Kiran Pradhan

Master Mitrasen Thapa Magar (1895–1946) was a pioneering Nepali folk singer, dramatist, social reformer, and cultural ambassador whose work laid the foundation for organized Nepali folk performance. Born in Bhagsu, Dharamshala, he served in the Gurkha Regiment before dedicating his life to music, theatre, and community upliftment. He performed widely across India and Nepal, including Kathmandu Durbar, where he presented folk songs, dramas, and shamanic‑influenced performances, earning high recognition and public felicitation. His mission was to preserve Nepali identity among diaspora communities through art, discipline, and cultural pride. Master Mitrasen recorded seven gramophone discs in Calcutta, a rare achievement for a Nepali artist of his era. Out of his 63 known compositions, 23 songs survive in recorded form. In 1942, he wrote “Buddhvaani” in Nepali to spread messages of peace, compassion, and social harmony. He passed away in 1946 while on a cultural tour, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire Nepali folk musicians worldwide.

Paras Gazmer was a respected Nepali musician, composer, lyricist, and singer from Darjeeling, celebrated for his emotionally powerful songwriting and his unique ability to translate personal struggle into deeply moving music. Despite losing his eyesight at the age of one and a half due to measles, he rose to become one of the most influential musical voices of the Darjeeling hills.Born in Tindharey, Kurseong in 1962, Paras studied at the Kalimpong Blind School, where he learned guitar and developed his musical foundation. Entirely self‑taught, he composed, wrote, and arranged his own songs, drawing inspiration from lived experience, inner emotion, and the philosophy that “our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought.”He gained widespread recognition with his acclaimed albums Sanjha Ko Gham (1993) and Mero Bhagya (1999), both of which left a lasting mark on Nepali music. His compositions often explored themes of longing, hardship, and the inner world of the differently‑abled, resonating deeply with audiences across Nepal, Darjeeling, Sikkim, and the Nepali diaspora.Paras Gazmer performed extensively across the hills and neighboring regions and was honored by various cultural organizations for his contributions. His legacy continues to be remembered as that of a musical icon who transformed adversity into art.

Raju Lama is a Nepali singer-songwriter and the lead vocalist of the popular band Mongolian Heart. Born on March 16, 1978, in Sindhupalchok, Nepal, he has been active in the Nepali music industry since 1993. His music spans multiple languages, including Nepali, Tibetan, and Tamang, making him a versatile artist. Career Highlights Raju Lama has released several successful albums, including: Soltini (1995) Mongolian Heart (1996) Mongolian Heart Vol 2 (1999) Mongolian Heart Vol 3 (2002) Mongolian Heart Vol 4 (2006) Mongolian Heart Vol 5 (2009) Mongolian Heart Vol 6 (2012) Mongolian Heart Vol 7 (2018) Awards & Achievements Raju Lama has won multiple awards, including: Best Vocal (Nepal) – 1996 Music Nepal Gold Medal – 1999 Highest Selling Album of the Year – Hits FM Awards (2002) Winning Coach of The Voice of Nepal Season 4 – 2022 Social Work & Everest Expedition Beyond music, Raju Lama is also known for his social work. In 2022, he climbed Mount Everest (8,848.86m) to raise awareness about climate change and global warming. As part of his expedition, he performed a solo concert between Camp 2 and Camp 3 at 6574m, making it one of the highest-altitude performances ever.

Ciney Gurung is a talented Nepali singer, composer, and songwriter. Born on December 8, 1977, in Kurseong, Darjeeling, she later moved to Nepal, where she gained recognition for her soulful music. Her career took off with hit songs like "Timro Mayama" and "Mann," and she was named the best female pop singer of the year by Radio Kantipur in 2009. She has contributed to various albums and projects, including participating in "Melancholy," an environmental song featuring 365 Nepali artists, which set a Guinness World Record for the most vocal solos in a song recording. Ciney Gurung's music often blends pop with heartfelt lyrics, making her a beloved figure in Nepali music.