By Rezina Ruladhar, Yesnepali

TORONTO, CANADA: Amar Shanker Sainju, a distinguished agricultural specialist and development professional originally from Tansen, Palpa, Nepal, has built a remarkable career spanning more than three decades while nurturing a deep passion for Nepal’s traditional musical heritage, particularly the indigenous instrument Murchunga (jaw harp).

Born on April 10, 1954, in Tansen, Sainju pursued higher education in Russia, earning a Master of Science in Agriculture and Rural Development in 1979 and a PhD in Technical Crops in 1982 from Kuban State Agrarian University, Krasnodar.

With more than 30 years of professional experience, he has served in various capacities, including Agricultural Specialist, Programme Manager, Development Adviser and Team Leader. His professional journey has extended across Nepal, Central Asian countries, Pakistan and the Philippines, contributing to community-based social and economic development initiatives.

Throughout his career, Sainju worked with the Government of Nepal, civil society organizations, NGOs and international development partners. His professional engagements included projects supported by USAID, UNDP, Swiss and Swedish development agencies, the Aga Khan Foundation and Canadian NGOs. His contributions focused on strengthening rural communities, supporting sustainable development and improving livelihoods.

However, his achievements extend beyond the development sector. After retirement, Sainju has devoted considerable time to his interests in gardening, interior decoration, antiquities, yoga and traditional music.

His particular fascination with the Murchunga reflects his commitment to preserving Nepal’s intangible cultural heritage. He has collected more than 100 Murchungas from different parts of Nepal and around the world, developing a remarkable personal collection that reflects the instrument’s cultural diversity and musical traditions.

His interest in music has also been encouraged by his wife, Ranjana Pradhan, an accomplished sitar player. Supporting his wife’s musical journey, Sainju has developed his own appreciation for traditional instruments through collecting, playing and researching the Murchunga.

Now based in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, Sainju represents a generation of Nepalis who have carried their professional knowledge, cultural identity and traditional heritage beyond national borders.

His journey demonstrates that retirement need not mean the end of contribution. Through his dedication to traditional Nepali music, particularly the Murchunga, he continues to connect generations with the country’s rich cultural roots.

His life is an inspiring example of professional excellence, lifelong learning and cultural preservation among the Nepali diaspora.