About Us

Kalpana Bhattarai

Kalpana Bhattrai

Kalpana Bhattarai is an independent investigative journalist based in Kathmandu. She investigates issues related to public service and interest, natural resource embezzlement, violence, abuse, and illegal extraction. She consistently demonstrates passion for her profession and a deep desire to use journalism and communication for social change. Kalpana exemplifies a rare blend of professional commitment, creativity, and leadership. Having worked as a journalist for more than a decade, she holds a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Purvanchal University. She has previously attended investigative journalism training organized by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, UK, and also participated in a Cross-border Human Trafficking Journalism Fellowship from Impulse Press Lab, India.

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EDUCATION

  • MA in Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ), Purvanchal University, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2018
  • B.Ed in School Curriculum and Evaluation, Tribhuvan University, Nepalparasi, Nepal, 2015
  • Higher Secondary Education (+2), Mahakabi Higher Secondary School, Nawalparasi, Nepal, 2006

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • Nepal Investigative Multimedia Journalism Network (NIMJN), Reporting Fellow, 2023
    Investigative reporting on the abuse of government funds and illegal transportation of children.
  • Center for Investigative Journalism (CIJ), Reporting Fellow, 2014 - Present
    Investigative reporting on embezzlement of public resources, violence and abuse against marginalized groups, and mismanagement of natural resources.
  • Impulse Model Press Lab, India, 2019-2020
    Investigative reporting on cross-border human trafficking issues.
  • Nepal Forum for Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ), 2022
    Investigative reporting on environmental and climate change issues.
  • Nepal Magazine (Kantipur Media Group), 2018-2019
    Investigative reporting and long-form storytelling on child trafficking, social justice, child sexual abuse, migration, accountability, and illegal extraction issues.
  • Himal Media (Nepali and English Weekly at Nepalitimes.com), 2016-2017
    Investigative and in-depth reporting on organized crime, accountability, and environmental issues.

FELLOWSHIPS

  • Cross-Border Human Trafficking Journalism Training Fellowship, Impulse Model Press Lab, Myanmar, 2018
  • Investigative Journalism Course, Thomson Reuters Foundation, London, 2015
  • Media Foundation Nepal (MFN), 2018-2019
  • Nepal Investigative Multimedia Journalism Network (NIMJN), 2019-2020

AWARDS

  • Competitive Investigative Journalism Campaign Award, 2015 — Awarded by the British Embassy Kathmandu and Center for Investigative Journalism (CIJ) Nepal.
  • Barbara Adams Investigative Journalism Award, 2017 — Awarded by the Barbara Foundation, Kathmandu.
  • 2021 Nepal Journalism Award — Awarded by Nepal Investigative Multimedia Journalism Network (NIMJN).

AFFILIATIONS

Executive Member, Center for Investigative Journalism Nepal

LANGUAGES

Fluent: Nepali (mother tongue) · Operational: English, Hindi, Bhojpuri, Tharu