From cowshed to Congress star: Sunil Sharma’s journey (video)
Dr. Sharma has become a household name, widely followed on social media for his impactful speeches that resonate with millions.
KATHMANDU: Dr. Sunil Sharma, an elected Member of Parliament from Morang-3 representing the Nepali Congress, has emerged as one of the most vocal, fearless, and principled lawmakers in Nepal’s contemporary political landscape.
Known for his bold and clear stance against corruption, irregularities, and injustice—whether within his own party or across political lines—Dr. Sharma has become a household name, widely followed on social media for his impactful speeches that resonate with millions.
From Cowshed to Parliament
Born in a cowshed in Dumse, Damak of Jhapa district, Dr. Sharma’s journey from a humble background to national prominence is nothing short of inspiring.
His ancestral roots trace back to Gogane in Bhojpur, from where his forefathers migrated to Chhumbang in Dhankuta and later to Jhapa in search of livelihood.
His father, Loknath Neupane, worked as a cattle assistant for Narayan Baral in Dumse, where Sunil Sharma was born. By all accounts, he rose from being the son of a landless family to becoming one of Nepal’s most successful medical entrepreneurs and respected parliamentarians.
Medical Entrepreneur and Social Reformer
Dr. Sharma is the founder and owner of Nobel Medical College in Biratnagar and Kathmandu Medical College in the capital. These institutions are not just symbols of medical excellence but also platforms for employment—collectively employing over 15,000 Nepali youth.
His daughter, Soina Sharma, manages the Nobel Medical College, while his elder brother, Dr. K.P. Sharma, oversees operations at the Kathmandu Medical College.
His contributions go beyond business. Dr. Sharma has provided free medical education to over 1,000 students from Dalit and indigenous communities, training them as doctors, lab technicians, radiographers, and nurses. Among them is Dr. Dinesh Hansda, the first medical doctor from the Santhal community.
Leading With Compassion
Dr. Sharma has organized free health camps across Nepal—from the far east to the far west. When critical patients cannot be treated on-site, he ensures they are brought to Nobel or Kathmandu Medical College for free treatment.
He has also established a 50-bed free cabin in Nobel Medical College for his constituents and donated ambulances to various communities.
Historic Electoral Victory
In the 2022 general elections, Dr. Sharma was elected to the House of Representatives from Morang-3 with a record-breaking margin of 22,736 votes, receiving 48,631 votes in total.
This is the highest winning margin for any Nepali Congress candidate since the restoration of multiparty democracy. His resounding victory reflects widespread public trust in his vision, integrity, and commitment to public service.
A Parliamentarian with a Purpose
Dr. Sharma is the only MP in Nepal who has consistently declined to receive any salary or allowance from the government. His political work is driven purely by service.
His public importance proposal on National Health Insurance created a wave of public interest and received unanimous support from across party lines in Parliament—an unprecedented consensus in recent legislative history.
Peace Process Architect
During Nepal’s decade-long Maoist insurgency, Dr. Sharma played a key behind-the-scenes role in initiating peace talks. Trusted by Nepali Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala, Sharma became a vital link in establishing the first-ever telephone contact between Koirala and Maoist leader Prachanda via journalist Krishna Sen (Ishkuk).
Alongside Dr. Shekhar Koirala, Dr. Sharma helped build trust between the warring sides, engaging with Maoist leaders like Manoj Thapa, Maheshwar Dahal, Barshaman Pun, and Krishna Bahadur Mahara—laying groundwork for eventual peace negotiations.
Voice of the Voiceless
In Parliament, Dr. Sharma rises above party boundaries. His speeches reflect the pain, struggles, and hopes of ordinary Nepalis.
During the national budget debate, his call for equitable resource distribution earned wide praise. He is inspired by the spiritual teachings of Lord Buddha and the people-centric philosophy of BP Koirala, founding leader of the Nepali Congress.
A True Representative
Today, Dr. Sunil Sharma is more than just a politician. He is a leader who dares to speak truth to power, who acts with conviction, and who stands firmly with the people.
Whether in policymaking or on the ground in communities, his actions continuously reaffirm that politics, at its best, is a noble form of service.
