Neelam Karki Niharika

Neelam Karki Niharika (Nepali: नीलम कार्की निहारिका; born April 9, 1975) is a Nepali novelist, poet, story writer. She is best known for writing Beli, Hawaan, Cheerharan and Yogmaya. Her first Novel was published in 1994.[1] Karki's book Cheerharan has become a best seller[2] in Nepal as of July 2016.

Her works are highly sought by newspapers, television and radio media. Her popularity extends beyond Nepal, especially in Nepali communities abroad. Her themes commonly cover male-dominated society, caste, class, poverty, corruption, and tyranny. She cites Parijat as an inspiration and influence in her books. [3]

She has won the Madan Puraskar for her novel "Yogmaya.[4] Yogmaya is based on the life of female protagonist Yogmaya Neupane (1860-1941), a religious leader and women rights activists born in Bhojpur, who fought against the autocratic Rana regime.[5] Karki's research and book is attributed to being a large influence on bringing Yogmaya to the Nepali mainstream. She is the fourth woman writer to win that award.