Kabita Sharma - American's Outstanding Campus Chief and Director Award

Ms. Kabita Sharma

Campus Chief at Shepherd College. THE ONLY MEDIA TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE IN NEPAL

Kabita Sharma-- a special mother. She’s a mother to a child who is differently abled, a child who is special.  Kids who grow up normal do not share the same experiences as kids who are labeled as “abnormal”. They often get noticed more and that is what makes them special. Her child and his uncommon capabilities make her a “special mother”.

Ms. Kabita hails from the rural municipality of the Gulmi district called Ruru. Born and raised in Rimuwa of Ruru municipality, she grew up in a suitable background. All her family members were well-educated, so she was always pushed toward pursuing excellent academics. She enrolled in a local school in her village, and then her journey began!

Her family was always taking a firm stand when it came to educating their children. Her father was a teacher, who later, even went on to become a District Education Officer. Hence, education was always the number 1 priority.

 Born and raised in an ample family, Ms. Kabita always observed her grandparents and her parents extend their helping hands, toward people. Therefore, naturally, from a very young age, she developed a habit of always being helpful to other people. She smiles and says, “being kind and helpful was something I was taught by my family. These traits, although were taught to me at a young age, I believe it was transferred to me genetically”.

She has undertaken multiple roles with, sheer dedication and hard work. The breadwinner for her family, a responsible member of society, and a campus chief but her roles are not limited to just that. In the short span of her career, she has garnered the utmost respect and recognition from her peers. For the last 20+ years, she has also been actively advocating for protecting the rights of people with disability. 

Shepherd College is the only Media Technology College in Nepal. Established in 2002 A.D., Shepherd College has contributed excellent graduates in the field of Media, who are not just based in Nepal but different parts of the world. Ms. Sharma has foreseen many of her students reach greater heights over the years and she shares her happiness with us upon seeing the students of Shepherd be the change-makers of the society.

Ms. Kabita has invested 10 years of her life in Shepherd College. She graduated Master’sin Media Technology in the year2010. Along with being a student of Shepherd College, Ms. Kabita Sharma was appointed as the Program Co-Ordinator of the samecollege.  “I got an opportunity to learnwhile working at Shepherd College and I am grateful for what I learned,” Ms. Kabita says.

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As she reminisces her journey, she shares “I was a young girl when I joined my first Radio, Rupendehi FM. I would conduct radio programs related to people with disability.  Over the course of my work, I developed my skills both personally and professionally. Although I hadn’t received professional training to become an RJ, I earned something invaluable, that is, “EXPERIENCE”.  I also got an opportunity to work with organizations that shared the same agendas as mine.”

Adding one more feather to her cap, she is the founder of the first South Asian All-Women Led Radio called, “Radio Mukti 95.5”. Since the day it was founded, Radio Mukti has been vocal about protecting Women’s Rights and uplifting the social status of all women in our society. Radio Mukti broadcasted programs that focused on Women’s Empowerment. From starting as a radio presenter on a local radio station, she went on to lead Radio Mukti.

A powerful, fearless, and brutally honest woman, Ms. Kabita, started her successful career in journalism. A supportive family became a driving force for her success. She says, “My family members were and still continue to support me, push me and motivate me to accomplish my goals. 

While working as a radio presenter, she recalls the challenges she faced and the opportunities she was presented with which helped nurture her communication skills. During the course of her career, Ms. Kabita was felicitated on numerous occasions for her contribution to the field of media.

In 2008, she was honored by being chosen as a “Fearless Media Personality” by Freedom Forum and International Press Institute. Not just for her outstanding contribution to the media industry, but her work towards social welfare has also gained recognition from various other organizations.

Since 2001, Ms. Kabita has consistently promoted the need for equal opportunities for children with disability. But sadly, even after advocating for the rights of disabled children for these many years, she still witnesses an unfavorable education environment for these special children. Yet, she is persistent and works as a consultant for disabled children, bringing them equal and favorable opportunities, just like any other child. She has voiced the need for remedies to improve the conditions of people who are physically challenged and visually impaired.

 She shares her bitter experience of not being able to get her differently-abled son, admitted to a school for physically impaired children. With an initiative to bring about a positive change in the lives of differently-abled people and to help them receive a good quality education, she established a foundation named, “Special Care Foundation”. This foundation is actively working toward getting people with a disability--- what they rightfully deserve.

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 Kabita Sharma, a special mother, as she proudly introduces herself. She believes and wants people to understand that disability is not a disease but a condition, therefore, they should not be barred from opportunities, the rest of the society gets. Children are very dear to their parents they’re special to their parents but her child with his distinct conditions makes her a special mother.

 After graduating with her MMT from Shepherd College, she joined the college faculty team as a lecturer and the academics coordinator. She, later on, went on to become the Acting Campus Chief and eventually the Campus Chief at Shepherd College.

Since 2010, she has been a pivotal part of the Shepherd College Family. She showcases her unconditional gratitude towards the college and her team members who have supported her throughout her journey so far. Regular meetings and discussions with her team members have helped in discussing and solving any issues arising in the institution. She is certain that she will continue to get the love and respect from her team members, the management, teachers, and the students of Shepherd College.

An endeared member of the college and an inspiration to her students, Ms. Kabita’s goal is to take Shepherd College to newer heights. She aims to break the glass ceiling and let people know that there is no age for education. Anyone who is dedicated and wishes to learn can do so, quite easily.

Students graduating from Shepherd College are proud of the college and are grateful for making them capable of bringing about a change in the field of media and society. Ms. Kabita is delighted to see her students grow in their respective fields and is proud of being a part of this profound institution.

The Women Icon/American Award, award she is being felicitated with makes her feel a lot more responsible for bringing a positive change in society. 

She is thankful to the organization for being recognized for her work in the field of media and promises to do everything in her capacity to bring in opportunities to uplift those who need a little push and to protect those who are seeking remedies. 

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