Eka Raj Acharya

President

Former Chief Judge, Mr. Eka Raj Acharya is the President of the PDS-Nepal Board. Mr. Acharya started his career in the judiciary as a section officer in 1980. Mr. Acharya served many years as a district court judge before being promoted as an Appellate Court judge in the year 2005. After serving as a judge as well as Chief Judge of Appellate Court, Mr. Acharya retired in 2014. He has been conferred with the highest awards for his fearless and fair judgment during his career. Mr. Acharya has also penned a book on medical jurisprudence. His guidance, leadership, knowledge, and experience has helped PDS-Nepal move ahead in the right direction. Can be reached to him over his email id: eacharya@pds-n.org

Mr. Shyam Kumar Bishwakarma

Vice-President

Mr. Shyam Kumar Bishwakarma, LL.M. 2013, TU. He's a visionary force in the legal realm, a founder member of Public Defender Society of Nepal (PDS-Nepal), and a passionate litigant lawyer turned formidable legal researcher. Currently, he's a dynamic member of the Lawyers Academy Committee of Nepal Bar Council since 2022. From leading as Chairperson at Justice and Rights Institute-Nepal (JuRI-Nepal) from 2021-2023 to being the first Dalit member in Nepal Bar Association (NBA) from 2016-2019, his impact is profound. He also pioneered the Community Land Rights Program at Community Self-reliance Centre (CSRC) from 2014-2016 and co-founded the International Legal Foundation-Nepal (ILF-Nepal) as a Criminal Defense Attorney from 2008-2010. Mr. Bishwakarma's journey extends to advocating for justice as a Legal Officer at Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO) and Dalit NGO Federation (DNF) from 2005-2008, leaving an indelible mark. His dedication to legal excellence inspires us all. Can be reached to him over his email id : sbishwakarma@pds-n.org or shyamnyaya@gmail.com

Mr. Pankaj Kumar Karn

General Secretary

Mr. Pankaj Kumar Karn is the General Secretary of PDS-Nepal Board. Mr. Karn is Kathamndu-based constitutional & human rights lawyer who has successfully litigated a wide range of constitutional and human rights issues in the Supreme Court of Nepal since last 22 years. He has also served USAID funded Nepal Government Citizen partnership Project as Local Governance Advisor. Mr. Karn is involved with various other organizations in various capacity. He had served JURI Nepal in the capacity of General Secretary and Chairperson and Pro Public (Forum for Protection of Public Interest) as a Regional Director and Public Interest Litigation Lawyer particularly litigating gender, environment and human rights issues at the Supreme Court of Nepal (2003-2009). He has also served in Community Mediator Society of Nepal as Secretary General. He has served in the Friends of the Earth as Executive Committee board member and presently serving as a deputy-Director for Asia to Global Network of Human Rights and Climate Justice. Mr. Karn has also authored few articles, and presented many papers in various national and international level symposium. Can be reached to him over his Email id : pkarna@pds-n.org

Ram Bahadur Magar

Treasurer

Ram Bahadur Magar is the Treasurer of PDS-Nepal Board. He has over 25 years of experience in the field of administration and financial management, inventory management, cash management and system development of CBOs and NGOs, working in the field of Emergency Relief, Response and Disaster Risk Management, sustainable development, livelihood and peace, reconciliation and human rights, health and education. Currently Mr. Magar is working as an Admin Officer in Save the Children. Mr. Magar has attended various trainings and workshops relating to financial matters, administration, Data analysis and Management, conflict resolution, internal auditing etc. Can be reached to him over his email id: rmagar@pds-n.org

Ms. Sweta Kumari

Secretary

Ms. Sweta Kumari is an enthusiastic and eager advocate who is currently practicing in Kathmandu. She has conducted pragmatic researches on significant issues like safe abortion and has also coordinated in AIDS Coordination Committee and Women Rights & HIV & AIDS programs. Ms. Kumari also has bestowed in teaching by working as lecturer in Accountancy, Management Business Studies & Marketing. She ardently believes in equality between men and women and has been receiving several notable trainings on various affairs regarding health issues, team building, leadership, personality development, data analysis etc, while also imparting what she has learned, by herself providing the training and publishing books on similar issues. Can be reached to her over her email id: skumari@pds-n.org

Padam Chhetri

Executive Member

Mr. Padam Chhetri, is the Executive Member, of PDS-Nepal Board. Mr. Chettri who began his professional career in Nepal with Save the Children (UK) in 1986 served ILF-N from July 2013 to April 2017 as a Managing Director. Prior to ILF Mr. Chettri served the UN Systems for more than ten years and other Bilateral Organizations and various INGOs including, DANIDA, Penal Reform International, Room to Read, respectively in the area of general administration, procurement and finance. Mr. Chettri has garnered considerable skills at developing effective guidelines for implementing partner NGOs during his decade long affiliation with UNOHCHR and other INGOs. Can be reached to him over his email id: padamchhetri@pds-n.org

Mr. Binod Kumar

Executive Member

Mr. Binod Kumar is the Executive Member of PDS-Nepal Board. He is a practicing lawyer. Mr. Kumarn who has a liquidator's license and is also a notary has attended various training programs on TOT, mediators, human rights and justice, constitutional law and participatory constitution building process etc. Can be reached to him over his email id: bkumar@pds-n.org