Executive Committee

Ravi Baral

Founder and Executive Chairperson

Ravi Baral, a prominent activist filmmaker, has dedicated his life to using the power of media to address critical social issues. He is the founder and executive chairperson of Media Alert and Relief Foundation, an organization he has led for over three decades. His career began at Nepal Television, where he produced documentaries, anchored current affairs programs, and hosted the popular Music Magazine. In 1993, he founded Media Alert, a platform to create impactful films and campaigns. He has produced feature films, documentaries, and short films, each addressing pressing social concerns. A former student of the renowned Fr. Marshall D. Moran at St. Xavier’s School, Baral has continued to honor his mentor’s legacy by contributing significantly to the Fr. Moran Education Fund, which provides scholarships to underprivileged children.

Currently, Baral is at the forefront of the “Join the Movement” campaign, aiming to eradicate child marriage in Nepal and South Asia by 2030. He is also involved in the pre-production of the film “Far Too Young,” which will further shed light on gender-based violence. Dedicated to the memory of Fr. Moran, the film will be disseminated worldwide to raise awareness about the importance of education and to encourage efforts to keep children in school, protecting them from early marriage, trafficking, forced labor, and slavery. The Fr. Moran Education Fund, set up by Media Alert, works closely with the American non-profit Far Too Young, Inc., to jointly raise funds for the production of “Far Too Young,” ensuring that Fr. Moran’s legacy of education and social justice continues to inspire and empower future generations. Through his tireless efforts and creative vision, Ravi Baral continues to inspire and empower communities, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of social activism and filmmaking.

Avinash Sharma

Producer and Partner

Avinash Sharma, a dedicated advocate for social justice and a skilled data scientist, is the Founder and CEO of Far Too Young, Inc., a US-based non-profit organization. He is a key partner of Media Alert and Relief Foundation, contributing his expertise to their communication and education programs on gender equality, human trafficking, and child and women’s rights.

As a seasoned Data Scientist and Business Intelligence expert, Mr. Sharma has provided invaluable advice to Media Alert since 2008, aiding in the production of impactful audio-visual materials on various social issues. His philanthropic spirit is evident in his support for numerous relief initiatives, including mobile health clinics, food and shelter for disaster victims, and research on child marriage. Additionally, Sharma has generously provided scholarships to countless underprivileged children in Nepal through the Fr. Moran Education Fund.

Sharma’s commitment to addressing social injustice is further demonstrated through his role as a co-producer of the short film “Far Too Young,” which highlights the devastating consequences of child marriage. This short film serves as a powerful prelude to the upcoming full-length feature film, “Far Too Young,” which will be dedicated to the legacy of Fr. Moran. Once completed, this educational film will be used in classrooms across Nepal, South Asia, and around the world to raise awareness about gender-based violence and the importance of education in protecting children from trafficking, early marriage, and modern slavery. It will also serve as a valuable resource for policymakers.

Bishwanath Ghimire

General Manager

Bishwanath Ghimire, also known as Lilhari Ghimire, has been a cornerstone of Media Alert since 1998, serving as General Manager and overseeing all communication projects and humanitarian initiatives. With a distinguished career spanning decades, he has held key positions at the Nepal Red Cross Society and consulted for organizations like UNDP, UNICEF, GTZ, WHO, and Save the Children USA. His extensive experience in the field is complemented by a Master’s degree in Sociology and Political Science, and a tenure as a lecturer at Patan Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University. Ghimire’s deep understanding of Nepal’s social and humanitarian landscape, combined with his strategic leadership, ensures the effective implementation of Media Alert’s programs and initiatives.

Pradeep Upadhyay

Head of Productions

Pradeep Upadhyay, a seasoned audio-visual expert, has been a key member of Media Alert since 1999, leading the Production Department. With a distinguished career spanning decades, he has served as a technical consultant for numerous Nepali productions, including BBC, Nepal Television, and various private TV channels. As a skilled sound engineer, Upadhyay has designed numerous sound studios, radios, and FM stations across Nepal. His dedication to the industry is evident through his active involvement in the Nepal Motion Picture Association, Nepal Film Technicians Association, and the Audio Engineering Society, USA. His notable achievements include directing the Nepali feature film “Jhuma” and pioneering the introduction of Dolby Digital Surround Sound in Nepal with the film “Chameli.” A graduate with distinction from the prestigious Film and TV Institute of India, Upadhyay’s technical expertise and artistic vision have significantly contributed to the growth and development of the Nepali film industry.

Viplob Pratik

Creative Head and Writer

Viplob Pratik, a founding member of Media Alert, leads the Creative Department, overseeing the production of films, print materials, and campaign materials. A talented filmmaker, he has directed “Samarpan,” “Abhilasha,” and “Spandan,” and contributed to publications like “Himal” and “Salil.” As a renowned poet, his works, including “Unvanquished” and “A Person Kissed by the Moon,” have been published in multiple languages and featured in international publications. Beyond his creative pursuits, Pratik is actively involved in the cultural scene, serving as Secretary of the Kathmandu Film Society, a Founding Member of Gallery Nine, and Secretary of the Narayan Gopal Music Trust. A skilled photographer, Pratik’s diverse talents and contributions have significantly enriched the cultural landscape of Nepal.

Board Members
Mr. Bijay Dhakal
Mr. Pratap Poudel
Mr. Umesh Singh
Mr. Pradip Sharma
Legal Advisor
Mr. Ganesh Dhungana
Banks
Global IME Bank
NMB Bank
Auditor
Madhusudhan Dhakal And Company
Advisors
Mrs. Chadni Joshi, Former UNIFEM Regional Director, Women’s Rights Champion
Mrs. Durga Ghimire, Women and Child Rights Activist
Mrs. Sabita Bhandary, Women’s Law/ Senior Advocate
Prof. Manindra Ranjan Baral, Child Rights-Advocate and Professor of Child Health
Mrs. Rita Thapa, Ashoka Fellow, Women and Child Rights Activist
Dr. Sudha Sharma, Former Health Secretary Nepal Government, Public Health Expert
Mrs. Pramila Acharya Rizal, Women and Child Rights Activist
Experts
Dr. Hemang Dixit (Health Education)
Mr. Radhesh Pant (Management)
Mr. Matt Friedman (Modern Slavery)
Mr. Chewang Sherpa (Information Technology)
Mr. Soorya Baral  (Communication and Media)
Other Team Members
Lata Poudel: Senior Administrative Officer

Deepesh Poudel: Projects Consultant

Ramsaran Upreti: Cinematographer

Madhav Thapalia: Studio Department

Bimal Sharma: Production Control

Binay Poudel: Production Assistant

SreeeJana Dahal: Field Coordinator

Radha Ghimire: Field Coordinator

Binod Kumar Dhakal: Field Coordinator

Shankar Sharma: Field Coordinator

Bion KC: Film Editor

Aman Shrestha: Graphics

Dharmendra Gauchan: Chief Field Technician

Other Team Members

Sanjeev Phuyal: Writer, Translator

Munna Malakar: Technician

Bikash Tamang: Office Manager

Shyam Khadka: Field Logistics

Ram Khatiwada: Site Officer

Suresh Poudel: Chief Accounts

Susmita Khanal: Accounts Assistant

Shree Krishna Shrestha: Transport Manager

Ayush Shrestha: Driver

Tikaram Gharti: Driver

Sanjita Dhakal : Office Help

Kamala Sapkota: Office Help