Veteran journalist, writer, media trainer and former Executive Chairperson of the National News Agency (RSS), Dharmendra Jha, has made a distinguished contribution to Nepal’s journalism, press freedom, right to information, literature and the promotion of the Maithili language over a career spanning nearly four decades.

Born on March 17, 1967, in Govindapur VDC-1, Bastipur, Siraha, Jha began his journalism career in 2044 BS with the wall newspaper Chahal Pahal at RRM Campus in Janakpurdham. He subsequently worked with Daily Jan Aakanksha, Videh and Nav Bichar before assuming editorial and leadership roles across Nepal’s media sector.

Jha served as Executive Chairperson of RSS, contributing to the expansion of news services in Nepal’s mother languages, particularly Maithili, Nepal Bhasa and Awadhi. He also served as President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Central Committee from 2008 to 2011. His professional affiliations include the Press Council Nepal, International Press Institute, International Federation of Journalists and other national and international media organizations.

He worked as News Editor and Deputy Editor at Annapurna Post from 2006 to 2013 and later served as Executive Editor of Himalaya Times and Senior News Consultant at Himalaya Television. He has also contributed columns and commentary to Gorkhapatra and various newspapers and digital publications.

Since 2003, Jha has been deeply engaged in journalism training, mentoring and capacity building, covering areas such as freedom of expression, right to information, investigative and public-interest journalism, journalist safety, conflict sensitivity, human rights, GESI, parliamentary affairs, disaster risk reduction, climate change, local governance and federalism. He has trained and facilitated programmes for institutions including the Nepal Press Institute, FNJ, Freedom Forum, National Information Commission, Election Commission, Press Council Nepal, UNDP, UNICEF, ILO, International Alert, Saferworld and USAID.

A multilingual professional, Jha works in Maithili, Nepali, Hindi, English, Awadhi, Bhojpuri and Eastern Tharu. His translation and editorial work has supported various government, UN and civil-society initiatives.

His literary legacy is particularly significant in Maithili literature. He has co-authored textbooks and children’s reference books, while his published works include Mithila Mythak, Jaganmukti, Rasta Takait Jinagi, Ek Shristi Ek Kavita, Ek Samayak Baat, Dhuanayal Aakritisabh, Vyom K Ohi Paar and Shaharak Bheedme Esgar Ham. His Nepali publications and editorial contributions address journalism, court reporting, press freedom, right to information, federalism and collaborative leadership.

Jha has participated in numerous international forums and conferences and was part of the national delegation accompanying President Ramchandra Paudel to Azerbaijan for COP29 in 2024. His professional achievements have earned him honours including Nepal Vidyabhushan ‘Kha’, Press Trust of India Award, National Talent Award, Prabal Jana Sewa Shree, National Journalism Award, Surendra Bahadur Basnet Press Council National Journalism Award and Krishna Prasad Bhattarai Memorial National Journalism Award, among others.

His research interests have included media’s role in conflict resolution, right to information, women journalists’ safety, freedom of expression, the legal status of murdered and disappeared journalists, Maithili folklore and the local application of the right to information.

Currently, Jha serves as Central Adviser to the Nepal Press Union, Adviser to the Central Committee of the Nepali Writers’ Association, and a trainer/member of the Nepal Press Institute. He remains active as a freelance journalist and is involved with literary, cultural and social organisations.

With expertise spanning journalism, literature, translation, training and media policy, Jha has established himself as an influential figure in Nepal’s media landscape. His extensive field experience is reflected in his travels to 75 of Nepal’s 77 districts and 25 countries, underscoring his enduring engagement with Nepal’s diverse communities, languages and public-interest issues.