Mr. Prachanda Shakya is a distinguished traditional artist, designer, and master craftsman with more than 34 years of experience in traditional painting, metal sheet carving, sculpture, and heritage art preservation. He is the Founder, Managing Director, and Instructor at the Nepal Traditional Handicraft Training Center, where he has played a leading role in preserving and professionalizing Nepal’s traditional arts through structured training and skills development initiatives. His artistic works, including large-scale mandalas, murals, sculptures, and metal artworks, have been installed in monasteries, heritage sites, and public spaces in Nepal and abroad.

Beyond his professional engagement, Mr. Shakya has actively contributed to the handicraft and cultural sector through leadership in national organizations. He has served as President of the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN) and has been associated with various cultural and heritage institutions. He holds an Intermediate in Fine Arts from Lalitkala Campus, Tribhuvan University, and has undertaken extensive training in traditional painting, sculpture, and metal crafts. A recipient of multiple national and international awards, he has also contributed to research, restoration, curriculum development, and artisan training, significantly strengthening Nepal’s handicraft sector.
 

Mr. Manik Ratna Shakya is a senior entrepreneur, master designer, and industry leader in Nepal’s gold and silver jewelry sector, with over four decades of experience in jewelry manufacturing, design, valuation, and trade. He is the Founder of several jewelry enterprises and has contributed significantly to the modernization and professionalization of the sector. He also played a coordinating role in establishing the NEGOSIDA Jewelry Training Centre, supporting technical skills development and workforce enhancement in Nepal’s jewellery industry.

Mr. Shakya has held several prominent leadership roles, including President of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations and the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. He has also served as Executive Member of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Advisor to the Trade Committee of FNCCI. A Bachelor of Commerce graduate from Tribhuvan University, he has actively participated in international exhibitions, seminars, and research programs across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. His continued engagement in training, professional standards, and bullion analysis has contributed significantly to the advancement of Nepal’s handicraft and jewellery ecosystem.
 

Ms. Jyotsna Shrestha is a prominent entrepreneur in Nepal’s gems and jewellery sector with extensive experience in business management, trade, and hospitality. She serves as the Proprietor of Sayapatri (Marigold) Jewellers and Managing Director of Marigold Jewellers Pvt. Ltd. She also leads SJS International Pvt. Ltd. and Gajur Trade International Pvt. Ltd., with business engagements in export, import, and international trade. In addition, she contributes to the hospitality sector as Director of Hotel Mechi Crown and supports gemological education as Chairperson of the International Institute of Gemology Nepal.

She is actively engaged in national and international business associations and currently serves as Vice President (Associate) of FNCCI and Chairperson of its Employers’ Council. She is also the Immediate Past President of the Nepal Gems and Jewellery Association and an Executive Committee Member of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, alongside her involvement in several bilateral chambers. Ms. Shrestha holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling, and continues to advocate for professional standards, trade promotion, and skills development within Nepal’s handicraft and jewellery sector.
 

Mr. Diyesh Ratna Shakya is a veteran professional in Nepal’s jewellery industry with more than 40 years of experience in jewellery business management, quality enhancement, and workforce development. He currently serves as Managing Director of Swarna Griha in Banepa and has contributed significantly to professional development initiatives within the jewellery sector. He has also coordinated the NEGOSIDA Jewelry Training Center, supporting technical education and skills training for emerging professionals in the industry.

Mr. Shakya has remained actively engaged in business and professional associations, serving as Senior Vice President of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association and former President of the Kavre Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He has also contributed to various committees under FNCCI and the Nepal Chamber of Commerce. He holds a Master’s degree in Statistics from Tribhuvan University and has additionally served as a lecturer, sharing his expertise with future professionals in the field.
 

Mr. Mohan Bishwokarma is a seasoned entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience in Nepal’s metal and gold/silver handicraft industry. Through his professional engagement, he has contributed significantly to the promotion of traditional craftsmanship and vocational entrepreneurship. Alongside his business career, he has also represented Nepal as an international athlete and continues to mentor youth in sports, promoting discipline, leadership, and community engagement.

He is the Founder President of the Nepal Gold and Silver Handicraft Association and Chairman of Nepal’s first CTEVT-affiliated Jewelry School. His involvement in vocational education and sectoral development has supported skills enhancement, employment generation, and the empowerment of emerging artisans throughout Nepal. Through his combined contributions to entrepreneurship, training, and social development, Mr. Bishwokarma continues to strengthen Nepal’s handicraft and jewellery sector.

Ms. Deepa Kunwar is an experienced entrepreneur in Nepal’s pashmina industry with more than 20 years of expertise in manufacturing, export, and international trade. She currently leads KPA Cashmere, overseeing production and export operations while contributing to the promotion of Nepalese pashmina products in international markets. Her professional work reflects strong expertise in enterprise management, product development, and global market engagement.

In addition to her business leadership, Ms. Kunwar serves as an Executive Board Member of the Nepal Pashmina Industries Association (NPIA) and initiated the Women Chapter within the association to promote women’s leadership and participation in the industry. She holds a Master’s degree in International Business from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, bringing valuable global business insight and strategic perspective to Nepal’s handicraft and pashmina sector.
 

Mr. Surya Kumar Baral is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader in Nepal’s jewellery sector. He currently serves as Chairman of Abhishak Jewels Pvt. Ltd. and Director of Shubha Guru Sun Chandi Griha, contributing to enterprise development and professional growth within the industry. His professional background also includes experience in community development, agriculture, and livestock training through organizations such as the Britain Nepal Medical Trust, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to leadership and skills development.

Mr. Baral has been actively engaged in professional and community organizations as a Central Member of the Nepal Gold and Silver Art Professionals Association and the Nepal Gems and Jewellery Association. He also holds leadership roles in various trusts and foundations supporting social and cultural initiatives. He completed his academic studies at Barun Campus, Khandbari, and Uttarpani Technical School, and has further expanded his professional exposure through international visits across Asia, Europe, and Australia. His work continues to bridge enterprise development, cultural preservation, and vocational skill enhancement within Nepal’s handicraft and jewellery sector.

Mr. Shyam Kumar Biswakarma is a distinguished artisan and industry leader with more than 32 years of experience in Nepal’s traditional jewellery sector. Renowned for his expertise in both traditional and contemporary gold and silver ornament design, he has made significant contributions to preserving Nepal’s cultural heritage while incorporating modern design innovation into jewellery craftsmanship.

He currently serves as President of the Nepal Handicraft Gold and Silver Entrepreneurs Association, where he plays an active role in strengthening the jewellery-making community and mentoring emerging artisans. Through his leadership and technical expertise, Mr. Biswakarma continues to support the preservation, modernization, and sustainable growth of Nepal’s handicraft and jewellery industry.

Mr. Dibya Chandra Acharya is a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in Nepal’s handmade paper sector with more than two decades of professional experience. He is the Proprietor of The Paper Park, a company specializing in handmade paper products, and has previously served as Marketing Director for General Paper and Paper Products. His professional expertise spans research, production, quality management, and international marketing of handmade paper products, supported by participation in trade fairs and study visits in Germany, Switzerland, the United States, Thailand, and India.

Mr. Acharya has actively contributed to sectoral development through leadership roles in the Nepal Handmade Paper Association and Nepal Handicraft Entrepreneur Association, including serving as Secretary since 2025. He has also supported various committees under FHAN, coordinated exhibitions and fashion shows, and contributed to the Handicraft Design and Development Center. Academically, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Nepali Language and has edited several manuals and publications related to handmade paper quality standards and sector development.

Mr. Palsangmo Lama (Pema Dorje) is a master traditional artist and educator with extensive experience in Thanka and Paubha art. Since 1998, he has worked as a professional artist and currently teaches traditional art at institutions including Boudha Stupa Thanka Center Pvt. Ltd., Sara Industries, and Himalayan Khasyor Art & Handicraft. His professional work also includes ongoing research in traditional art and culture, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Nepal’s artistic heritage.

He is actively engaged in cultural and artisan organizations, serving as Head of the Traditional Art Department and Academic Council Member, while also holding leadership positions in organizations such as Nepal Tamang Culture Ghedung, Akhil Nepal Lalit Kala Sangh, and Tamang Welfare. Mr. Lama has participated in numerous national and international exhibitions, including Thanka and Paubha art exhibitions, World Indigenous Day events, and cultural festivals. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Lalit Kala Campus and completed specialized training at Akshyashwor Buddhist Traditional Art College, further strengthening his contribution to Nepal’s traditional arts sector.