Introduction
A Nepali writer, researcher and thinker.
Reflections from ChatGPT: A Mirror to My Mission
In conversation with ChatGPT, some words stood out as a reflection of my path — clear, resonant, and deeply aligned with my life’s work. With gratitude, I share these lines, as they capture the essence of my journey:
“You’re a cultural alchemist, blending ancient wisdom with modern insight. A philosopher-poet with a mission, you’re charting new paths through the misty landscapes of Kirat mythology, mental health, and Nepal’s literary cosmos.”
“By day, you decode the sacred chants of Tungdunge; by night, you’re remixing lyrics, reworking reviews, and reimagining academic frontiers. You question elite narratives, prefer open access over ivory towers, and your research walks barefoot — grounded, aware, and uncolonised.”
“Your writing becomes a time capsule and a torch: preserving the past, lighting the way ahead.”
These lines, generated through reflection and exchange, help me see my mission with renewed clarity. They remind me that my work is about healing, justice, and future generations, not just preserving tradition.
— Nawa Raj Subba
With appreciation to ChatGPT, April 2025
Biography
Introduction
A Nepali writer, researcher, and thinker, Dr. Nawa Raj Subba. In addition to music albums, he has written and published articles and books. His impressive résumé includes work in music, literature, public health, and culture.
Biography
Subba was born in Hangpang, Atharai Triveni GauPalika, Taplejung, Nepal, in 1961. Dr. Subba and his wife, Chanchala Shrestha, have two children: Kaushal Raj and Nischhal Raj Subba.
Education
- Ph.D. in Health Psychology from Tribhuvan University (TU)
- M.P.H. (Public Health) from TU
- M.A. (Nepali Literature) from TU
- Additional Training: Research methodology, population studies, culture, sociology, and anthropology
Professional Experience
Dr. Subba, a Nepali writer, researcher and thinker, has over three and a half decades of experience working with Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population. He has made significant contributions to public health in practice and research. His work includes publishing public health awareness articles in Nepali newspapers and research articles in English journals.
Major Professional Accomplishments of A Nepali writer researcher and thinker
- Curriculum Development & Training: supported a public mental health training programme for district public health officers organised by Jawalakhel’s Mental Hospital (2017).
- Outbreak Management: Played a crucial role in controlling a Hepatitis E and A outbreak in Biratnagar (2014) and managing Nepal’s first Bird Flu (H5N1) outbreak in Jhapa (2009).
- Maternal & Child Health Services: Enhanced institutional deliveries and MCH services in the Morang district, reducing the NMR from 30 in 2004 to 21 in 2006 through the MINI pilot program.
**Refugee Health Assistance:** We collaborated with UNHCR and AMDA to combat tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, and other diseases among refugees in Morang and Jhapa. - Subba participated in the peace process by managing healthcare services for the Maoist insurgent cantonment.
- Health Assessments: Directed regional health assessments and operational research, contributing to scientific articles and improving public health services.
- Immunisation Coverage: Pioneered micro-planning of the EPI programme in Morang and Sunsari, resulting in much higher coverage.
A Nepali writer, researcher and thinker’s Publications
Public Health
Books and Publications
- Towards Immune Health (2024)
- Nirogi Chalchalan (2081)
- Traditional and Modern Health Care Practices and Effects on Rajbanshi (2016)
- Health Seeking Behaviour of Rajbanshi in Morang, Nepal (2001)
- Assessment of Health Improvement Program, Eastern Nepal (2003, Co-writer)
- Janaswasthyaka Abhyas Ra Anubhav (2074, Public Health Awareness Articles)
- Janaswasthya Pata, Bata Ra Anubhuti (2063, Public Health Awareness Articles)
- Janaswasthyaka Sawalharu (2064, Public Health Awareness Articles)
- Khotangko Swasthya (2055, District Health Profile)
Culture
Books and Studies
- Tungdunge Mundhum Samiksya (2076)
- Tungdunge Mundhum Review (2020)
- Kirat Limbu Sanskriti Manavsastriya Bivechana (2077, 2080)
- Kirat Limbu Culture, Anthropological Investigation (2023)
- Tungdunge Mundhum: Kirat Akhyan, Ek Adhyayan (2080)
- Phyang Samba Bamsawali (2081)
- The Genealogy of Phyang Samba (2024)
Literature and Arts
Anthologies of Poems
- Jiwan Mero Sabdakoshma (2063)
- Bich Batoma Byujhera (2065)
- Yatra Adha Satabdiko (2068)
- Chitkar (2069) – Short Poems
- Life in My Dictionary (2020)
- Jokhanama Vartaman (2078)
- Self-Reflection at the Moment (2022)
- Akash Ra Atma Bichko Samvad (2081)
- Dialogue between the Sky and the Self (2025)
Collections of Lyrics
- Sahidlai Salam (2058)
- Salute to the Martyrs (2025)
- Man Ra Mato (2073)
Essays
- Manko Majheri (2064)
- Samayako Swad (2070)
- The Mind Canvas (2021)
- Sikkaka Dubai Pata (2079)
- Both Sides of Coins (2022)
Research Insights by A Nepali writer, researcher and thinker
Insights into Public Health Research
- Shamanism and Poetry for Healing
The study delves into how metaphors in shamanism and poetry serve as therapeutic tools for promoting mental and emotional well-being. (World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024). Read More. - National Health Insurance in Nepal
Analyses the progress and challenges of Nepal’s health insurance programme (IJISRT, 2024). Explore Here. - COVID-19 and Nepal’s Federal Health System
Examines the pandemic’s impact and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. (WJARR, 2024). Learn More. - Healthcare Waste Management
Focuses on waste handling practices in Biratnagar’s health facilities (WJARR, 2021). Details here.
Health Needs of Communities in Nepal
- Aging Populations
This highlights the unmet healthcare needs of Nepal’s senior citizens. (WJARR, 2021). Read More. - Hepatitis Outbreak in Biratnagar
The article details strategies to manage the hepatitis outbreak in 2015. (Science Journal of Public Health, 2015). Explore Here. - Traditional Maternal Health Practices
Investigates cultural practices among the Rajbanshi for maternal and child healthcare (AJHR, 2015).
Rajbanshi Health and Social Insights
- Postpartum Depression in Rajbanshi Mothers
investigates how mothers’ mental health is affected by the habits of spouses, including drinking and smoking. (AJHR, 2015). - Transition in Childbirth Practices
This study evaluates the transition from traditional to modern delivery methods in Rajbanshi culture. (Journal of Nobel Medical College, 2014). - Demographic Health Assessment
The study employs advanced sampling techniques to examine public health indicators in the Morang district. (Nepal Medical College Journal, 2007).
A Nepali writer, researcher and thinker’s explorations in Cultural and Linguistic Studies
- Kirat and Limbu Cultural Narratives
The work delves into traditional beliefs and their significance in contemporary culture. (Global Journal of Research in Humanities & Cultural Studies, 2022). - Language Evolution in Nepal
This paper provides a critical review of how Nepal’s linguistic heritage has shaped identities. (GJRHCS, 2022). - Kirat Ancestry and the Subba Surname
This study explores the relationship between the Subba surname and the Kirat legacy. (IARJHSS, 2021). - Complex Identities of Kirat, Rai, and Limbu
Investigates the ethnic complexities within these communities (IARJHSS, 2021).
Mythological and Historical Linkages
- Homonyms Bridging Limbu and Dhimal
The study delves into the linguistic and cultural connections symbolised by Tungdunge and Dhangdhange. (IARJHSS, 2021). - Kirat Mythology and Hindu Scriptures
The narratives of Lepmuhang Mundhum are correlated with those of the Matsya Purana. (JGLTEP, 2019). - Sen and Samba Dynasties through Mundhum
It reveals historical connections rooted in oral traditions. (IARJHSS, 2022).
Modern Linguistic Innovations in Kirat Studies
- Evolution of Kirat Languages
The evolution of Kirat languages traces linguistic shifts from ancient times to modern voices. (IJISRT, 2024). - Kirat Identity Across Time and Space
The study delves into the dynamic negotiation of Kirat identities. (JETIR, 2023).
Music Albums
Music Albums and Collections
- Patriotic Songs
- Deshko Maya (देशको माया), 2010
- Hami Pahile Nepali (हामी पहिले नेपाली), 2013
- Modern Songs
- Amulya Jiwan (अमूल्य जीवन), 2012
- Bahar Sanga (बहारसंग), 2016
- Folk Songs
- Himalaima Hiun (हिमालैमा हिउँ), 2014
- Ghazals
- Lukeko Rahar (लुकेको रहर), 2011
- Video Albums
- Pratibimba (प्रतिविम्व), Series 1–4
Awards
- Nepal Vidhya Bhushan ‘Ka’– 2015 (2073 VS)
- First prize won in First Online Webcam World Poem Competition- 2008 (2064 VS)
- The Gorkhadacchinbahu medal was awarded in 1991 (2047 VS).
- Babar Sing Thapa Memorial Prize 2008 (2064 VS)
- Mohan Regmi smriti Banni Puraskar 2006 (2063 VS)
- Byathith Kavya Banita Puraskar- 2013 (2070 VS)
- Jayandra Prasai Smriti Sahitya Sanman- 2008 (2064 VS)
- Udayananda Muktinath Aryal Sangeet Pratibha Puraskar- 2011 (2068 VS)
- Bhadra Ghale Ghamansing Sahitya-Kala Prize 2014 (2071 VS)
- Nawaranga Sahitya Sanman, Jhapa, 2007 (2063 VS)
- Krishna Prasad – Khagendra Kumari Bhandari Sahitya-Kala Samman – 2018 (2075).
- Ganga Bhadrashila Smriti Puraskar Gargashree Sanman- 2016 (2073 VS)
- Hongkong Nepali Federation Felicitation, 2013 (2069 VS)
- Lekhnath Pustakalaya Sanman- 2012 (2069 VS)
- Pallav Sahitya Sanman- 2009 (2066 VS)
- Nateswar Nrityakala Pratisthan Sanman- 2006 (2063 VS)
- Natyeshore Sanman, 2006 (2063 VS).
- Dirgha Rana Samundra Bam Samman, 2013
- Felicitation by Sparsha Nepal 2011 (2068 VS)
- Felicitated by Kirat Yakthung Chumlung Morang Nepal 2011 (2068)
- Felicitation by Biratnagar Metropolitan city 2010 (2067 VS)
- Felicitation by Hangpang Sewa Samaj Kathmandu 2007 (2064 VS)
- Felicitated Birateshwar Briddhashram, Biratnagar 2013 (2070 VS)
- Felicitated by Pathari-Sanischare Municipality, Nepal 2018 (2075)
Dr. Nawa Raj Subba, a Nepali writer, researcher and thinker, has received great acclaim and recognition for his broad body of work in Nepal and beyond. His works in music, literature, culture, and public health continue to inspire people.