Raju Nath Ghimire: Shiva Sharma, an award-winning Nepali journalist and Editor-in-Chief of US Nepal Post, exemplifies courage, resilience, and integrity in journalism. With over two decades of experience, including a pivotal 13-year tenure at Nepal’s leading publication Kantipur Daily, Sharma has become a distinguished voice both in Nepal and among the global Nepali diaspora. His journey, marked by fearless investigative reporting and a commitment to truth, continues to inspire a new generation of journalists on both sides of the globe.
Sharma began his career in Pokhara, Nepal, during a turbulent era when journalism was far from easy. With no digital tools or stable infrastructure, he wrote news reports by hand, cycled through risky neighborhoods at night to deliver stories to pressrooms, and operated under the constant threat of violence during the Maoist insurgency. Despite these challenges, his resolve remained unshaken. One unforgettable night, Sharma was stopped at gunpoint by army soldiers suspicious of his role. With a weapon aimed at him, he calmly responded, “I’m a journalist for the people.” That moment, though terrifying, solidified his purpose and passion for the craft.
His dedication eventually caught the attention of senior journalist Kulchandra Neupane, who recommended him for a reporting position at Kantipur Daily. His first major story, “Dream to Become a Lahure,” exposed the societal obsession with joining the British Army and earned him national recognition. His reporting expanded to environmental issues, politics, and human-interest stories. Despite internal pressures and institutional resistance, Sharma remained committed to authentic, field-based journalism. His unwavering principles were recognized with prestigious awards, including the WWF Conservation Award and the NEFEJ Environmental Journalism Award—honors that came solely through the merit of his work, unaided by political influence.
After moving to the United States, Sharma continued his journalism journey with the same integrity and focus. He produced impactful pieces like “Nepalis at Risk in U.S. Gas Stations,” which won the NEJA Community Journalism Award. Today, as Editor-in-Chief of US Nepal Post, he champions stories of the Nepali diaspora, shedding light on both their achievements and struggles. His platform has become a vital bridge between communities abroad and back home, offering stories that resonate with identity, migration, culture, and advocacy.
The success of US Nepal Post is not accidental. Under Sharma’s leadership, the publication emphasizes authentic narratives, social accountability, and community-centered journalism. Unlike sensationalist outlets, it avoids clickbait and prioritizes substance, making it a trusted resource among global Nepalis. Sharma’s editorial direction ensures that underrepresented voices are heard, cultural roots are honored, and the realities of migrant life are truthfully portrayed.
To aspiring journalists, Sharma offers heartfelt advice: “Don’t enter journalism for fame or money. It’s a profession of public service.” In an age where social media has blurred the lines between content creation and journalism, Sharma warns against superficial engagement with the craft. Instead, he calls for a return to principle-driven, evidence-based reporting. Journalism, he insists, must be grounded in truth, no matter how uncomfortable, and used as a tool to inform, empower, and hold power accountable.
Shiva Sharma’s story is more than just a professional biography—it is a testament to what journalism can and should be: fearless, principled, and people-centered. Through every risk taken and every truth told, Sharma has carved a legacy that transcends borders, proving that real journalism is not about convenience—it’s about conscience.
