Krishna Gahatraj

I am an experienced development professional and human rights practitioner in the areas of disability inclusive development, inclusive humanitarian action, disability rights promotion, inclusive project cycle management, gender equality, disability and social inclusion. I was born and grown in the remote village of garden called ‘Phoolbari” where the people from different castes and ethnicities reside. I do belong to the ‘Dalit’ community of Nepal who are socially stratified, based on caste-based system, as so called ‘lower-caste’ people and are treated as ‘untouchable’. So, I do have lived experience of discrimination based on caste and disability.

I bring over a decade long professional and practical working experience in disability rights promotion and inclusive development to my role at the Disability Rights Fund (DRF). I served in various grassroots, national and international NGOs prior joining in DRF in 2022. I worked at CBM, International Disability Alliance and United National Population Fund (UNFPA) and thus, have been able to bring these international professionalism and global perspective in my work.

Apart from my role at DRF, I have an association with Nepal-US Alumni Network (NUSAN) as an Executive Board Member and alumni member of International Study Program on Global Challenges of Youth with Disabilities convened by Korean Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (KSRPD) in 2013/014. I had association with other several disability, youth and human rights institution to amplify their voices for equality and justice. Academically, I have pursued double master degrees – Master in International Cooperation and Development from the Mid-West University and Gender Studies from the Tribhuwan University of Nepal.

I have my lovely wife and beautiful daughter – Krishma and son – Kritish. I’m fond of listening old songs in my leisure time and love travelling.

Book recommendation: Caste Matters by Suraj Yengde.