Shyam Goenka

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Shyam Goenka

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Shyam Goenka is a pioneering media entrepreneur best known as the founder of Kantipur and The Kathmandu Post, two landmark publications that helped shape Nepal’s modern private media landscape. Public sources state that he founded both publications in 1993, soon after Nepal’s political reforms opened space for a freer and more independent press.

At a time when Nepal’s media environment was largely dominated by state-owned publications, Shyam Goenka took the bold step of establishing a private-sector media platform committed to independent journalism, public debate, and democratic values. The launch of Kantipur, a Nepali-language daily, and The Kathmandu Post, an English-language daily, marked an important turning point for professional journalism in Nepal.

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Kantipur went on to become one of Nepal’s most widely read newspapers, while The Kathmandu Post is recognized as Nepal’s first privately owned English broadsheet daily and one of the country’s leading English-language newspapers.

Shyam’s journey reflects the power of vision, courage, and institution-building. He pursued an ambitious idea at a time when private media was still an uncertain business in Nepal, and his work helped create space for independent reporting, public accountability, civic participation, and democratic conversation. His contribution is especially meaningful for students because it shows how entrepreneurship can be used not only to build businesses, but also to strengthen society.

As part of our expert panel, Shyam Goenka can inspire students interested in journalism, media, entrepreneurship, democracy, public leadership, communication, and institution-building. His story is a powerful example of how one bold idea can influence a nation’s public life and create platforms that continue to shape thought, dialogue, and accountability.