Pokhara, 28 January | In a unique shift from space research to social leadership, 37-year-old astrophysicist Manisha Dwa has filed her candidacy for the House of Representatives from Kaski Constituency No. 1. Representing the Ujyalo Nepal Party, led by Kulman Ghising, Dwa is bringing a fresh perspective to the upcoming election by prioritizing science, technology, and innovation as her core political agenda. A resident of Bhadrakali, Pokhara, she has been fascinated by the mysteries of the universe since childhood. After completing her studies in Physics at Prithvi Narayan Campus, she is currently pursuing a PhD in Astrophysics and has gained national recognition as Nepal’s first female astrophotographer, capturing rare celestial events like solar and lunar eclipses.
Manisha Dwa is a prominent figure in the international scientific community, serving as a Board Director of the Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO). She also holds the prestigious position of National Outreach Coordinator for Nepal under the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and serves as the National Astronomy Education Coordinator. Her dedication to the field has earned her several accolades, including the NAST Technology Promotion Award, the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Emerging Space Leader Award, and the Indrakala Scholarship. Beyond research, she has been a pioneer in promoting “Astro-tourism” in Nepal, advocating for the preservation of dark skies and using the beauty of the cosmos to attract global visitors.
Explaining her foray into politics, Dwa emphasizes that science and education have long been neglected by traditional political parties. “No one has been listening to the voices of the scientific community; education and science are rarely seen as top-tier political priorities,” she says. Her vision is built on the conviction that sustainable development and national prosperity are only possible through the rigorous application of modern technology across all sectors. Seeking a platform to voice her transformative ideas, she joined the Ujyalo Nepal Party to bridge the gap between policy-making and scientific advancement. As a new face in Kaski-1, Manisha Dwa represents a generation of young intellectuals determined to lead Nepal toward a future driven by data, innovation, and rational governance.
