Preserve and Spread Nepal’s Dalit Indigenous Knowledge & Art

Hi, I'm Ben and I am fundraising on behalf of Dr. Govinda Nepali, a scholar based on Kathmandu who gained a PhD despite being born in a remote area of Nepal and part of the Dalit caste, which is sadly considered the 'untouchable' caste in society.

I was born in Nepal to British parents and Govinda was a great help to our family in the village in which we lived for almost 10 years. Govinda and I recently reconnected after my brother and I visited Nepal again after many years, and this has led to my creation of this GoFundMe to support his work.

Dr. Nepali's story is one of extreme dedication and resilience, and he needs your help to continue his work. He wants to continue his work to raise awareness of the incredible knowledge and art of the Dalit community with a book and museum. Here's his story.

Preserving Nepal’s Indigenous Knowledge & Art: Support Dr. Govinda Nepali’s Mission

Dr. Govinda Nepali’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and dedication. Born into Nepal’s Dalit community—historically marginalized and stigmatized—he overcame immense social and economic barriers to pursue education and become a leading scholar, writer, and advocate for Nepal’s indigenous artisans.

Despite facing discrimination from an early age, Dr. Nepali was determined to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Dalit community, which has played a crucial role in shaping Nepal’s art, crafts, and architecture for centuries. Today, he is working tirelessly on two projects: a groundbreaking book and the Shilpee Museum—both designed to document, celebrate, and sustain the artistic and cultural contributions of Nepal’s Dalit artisans.

We are raising funds to help Dr. Nepali complete these projects and ensure the knowledge and skills of Nepal’s indigenous artisans are recognized, protected, and passed on to future generations.

Project 1: Publishing “Indigenous Knowledge for Human Prosperity”

For over 25 years, Dr. Nepali has traveled across Nepal, collecting over 500 ancient artifacts and documenting the arts, crafts, and technological innovations of Dalit artisans. His book, Indigenous Knowledge for Human Prosperity: Dalits’ Glorious Arts and Artifices Under Socio-Cultural Shackles, is a first-of-its-kind effort to preserve and elevate the craftsmanship of a community that has long been overlooked.

This 350-380-page book sheds light on the incredible skill and ingenuity of Dalit artisans, who have crafted Nepal’s agricultural tools, decorative arts, weaponry, and household crafts for centuries. However, caste-based discrimination has systematically denied them economic opportunities and recognition.

Dr. Nepali hopes this book will educate the public, influence government policies, and create opportunities for Dalit artisans to reclaim their rightful place as innovators and entrepreneurs. The book is completed but needs funding for publication, printing, and distribution so that it can reach schools, universities, policymakers, and the global community.

Project 2: The Shilpee Museum – A Home for Nepal’s Indigenous Arts

Alongside his literary work, Dr. Nepali is establishing the Shilpee Museum in Kathmandu—a groundbreaking cultural institution dedicated to Nepal’s Dalit artisans. This museum will showcase over 250 historical artifacts and artworks, including 530-year-old objects, traditional tools, and crafts, preserving Nepal’s artistic heritage for future generations.

Why is this Museum Important?

• It will educate Nepalese and international visitors about the crucial role of Dalit artisans in shaping Nepal’s culture.

• It will empower Dalit youth by providing a space to learn, showcase, and market their skills.

• It will serve as a hub for research, tourism, and cultural preservation, fostering a deeper appreciation for Nepal’s indigenous knowledge.

• It will create employment opportunities and economic sustainability for Dalit artisans through exhibitions, sales, and training programs.

What do we need to fund?

Dr. Nepali has already gathered 376 artifacts and 150 photographs, but the museum urgently needs support for:

✅ Renting and maintaining the museum space in Kathmandu.

✅ Hiring staff to manage operations and guide visitors.

✅ Purchasing computers and equipment for interactive exhibits.

✅ Expanding the museum to other regions of Nepal.

All donations will be greatly appreciated, and both I and Dr. Nepali will be happy to answer any questions you have about the projects.