Born in Kodari, Sindhupalchowk District, the eldest of seven children
Toya Gurung
तोया गुरुङ
First female executive member of the Royal Nepal Academy; poet who headed its poetry department for a decade
About
Toya Gurung is the daughter of a Royal Nepal Army major. She spent her childhood moving between districts. She completed her high school education in Calcutta. She then earned a master’s degree and a law degree, working as a bank clerk to fund her studies.
She went on to become the first woman to serve as an executive member of the Royal Nepal Academy. She led its poetry department for a decade. She published several poetry collections, including Suryadaha and Dhopee, and a short story collection, Kusum. Her work has been translated into Hindi and English.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1948-03-30
- Birthplace
- Kodari, Sindhupalchowk District, Nepal
- Profession
- Poet, Writer
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Alive
Previous roles
Head of the Poetry Department
Royal Nepal Academy · 1994–2004
First Female Executive Member
Royal Nepal Academy
Education
Amar Hindi School, Calcutta
Morang College
MA, BL
Career & life timeline
- 1948-03-30
- 1985
Published her poetry collection Suryadaha
- 1994
Became head of the Royal Nepal Academy's poetry department
- 1995
Published the poetry collection Dhopee
- 2004
Completed her decade leading the Academy's poetry department
Achievements
First female executive member of the Royal Nepal Academy
Organizations & affiliations
- Royal Nepal Academy
Last updated: 2026-09-06