Suresh Kiran Manandhar, a Versatile Nepal Bhasa Journalist with Wide Range, Dies at 59

 Manandhar,  Recipient  of Several Awards, was a Member of Language Commission

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, March 11, (Nepal Oregon News): 'Nepal Oregon News' from Portland, USA is deeply shocked and saddened by untimely and unexpected demise of veteran Nepal Bhasa journalist Suresh Kiran Manandhar at age 59. Manandhar suffered a heart attack on Monday, March 9, 2026 and was rushed to the Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu where the doctors declared him dead shortly after he was brought there.

Nepal Bhasa journalism has lost an ethical, professional and custodian journalist. His demise has left an irreparable damage in the field of Nepal Bhasa journalism.

Manandhar, who entered the field of journalism through the Nepal Bhasa weekly 'Inap' edited by Malla K. Sundar, was also editor of Nepal Bhasa daily newspaper 'Bishwobhumi' during and after the fall of the Panchayat system. Later on, he went on to become the editor of the daily newspaper 'Nepal Bhasa Times' for nearly three decades.

His journalistic and creative versatility included not only working as a journalist, but they also covered writing and conducting studies on Nepal Bhasa, Nepal Sambat, Newar culture and heritage. Late Suresh Kiran was also a poet and a satirist. He was also appointed a member of Language Commission by the Government of Nepal. He was also a member of Academic Council of Nepal Bhasa Academy. Late Suresh Kiran also had worked with other Nepal Bhasa publications too.

Late Suresh Kiran was laureate  of several prestigious awards and prizes, such as,  Dharmaditya Dharmacharya Journalism Award, National Talent Award, Parijat Creativity Award and Nationalities Indigenous National Journalism Prize and so on. These awards and prizes were a fitting acknowledgement of a versatile journalist who for over last three decades had devoted as a true, sincere, fearless and dedicated Nepal Bhasa journalist.  

Journalist Suresh Kiran, who was born Oct 29, 1965, was a graduate in journalism from Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus, Tribhuvan University. Manandhar is survived by his spouse and two sons.

Meanwhile, Nepa Pasa Pucha Amerikaye (NPPA) in a statement has said:"We, at NPPA, are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Suresh Kiran Manandhar. He will be remembered with respect and reverence by all who knew him."

NPPA statement further went on saying:"Manandhar dedicated decades of his life to journalism in both Nepal Bhasa and Nepali. His guidance on matters of culture, literature and heritage enriched all who had the privilege of working alongside him." 

(Dr Rabin Man Shakya, a Newar journalist in USA, was also a lecturer of journalism at the Peoples' Campus and Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus in Kathmandu.)