Kantipur Daily Appoints Gokarna Raj Awasthi as New Editor-in-Chief

Kantipur Media Group proudly announces the appointment of Gokarna Raj Awasthi as the new Editor-in-Chief of Kantipur Daily. This marks a significant moment for Nepal's leading newspaper, bringing a seasoned professional with over two decades of rich experience across journalism, economic analysis, development practice, and academia to its helm. Awasthi's return to Kantipur, where he previously served as business editor and played a key role in shaping economic journalism, signifies a homecoming and a commitment to strengthening the paper's editorial prowess.

Awasthi's career trajectory is uniquely diverse, having held influential positions such as Director General of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), SDG Adviser at the United Nations in Nepal, President of the Society of Economic Journalists-Nepal (SEJON), and a Board Director of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON). This broad spectrum of experience, bridging the private sector, international organizations, policy dialogue, and academia, provides him with an unparalleled vantage point. As he stated, "Journalism has always been the thread running through all of it... My goal is to bring everything I have learned across those worlds into the service of this newsroom."

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I have spent years working at the intersection of economics, policy, and public life, and journalism has always been the thread running through all of it. Coming back to Kantipur, where I began much of that work, feels like coming full circle. My goal is to bring everything I have learned across those worlds into the service of this newsroom.

Anup Kaphle, Group Editorial Director for KMG, expressed confidence in Awasthi's leadership, noting, "What excites me about Gokarna is that he understands power in Nepal – how it moves, who holds it, and how journalism can speak to it." This deep understanding of the country's socio-political and economic landscape, combined with his extensive background, is precisely what Kantipur Daily needs to navigate the complexities of the modern media environment and continue its legacy of impactful journalism.

The appointment follows a rigorous selection process after the departure of Umesh Chauhan. Awasthi was chosen from 17 applicants and three finalists, underscoring Kantipur's commitment to finding the most qualified leader. His academic background, including a Master's degree and current PhD research focused on political economy, further equips him to lead insightful and critical reporting. From a Nepali perspective, this appointment is not just about filling a position; it's about ensuring that our nation's premier news outlet remains a vital platform for public discourse, holding power accountable, and championing the issues that matter most to our citizens. Awasthi's unique blend of expertise promises to enrich Kantipur's coverage and deepen its engagement with the critical challenges and opportunities facing Nepal.

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What excites me about Gokarna is that he understands power in Nepal – how it moves, who holds it, and how journalism can speak to it. His experience across the private sector, the UN, and editorial coverage of business and economy gives him a vantage point that very few editors in this country have. I’m confident that Kantipur’s readers will feel that difference.