KATHMANDU, Feb 5: Senior journalist Durga Nath Sharma passed away on Wednesday morning. He was 72.
Sharma died at 11 am while undergoing treatment at Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center in the capital, according to family sources. He was suffering from heart-related illness. He was admitted to Gangalal Hospital after he complained of chest infection five days ago, and referred to Manmohan Hospital on Tuesday evening. Sharma's brother Laxmi Nath Sharma confirmed the demise of his brother. His final rites will be performed at Pashupati Aryaghat today afternoon.
He was born to a middle-class family in Illam in 1947. Sharma was a veteran media personality who contributed to bring the state-run Nepal Television to life. He worked at the NTV as the general manager for five years.
Pioneering tv Journalism in Nepal
He was popular for his show ‘Bishwa Ghatana’ at NTV that earned him numerous accolades from the Nepali public. He also penned several books such as ‘Bina Rahadhaniko Bideshyatra’, ‘Barsa Aamsanchar Ma’, and ‘Handbook on Broadcasting Journalism’.
Prior to joining the NTV, he served as an assistant editor at Gorkhapatra newspaper during the Panchayat era. Following his retirement in 2005, he taught broadcast journalism at the Golden Gate International College, Battisputali.
Sharma was contributing articles on contemporary issues to mainstream newspapers including Nagarik daily, a sister publication of Republica.