balla is a third-year Ethnomusicology student at Kathmandu University with a 3.65 GPA. His primary instruments include sitar and both traditional and Western percussion. He has performed in KU ensemble recitals at the Nepal Bharat Library, showcasing ethnic music traditions. Prithak is passionate about exploring creative approaches to music-making and aspires to contribute new compositions that celebrate both classical and folk heritage.

Kaushal Raj Devkota is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Ethnomusicology at Kathmandu University, with a focus on the sarangi, Newari drums, and research into traditional instruments such as the murchunga and muhali. He performs with the band Tame Tame Tama, combining sarangi with hip-hop and lyrical storytelling. Trained by masters Manish Gandharva and Bharat Nepali, Kaushal is committed to field research and documentation of Nepali music history. His long-term goal is to pursue advanced studies in ethnomusicology and contribute to preserving and evolving Nepal’s diverse sound heritage.

Saurav Kharel is studying Ethnomusicology at Kathmandu University, with training in nagara, classical vocals, and classical guitar. He has represented Nepal at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Summer School, performing Chinese traditional music and the pipa in a gala concert. Saurav also researches the anthropological and spiritual aspects of music and performs locally in Kathmandu’s live music scene. His goal is to continue into a Master’s program in Ethnomusicology, focusing on teaching, performing, and sound engineering.

2024 Scholarship Recipients

Dinesh Raj Upadhyay, a native of Jayaprithvi (Chainpur), Bajhang, Nepal, is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Ethnomusicology at Kathmandu University, with a focus on the music of Far West Nepal, specifically the Deuda tradition. His primary instruments are the Tungna and Sarod and is an accomplished singer and songwriter in the band “Mero Serofero.” He has worked on several significant ethnomusicology projects with esteemed professionals and initiated “BhalaBhali,” a project dedicated to documenting and archiving ethnic musical traditions.

Goals and Achievements: Dinesh aims to document and integrate endangered musical heritage into academia, preserve Deuda culture through visual filmmaking, and incorporate local musical knowledge into school curricula. He also seeks to blend local music with contemporary genres to engage the new generation. 

Documentation Project "BhalaBhali":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8WNEUFVQfc&ab_channel=Bhala-Bhali

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJHrUaGACAo&t=21s&ab_channel=Bhala-Bhali

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNczb3rxye4&t=24s&ab_channel=Bhala-Bhali

Nitik Dangol, from Brahma Tole, Teku, is studying Ethnomusicology at Kathmandu University. His achievements include winning first place in the Dhime competition in 2023, being a top finalist in the Kala ko Mela in 2020, and producing popular music videos for traditional songs. He is also involved in teaching music in various communities and has participated in artist residencies.

Goals and Achievements: Nitik's short-term goals are to deepen his understanding of traditional music, master traditional instruments, perform at local events and collaborate with cultural groups. His long-term ambitions include preserving and promoting cultural heritage, performing at international festivals, offering educational workshops, collaborating with diverse artists, and achieving recognition in the field of cultural music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQh8IsOt1nI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEehpB4AApY

Apeal Paudel, a resident of Pokhara, is pursuing a Master's in Ethnomusicology at Kathmandu University, specializing in the Sarangi, Tungna, Sarod, and vocals. He boasts a GPA of 3.99 and has performed extensively with his band, Sonagi Blues, at venues such as the Indian Embassy and Echoes in the Valley Music Festival. Apeal has also collaborated with French artist Emilie Rambaud and participated in the OneBeat 14 music residency program funded by the US Department of State.

Goals and Achievements: In the short term, Apeal plans to incorporate traditional Nepali instruments into his band’s performances and work as a therapeutic music practitioner. His long-term goals include completing a master’s thesis exploring the connections between music, psychology, and community and decentralizing music career opportunities from Kathmandu.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqIJ-UFp3do

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7f0zJq68pA

Sushil Shahi, hailing from Imadol, Lalitpur, is a student of Ethnomusicology at Kathmandu University, focusing on Shashtriya Vocal and Classical Guitar, with a perfect GPA of 4.0. 

Sushil grew up immersed in a rich musical heritage. His early exposure to music came from his grandfather, who played the tabla in bhajans at temples, and his father, who played various rhythmic instruments. Sushil’s passion for music was further ignited by his older brother, who is also a musician. Sushil has also completed a one-year Pop/Rock diploma from the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory and performed at renowned venues such as Purple Haze Rock Bar and Moksh.

Goals and Achievements: In the short term, Sushil aims to master his instruments, deepen his understanding of music theory, perform regularly, create original compositions, and network with other musicians. His long-term aspirations include releasing albums, touring internationally, building a dedicated fanbase, continuously innovating his musical style, and mentoring aspiring musicians.

2023 Scholarship Recipients

Education: Bachelor's of Music (B.Mus.) in Ethnomusicology, Kathmandu University

Graduation Year: 2014

Area of Study: Ethnomusicology

Rajan is currently pursuing his Masters of Music in Ethnomusicology. Rajan has an extensive portfolio of national and international performances and exhibitions. He also has numerous publications and is committed to documentation, archival and exhibition of Nepali music. Rajan also has a background in audio and visual engineering, and his production of Helambu (link below) speaks a lot about his talent and commitment in Nepali music: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8FI9GShJXg

Education: Bachelor's of Music (B.Mus.) in Ethnomusicology, Kathmandu University

Graduation Year: 2019

Area of Study: Sarangi

Since his graduation in 2019, Rahul has started his own company (Stomp Rigs), manufacturing pickups for string instruments like Sarangi, Violin, Viola, Cello, Tungana,Ukulele, etc. Rahul is also looking to pursue a Masters in Music.

https://www.instagram.com/stomprigs/

Education: Bachelor's of Music (B.Mus.) in Ethnomusicology, Kathmandu University

Graduation Year: 2022

Area of Study: Nava Baja and newari drums

After his graduation in 2022, Prabin is currently pursuing a Jazz Diploma through Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory with a focus on drums and percussion. Prabin also performs Newari drums regularly, specifically within the local Newari community and is dedicated in the preservation of the culture and traditions of Dhime Baja (Newari Drum).

Education: Masters of Music (M.Mus.) in Ethnomusicology, Kathmandu University

Graduation Year: 2021

Area of Study: Dhimay Baja of Patan, Dapha Khi (Drums) and Dapha singing

Abhaya is also a recipient of a prestigious Nepal Bidhya Bhusan Award. He has worked with many artists as a drummer in underground, mainstream, classical and traditional Newar genres of Nepalese music. Abhaya is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and enhancement of traditional music of Nepal both academically and in the international contemporary music scene. Abhaya has also recently moved into a faculty role in the Music Department at Kathmandu University.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PM_jDwuMQZA

Education: Masters in Sociology, Western Illinois University

Graduation Year: 2011

Sewa is a freelance journalist and has written about folk and indigenous music. She also worked as an art reporter at BBC Nepali Service. 

When Sewa started reporting about music, she came to realize that a lot of folklore comes through music and that the lyrics of folk and indigenous music were subjects of her interest.

Over the years Sewa has collected many samples of such music, songs and interviews and has started a series of podcasts. Her Podcasts can be found here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raithane-bhakha

2022 Scholarship Recipients

Education: Pursuing M.A Psychology, Tri Chandra College, Tribhuvan University

Expected graduation: 2022

Current GPA/Grades: 1st div

Area of study: Research on shamanic practice of rhythmic drumming to cure mental illness. Primary instruments - Dhyangro and Dama.

Shubhanga's research will be a qualitative study exploring shaman’s (Jhākri) use of rhythmic drumming in treating mental health conditions, which are practiced in different parts of Nepal. This study will be an attempt to lay a scientific foundation on the practices of faith healing; highlighting the use of music to address chronic mental disorders.

Research Plan: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CvG42Geb1N5zwIgxMwZ7GkPm2U7s5xrE/view?usp=sharing

Education: Pursuing Bachelor's of Music (B.Mus.) in Ethnomusicology, Kathmandu University

Expected graduation: 2022

Current GPA/Grades: 3.85

Area of study or primary instrument: Guitar, Dhimay

Kishor is a classical guitarist, and is deeply connected to the traditional music of his Newari roots. The Newari traditional music have been handed down through generations without sufficient documentations. Kudos to students like Kishor who understand the threat of extinction of these traditional music, and have dedicated themselves to higher education in ethnic music.

Demo: 

https://youtu.be/yXhxZyJb8fE

https://youtu.be/nlvC_NW9ehQ

Education: Pursuing Master's of Arts (MA) in Ethnomusicology, Kathmandu University

Expected graduation: December 2021 

Current GPA: 3.98

Instruments: Vocal, Sarangi and Dhimay

Research and Scholarly Interests: Gender, Ethnicity, Modernity, Minority Group and Applied & Collaborative Ethnomusicology

Achievements: Recipient of Dr. Yoram Kaufmann Scholarship, Nepal Chatra Vidya Padak, Nepal Vidhyabhusan

Pushpa has a Bachelor in Ethnomusicology, and is currently pursuing her Masters of Arts in the same faculty. She was awarded Nepal Chatra Vidya Padak and Nepal Vidhya Bhusan, two highly-regarded recognition by the Ministry of Education in Nepal. She was also a recipient of Dr. Yoram Kaufmann Scholarship (Artist for World Peace, USA). 

Pushpa's stage performances incorporate poetry and ethnic-music to address social issues. She plays with different Nepali singing styles (and is mostly interested in devotional ones), spiritual as well as pun lyrics, visuals, attire and physical movements that roots to Ethnic as well as Classical traditions. 

Demo: Astitwa Mero

2020 Scholarship Recipient

Education: Bachelor's of Music (B.Mus.) in Ethnomusicology, Kathmandu University

Graduation: December 2019

Current GPA: 3.92

Instruments: Sarangi (bowed Nepalese ethnic instrument), Nagara (Newari ethnic drum), Electric Guitar

Research and Scholarly Interests: Traditional music of the Damai caste in Dadeldhura (a remote far western region in Nepal)

Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music, Mahesh wants to further his education to a master’s degree. He is soon looking to start his research and documentation on traditional music of the Damai caste in Dadeldhura (a remote far western region in Nepal).

Mahesh recognizes the need for conservation and preservation of our ethnic Nepalese music. He connects his influences with his family roots in Dadeldhura, and considers the imperfect melody lines of our traditional music as unique and rather more perfect.

Mahesh also experiments with other genres of modern music such as reggae, rock and jazz. He has recorded with various artists, and also performs at different venues in Kathmandu.

Below is Mahesh’s home recorded demo. He is experimenting to take the phrasing, melody lines and ornamentation used in sarangi, and applying it to his guitar playing. The tune is from a traditional Nepalese folk song.

Demo: Lekha Ka Hami Keta Keti