Verified and Vocal: How Dr. Sandesh Lamsal Became Nepal’s Face in the Global Digital Arena

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New Delhi: In a time when going viral can feel like the ultimate prize, Dr. Sandesh Lamsal reminds us that impact means more than likes and shares. From the quiet corners of Dang to the bustling digital stage of the world, Dr. Lamsal’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. A doctor by training but a digital changemaker by passion, he’s carved a space not just for himself, but for Nepal on the global internet map.

Born and raised in the Dang district of Nepal, Dr. Lamsal’s early life was shaped by modest means and a strong sense of community. He completed his early education in Tulsipur and then pursued a medical degree in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The experience of studying abroad sharpened his worldview and expanded his appreciation for using digital tools to drive social change, especially in developing regions like his hometown.

What sets him apart? Dr. Lamsal is the first Nepali content creator to be verified on almost every major social media platform, including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Josh, Moj, Likee, Telegram, VK, RuTube, and more. His influence extends globally, across languages and cultures, establishing him as an exceptional digital ambassador for Nepal.

But he’s not just out there chasing trends. His content is thoughtful, sharing health advice, promoting mental well-being, advocating for physical fitness, and encouraging social good. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, his social media turned into a platform of public health awareness when the world needed it most. His video explainers on virus prevention and vaccination reached millions and were shared widely across South Asia and the Nepali diaspora.

In an interview, he puts it simply: “Social media is not just about going viral. It’s about creating value, building trust, and catalysing real-world change.”

That mind-set has clearly paid off. Recently, his accounts were verified on VK and RuTube, Russia’s biggest platforms, proving that his voice resonates far beyond the English-speaking world. These milestones didn’t come easily. In the early days, Dr. Lamsal had to face numerous challenges: language barrier, lack of mentorship, and the scepticism of critics who saw social media as a distraction. Yet, he persevered, learning filming, editing, and strategy from scratch on his own. His consistency and commitment eventually turned viewers into believers and then into followers.

At his core, Dr. Lamsal stays grounded. Through the Dr. Sandesh Lamsal Foundation, he continues to serve Nepal, organising free health camps and educating communities about sanitation and disease prevention. Through the Nepal Fest Project, he advocated for rebuilding schools affected by the 2015 earthquake. His activism isn’t performative, it’s practical, personal, and driven by heart. One of the Foundation’s flagship projects provides free menstrual hygiene education to teenage girls in remote areas, tackling both stigma and health risks.

His influence is measurable, too. As of 2025, Dr. Lamsal boasts a combined following of over 5 million across platforms. He’s been featured and recognised for his contributions by major Nepali and South Asian media outlets. In 2024, he was even recognised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for his innovative use of digital tools in advancing public health literacy.

And it’s not just about medicine. Dr. Lamsal is also an athlete, a martial artist, and a cultural advocate. His social media posts, whether dressed in a traditional Nepali outfit or videos about his travels, provide fresh and captivating perspectives to the viewers. His articles on health and wellness are widely respected in national newspapers, making him a familiar and trusted voice not just online but in print.

He has also collaborated with global health organisations and NGOs to localise important health messages. His partnership with the Likee app has helped generate awareness about COVID-19 safety materials in Hindi and English and distribute them via social media, reaching vulnerable populations with critical information.

“Dr. Lamsal’s articles helped my family understand Diabetes precautions in a way that no government poster ever could,” says Ramesh Thapa, a school teacher from Pokhara. “His words resonate with our intellect, literally and emotionally.”

But Dr. Lamsal is not afraid to speak truth to power either. In one of his most viral tweets, viewed over 33,000 times, he publicly criticised former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” following a disturbing incident where a young citizen was allegedly mishandled and assaulted simply for attempting to question the former PM at a public event. Dr. Lamsal, who once had the honour of being assigned as the attending physician for Prachanda during his visit to Dang, expressed deep disappointment over this recent event.

“It was a moment of pride for me to serve as the medical officer during the Prime Minister’s visit to my hometown and take a photo with him,” Dr. Lamsal wrote in his tweet. “But after seeing the video of a young man being beaten for merely trying to ask a question, I now feel sorrow when I see that photo of him with me. I never expected such violence at an event attended by a national leader.”

The tweet also subtly mentioned Prachanda’s daughter, Renu Dahal, the mayor of Bharatpur, implying political complicity. Widespread criticism of the former Prime Minister was triggered by this incident, which also prompted broader discussions in Nepal regarding the condition of democracy, freedom to express our views, and the moral responsibilities of public leaders. Many people considered Dr. Lamsal’s voice to be both relevant and courageous.

Looking ahead, Dr. Lamsal plans to expand the Foundation’s reach, launch digital health campaigns in collaboration with global partners, and explore academic projects that connect medicine with the media. A mobile health app tailored for Nepali-speaking users is already in the works. “Tech should touch hearts,” he says. “That’s when it starts to heal.”

In a time when the internet is flooded with superficial content, Dr. Lamsal offers something rare: integrity. His journey is not just about personal glory, it’s about inspiring others to find their purpose and serve their communities. He proves that you don’t need any extra privilege to make a global mark. All it takes is a smartphone, a clear vision, and the will to keep going.

In a world full of noise, Dr. Sandesh Lamsal is a clear, purposeful voice, showing young Nepali citizens and the world what’s possible when your heart is in the right place and your voice reaches far.