Wikinp
Isha Gurung is a well-known Nepali social worker based in London, recognized for over 20 years of humanitarian work in Nepal. She has supported underprivileged communities through charity, health aid, and education, leading impactful relief campaigns across rural and disaster-affected areas. Born in Pokhara, Kaski, she continues to serve Nepal from abroad.
Early Life and Education
Gurung lost her father while still an infant and grew up facing financial hardships. To support her education, she worked from an early age—breaking stones, spinning wool, packing snacks, and tutoring—eventually completing her School Leaving Certificate (SLC).
She pursued law at Prithvi Narayan Campus and later moved to Japan. After nearly a decade in Japan, she returned to Nepal briefly before relocating to the UK.
She is married to a British citizen and lives in London with their daughter. Her personal life is marked by simplicity and dedication to social service.
Social Work and Campaigns
Initially, Gurung organized fundraising campaigns through social media platforms like Facebook. In recent years, she has prioritized direct and personal assistance, monitoring needs and providing help accordingly. She has supported patients lacking treatment access, children unable to attend school, and disaster-affected individuals by raising and distributing funds directly. In several of these efforts, she has collaborated with fellow social worker Sunita Gurung, working together to provide critical aid across rural Nepal and migrant communities abroad.
Her work emphasizes transparency and accountability. She ensures funds are deposited directly into the beneficiaries’ accounts and regularly updates records publicly.
Awards and Recognition
In 2024, she received the National Social Welfare Award from Season Media for her continued social efforts.
On May 3, 2025, she was honored by Pokhara Society Japan, and welcomed in another program held the same day.
She had previously received the Abhiyan Shree Award in 2018 for her contributions.
Notable Contributions
She launched a campaign for orphaned children in Bajura and Bajhang, raising over NPR 200,000 through Facebook. She also donated NPR 100,000 to a kidney patient from Gorkha.
On May 20, 2022, she sent a wheelchair from the UK to a disabled man who had to crawl to vote.
Gurung also supported Mahabir Pun’s National Innovation Center by launching a financial appeal for the cause.
A report published on April 9, 2021 by Ujyaalo Network highlighted her continued service to Nepal even while residing abroad.
Relief Efforts During Crisis
During the COVID-19 lockdown, she actively participated in distributing free meals at Khulla Manch in Kathmandu. She also provided relief materials and cash assistance to fire victims in Banke and Tehrathum districts.