Pradeep Raj Onta: A Trailblazing Photojournalist and Media Visionary
Kathmandu, Nepal – In the field of photojournalism, Pradeep Raj Onta has established himself as a distinguished professional, capturing historic moments and shaping Nepal’s media landscape. With over 15 years of experience, he has received numerous accolades, held key leadership positions, and contributed significantly to journa
lism, training, and event management. An Acclaimed Photojournalist
Onta’s career in photojournalism has been marked by notable achievements. He has served as a senior photojournalist at the National News Agency (RSS) since 2012, documenting some of Nepal’s most important events. His dedication to the profession has earned him several prestigious awards, including:
• Best Photojournalist Award (2023) – Presented by Rt. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda at the Reporter’s Club Nepal.
• Best Photojournalist of the Year (2016) – Awarded by Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari.
• Best Photographer of the Year (2016 BS) – Certified by the National News Agency (RSS).
• Final Jury for Sainik Photo Competition (2021) and Jury Member for Miss Nepal 2018 (Miss Photogenic Category). His ability to capture compelling visuals has made him a sought-after figure in the field, earning him recognition for his contributions to media and photography. Leadership and Training Contributions
Beyond photography, Onta has been actively involved in media leadership. Since 2021, he has served as President of the National Forum of Photojournalists (NFPJ) Nepal, where he has worked to promote and support photographers across the country. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of photojournalists is evident through his extensive training initiatives:
• Conducted photojournalism training in Karnali and Madhesh provinces (2020), organized by RSS.
• Served as a special trainer at Nepal Press Union Sunsari (2022) and Nepal Photo Patrakar Sangha (2019, 2021).
• Led a Virtual Photography Workshop (2022) under NFPJ Nepal. His dedication to education extends to his role as a photography trainer at Swostishree Gurukul, Swayambhu, and as an official photographer at South Western State College since 2018. Diverse Professional Roles
Onta’s expertise goes beyond journalism. From January 2023 to January 2024, he served in the Personal Secretariat of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, further showcasing his influence in Nepal’s media and political circles. Additionally, he is the official photographer for Global IME Bank Nepal (since 2020) and the CEO of Season Media Pvt. Ltd, a company specializing in event management and fashion photography. His media company organizes five major events annually, supporting Nepal’s entertainment and fashion industries. Academic Pursuits and Future Goals
Onta is currently pursuing a Master’s in Mass Communication at Shepherd College (affiliated with Purbanchal University), further enhancing his expertise in media studies. He previously completed a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication (2023) and a Bachelor’s in Education (2020) from Tribhuvan University. A Vision for the Future
With an impressive career spanning journalism, media training, and event management, Pradeep Raj Onta continues to be a pivotal figure in Nepal’s media industry. His work as a photojournalist, educator, and leader ensures that he remains at the forefront of Nepal’s evolving storytelling landscape.
“Photojournalism is about more than just capturing images; it’s about documenting history and giving a voice to untold stories,” Onta says. His dedication to the profession serves as an inspiration for aspiring journalists and photographers across Nepal and beyond.
