Binod Katuwal

Durga Prasad Khatiwada is a renowned Nepali bansuri (flute) maestro, educator, and cultural ambassador, originally from Ilam. A graduate of Banaras Hindu University with a Master’s in Flute (2003), he has performed in over 20 countries, representing Nepal at prestigious events—including during state visits by leaders like Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi. Khatiwada is a music officer at Rastriya Nachghar and has taught classical music at institutions like Lalit Kala Campus and Sirjana College of Fine Arts. He pioneered flute education in Nepal’s higher education system by developing formal curricula. His international teaching includes sessions in Norway, Sweden, Germany, and France. Inspired early on by Gopal Yonjan, Khatiwada has dedicated his life to promoting classical music as the foundation of all musical forms. His performances and teachings emphasize peace, discipline, and cultural identity, making him a vital figure in Nepal’s musical heritage.

Buddha Lama is a musically talented young personality. He used to keep peoples spellbound by playing popular folk tunes in flute from his childhood. He came to Kathmandu for his further theoretical & practical courses in flute after finishing his schooling. In Kathmandu , he met flute instructor Jeevan Ale. Then he started both theoretical & practical classes in classical music. During his learning period he came to know from his instructor that no one can make flutes professionally in Nepal and it was hard to get even a perfect scaled flute in Nepal . People had to go to India to get a perfect flute. One day he determined to make flute himself in Nepal and after few years of his study he succeeded. Now world renowned flute-maestro from Nepal like Prem Ran Autari from ‘Sur Sudha' band, Himalayan Flutist Manose Sing, Pancha Lama from Chautari band and other well-known flutists are using flutes made by him. He also supplies his flutes in USA, Japan, Switzerland and other countries. All the effort he puts in result in quality flutes that have a massive and ever increasing demand abroad. He is pleased with this and plans to further improve the quality and as well address a wider market thus helping spread the melodious tune of flutes all around the world.

Pramod learnt tabla at home from his father Pundit Hom Nath Upadhyaya. Drawing inspiration from his maestro father Pramod started playing tabla when he was a toddler and at the age of five he performed at then Royal Nepal Academy (now Nepal Academy) which was his maiden show. His first abroad tour was for the German Unification Day in Germany. He had also an opportunity to learn tabla from legendary Ustad Alla Rakha from an institute named after the Ustad himself in Bombay, India. Incidentally, Pramod also had an opportunity to learn from Ustad Zakir Hussain for three months as the maestro happened to be a visiting faculty at the institute. Pramod is adept in all percussions made of leather. Besides that, he has worked as a recordist in many studios in Nepal. But, his fame is not confined as a musician or a recordist either; he has also lent his voice to many popular songs. Pramod was affiliated to Sukarma since its inception and has been playing in the group for ten years now.

Chandra Kumar Rasaili, popularly known as CK Rasaili, is a Nepali musician, composer, and lyricist. He was born in Baluchistan, Pakistan, while his father was serving in the British Army. He later studied in Meghalaya, India, where he played in an orchestra before moving to Nepal. Rasaili gained recognition after performing at Rastriya Nach Ghar during King Mahendra’s birthday celebration, where the King personally gave him a song to compose. He has worked with Radio Nepal and composed music for Nepal Police and Nepal Army. His contributions to Nepali music earned him prestigious awards, including the Narayan Gopal Memorial Award (2017) and the Natikaji National Music Award. Some of his notable songs include: Premko Mala Kasari Ma Bhuleu Aankha Dekhi Ojhel Jannma Garidein Kahilekahi Ma Haschu Dukheko Dil His compositions reflect themes of love, nostalgia, and cultural identity, making them resonate deeply with audiences.