Why We Started: The Journey of Khoj Samachar and How It Won the Hearts of Nepali People

When I first stepped into journalism, I carried no big camera or press badge - only a deep belief that news should be closer to the people. Growing up in Sindhupalchok, I saw how rural voices were often left unheard, while newsrooms in Kathmandu focused mostly on the capital. That gap planted a seed in my mind: if the big media houses wouldn't tell our stories in our own words, then maybe I should try.

That's how Khoj Samachar was born - not from a corporate plan, but from a simple purpose: to search for the truth, and to bring it directly to the people, without filters. From the very first day, our aim was clear: real news, real voices, and the courage to ask uncomfortable questions.

In the early days, we faced everything from technical problems to financial struggles. I remember editing videos on an old laptop late at night, uploading them with slow internet, and wondering if anyone would even watch. But people did watch - not just watch, they connected. They sent messages, shared our videos, and slowly our small audience began to grow.

Today, Khoj Samachar has become one of Nepal's trusted digital news platforms. With more than 936,000 followers on Facebook and over 2,500 reviews - all 100% positive, the trust of our audience is our biggest achievement. Our YouTube channel has also crossed 72,000 subscribers, and every day, thousands of Nepalis tune in to hear stories that matter to them.

But winning hearts is not about numbers alone. It's about honesty. Whether it's exposing a local issue, clarifying misinformation, or amplifying a community's struggle, we've stayed committed to telling the truth - even when it's not easy.

In 2025, we launched the Roshan Shrestha App to bring even more value to our audience - from a Nepali calendar to visa status checks, and resources for young people aiming to build careers on Facebook or YouTube. The app has already crossed 100,000 downloads, with appreciation from public figures, including MP Gyanendra Shahi.

The younger generation may be moving away from traditional print, but they are not moving away from news - they just want it differently: faster, interactive, and relatable. Khoj Samachar speaks their language, covers their issues, and respects their intelligence. That's why we're not just reporting news - we're building a relationship of trust.

When I look back at that decision to start Khoj Samachar, I realise it wasn't just about creating a news platform. It was about giving people a reason to believe again. And as long as that belief remains, we will keep searching, keep questioning, and keep telling the stories that matter.

Roshan Shrestha
Nepali journalist
Kathmandu Office: Pepsicola-32, Kathmandu
Postal Code: 44600
Nepal
Phone: +977-9860329709

Roshan Shrestha is a Nepali journalist and founder of Khoj Samachar, one of Nepal's fastest-growing digital news platforms. He also created the Roshan Shrestha App, with 100K+ downloads, offering news, tools, and resources for Nepali youth.

This release was published on openPR.