Kashiraj Pradhan

Kashiraj Pradhan (11 December 1905 – 31 March 1990) was born in Pakyong, East Sikkim to Kaluram and Bhadralakshmi Pradhan. His grandfather's name was Chandrabir Pradhan (Taksari Chandrabir Maskey). Chandrabir Pradhan was instrumental in introducing copper coins to Sikkim.They had made substantial contribution to the economic growth of Sikkim. Kashiraj Pradhan received his early education in Sikkim, thereafter he went to high school in Darjeeling Government school and completed his matriculation from Calcutta University in the year 1923. He completed his intermediate (I.A) from Banaras Hindu University (B.H.U) in the year 1924 in arts. Thereafter he graduated from Calcutta University in Arts. He was amongst the first few graduates from Sikkim at that time.
In 1933 he became a Teacher in Sir Tashi Namgyal High School. Between 1942-1947 he was the Headmaster of Sir Tashi Namgyal High School. During his lifetime he also did export business of Sikkim oranges and cardamom to Calcutta (present day Kolkata) He was leader of the Pro-Democracy Movement in the erstwhile Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim. In State Council of Sikkim - a constitutional government under the erstwhile Chogyal regime - he held important cabinet positions including the Executive Councillor. He was a member of Sikkim State Congress, a party he led for many years.
He was also a journalist, who started Sikkim's first monthly news magazine, "Kanchenjunga" in 1957 with his nephew Nahakul Pradhan as its editor. Known as "Father of Sikkimese Journalism", the state government of Sikkim has instituted "Kashiraj Pradhan Lifetime Journalism Award" for journalists since 2018.