Kosh Raj Koirala: A Journalist's Journey from Humble Beginnings to Impacting Lives

Kosh Raj Koirala’s journey from a small village in Okhaldhunga to becoming a respected journalist and editor in Nepal is nothing short of inspiring. Born in a remote part of the country, he had to walk 2.5 hours just to attend school. He was the third of seven siblings and spent his childhood gathering with villagers to listen to Radio Nepal, fascinated by the voices that emerged from the tiny device. This curiosity led him to discover the world of journalism.

A Path Shaped by Hard Work

After completing Grade 7, Koirala left his village to continue his education in Sunsari and later finished his Intermediate level in Jhapa. He then started teaching in Itahari before pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. While studying, he chose journalism as an optional subject, which marked the beginning of his writing career. During this time, he contributed articles to The Himalayan Times and various tabloids, gaining valuable experience.

Although he wanted to study journalism for his master’s degree, certain academic requirements forced him to opt for English Literature instead. However, he excelled in this field, becoming a topper in his class. Soon after, he interned for the Nation English Magazine , but the publication shut down because of the political crackdown by King Mahendra.

Despite this setback, Koirala’s talent was undeniable. Once the political situation settled, he was selected as one of three editors for The Kathmandu Post. His passion for learning pushed him further, and he earned a second master’s degree in Political Science from Tribhuvan University. His thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there—he was awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship, allowing him to complete a third master’s degree in International Relations at the University of Leeds, UK.

In addition to his formal education, Koirala was a student fellow at the East-West Center in Hawaii, USA, participating in the Asia Pacific Leadership Program during 2011-2012. He has also completed journalism and mass communication training at the Nepal Press Institute, the Asian College of Journalism in Chennai, the Indian Institute of Mass Communications, and the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University.

A Career of Excellence and Dedication

Over the years, Koirala has become a well-respected name in Nepali journalism. Currently, he serves as the Editor of Republica Daily, one of Nepal’s leading English-language newspapers. Before this role, he worked as an Associate Editor (November 2019 - November 2021) and Chief of the Political Bureau (November 2016 - November 2019). He has also reported for CNN as a stringer and worked as a Special Correspondent for Republica Daily. Additionally, he is the Associate Editor of Nepal Check.

His professional journey extends beyond journalism. From January 2021 to April 2023, he worked as a Research Officer for the South Asia Media Project under the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), London. His research and writing have been published in various international journals and media outlets.

Kosh Raj Koirala is dedicated to fair and truthful journalism. He believes that news should always be based on facts, without bias or personal opinions. His work has helped bring real changes in Nepal by exposing problems and pushing for solutions.

Speaking Up for Police Officers

After the Maoist conflict in Nepal (1996–2006), many police officers struggled due to injuries, lack of resources, and poor government support. Koirala wrote about these issues, bringing public attention to their hardships.

One powerful story he covered was about a police officer who had been severely injured while serving the country. Despite his sacrifices, the government had ignored him. After Koirala’s report, officials finally recognized the officer as a "living martyr" and provided him with financial support. This was a major victory for the police force, showing the power of journalism in bringing justice.

Exposing Unequal Treatment

In 2058 B.S., Koirala uncovered an unfair situation: Nepal’s Army had modern hospitals with good medical facilities, but the Nepal Police had almost no proper healthcare services. This was shocking because both groups risk their lives for the country.

His reporting helped raise awareness about this issue, forcing the government to rethink how it treats security forces. His work encouraged better support for police officers, leading to discussions on making policies fairer.

Fighting Fake News

With the rise of the internet, false information spreads quickly. Realizing how dangerous fake news can be, Koirala co-founded NepalCheck.org in 2021. This website fact-checks news and ensures that people get reliable and truthful information.

One of the issues he worked to clear doubts on was during the MCC (Millennium Challenge Corporation) controversy in Nepal. MCC, a U.S.-funded grant for infrastructure development, became a heated political topic, with many false claims and misunderstandings spreading online. 

Through Nepal Check, Koirala and his team worked to verify facts and clarify the truth, helping people understand the real implications of MCC. As the Associate Editor of Nepal Check, he continues to play a key role in stopping the spread of false news and ensuring that Nepalese people have access to accurate, balanced, and credible  journalism.

Investigating  Issues Important and  Relatable to Ordinary People

His work includes stories on scarcity of buffalo meat exports, challenges faced by minorities, and the poor condition of rural roads. His report on road issues even led to a government directive from the then Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha to improve the situation. He says that he has realized that political issues are not the sole interest of the public and writing for people is important.

Bringing Closure to Conflict Victims

 One of his most impactful stories was helping a grieving father find his son’s remains after he disappeared during the Maoist insurgency. Because of Koirala’s investigative reporting, the father was finally able to perform the last rites for his son.

Advocating for Migrant Workers

Kosh Raj Koirala has been a strong advocate for Nepali migrant workers, exposing the high number of deaths abroad and the government's lack of action. His investigative reporting revealed that nearly 1,500 Nepali migrant workers died overseas in a single year, with men making up 92% of the fatalities. He also highlighted that around three deceased Nepali labor migrants are repatriated to Kathmandu every day, emphasizing the harsh realities of labor migration. He had also talked to Chief of Mission of International Office of Migration (IOM) in Nepal Lorena Lando to learn her observations and suggestions for Nepal.

Through his articles, Koirala has brought national attention to this crisis, pressuring authorities to improve labor rights and protective measures for Nepali workers abroad. His work continues to fuel discussions on policies to prevent such tragedies.

Ensuring Press Freedom and Transparency

Koirala has consistently worked to protect journalists and ensure freedom of the press in Nepal. His investigative work has exposed corruption and unethical practices in politics and government institutions.

Promoting Media Literacy

 He has actively spoken about the importance of media literacy, urging the public to verify news sources and be cautious of misinformation, especially in the digital age.

Koirala moderating a session entitled 'Managing Security Dilemma: The Geopolitical Reality.'

Training and Mentoring Young Journalist

 Through his leadership roles, Koirala has mentored many young journalists, encouraging ethical reporting and investigative journalism.

A Vision for the Future of Media in Nepal

Kosh Raj Koirala sees a dark future for media and Journalism in Nepal. He is concerned about the future of journalism in Nepal, citing several key challenges. One of the main issues is the financial struggles faced by media houses. With advertisement revenue declining, many traditional media outlets are finding it harder to sustain themselves. Koirala believes media houses need to find new ways to generate income, perhaps through subscriptions or partnerships, to survive in the changing landscape.

Moreover, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which could replace many journalism jobs if media outlets don’t adapt. AI can already write basic stories and create content, and Koirala worries this could lead to fewer opportunities for human journalists.

Koirala also highlights the lack of accountability in many news outlets, where ethical standards and transparency are often compromised. This can lead to misinformation and erode public trust in the media. For journalism to thrive, it must remain accountable and ethical.

Additionally, fewer young people are interested in pursuing journalism as a career, and the ones who are in the field are not motivated, which could weaken the industry in the long term. Koirala stresses that it’s important for young people to understand journalism’s value and take up the mantle of responsible reporting.

Despite these challenges, Koirala believes print media can survive if journalists focus on investigative reporting and serving the public. For him, journalism should be about exposing wrongdoings and fighting for justice, not just making money. As long as journalists stay committed to these principles, the industry can continue to thrive, even in difficult times.

His Ideology: Journalism as a Social Service

Kosh Raj Koirala sees journalism as a duty to the people. He believes in working for the public good rather than seeking awards. His work consistently raises awareness for social justice and economic equality. He stated that under his leadership, Republica Daily has built a strong reputation for accuracy, with readers returning to Republica to verify news they see elsewhere.

Koirala’s passion for truth, justice, and public service makes him one of Nepal’s respected journalists. His journey from a small village boy with big dreams to a renowned journalist and editor proves that dedication, hard work, and ethics can lead to real change in society.

For aspiring journalists, his story is a powerful reminder:

Journalism isn’t just a profession—it’s a responsibility.