Gopal Baraili Elected President of Nepal’s National Dalit Journalists Association

The National Dalit Journalists Association Nepal has a new leader. Gopal Baraili, manager of Radio Dhankuta, was elected president at the association’s second national convention, which concluded Tuesday in Kathmandu.

The convention produced a 45-member executive committee under Baraili’s leadership, signaling a fresh organizational push for Dalit journalists across Nepal.

Key leadership appointments

Alongside Baraili, the convention elected several other office bearers to steer the association’s next phase. Laxman Darnal was chosen as senior vice president, while Binod Pariyar secured the open vice president position.

The committee also includes regional vice presidents representing Koshi, Madhesh, and Bagmati provinces, reflecting an effort to broaden the association’s geographic reach and strengthen provincial representation.

Why the election matters

The leadership transition comes at a time when professional networks for Dalit journalists remain important for visibility, solidarity, and advocacy within Nepal’s media landscape. A structured national committee can help coordinate training, policy engagement, and regional organizing more effectively.

Baraili’s election also adds to his profile as a notable figure in Nepal’s journalism community. He is known for managing Radio Dhankuta and has been active in broader journalist circles, including previous leadership roles.

A wider organizational step

The convention in Kathmandu was more than a routine leadership vote. By installing a sizeable executive committee and naming regional vice presidents, the association appears to be building a more distributed leadership model that can connect national priorities with local realities.

For Dalit journalists in Nepal, that could mean stronger representation, more coordinated advocacy, and a clearer platform for professional development in the years ahead.