From Devotion to the Summit: Milan Moktan — A Life of Artistic Excellence, National Service, and Inspiration

“The formula for success is devotion (Sadhana).” — Milan Moktan

Kathmandu — Milan Moktan stands as one of Nepal’s most respected figures in music, dance, and cultural consciousness. For more than five decades, he has remained unwaveringly dedicated to artistic practice, talent development, cultural preservation, and national service. As the Founder and Director of Sadhana Kala Kendra, he has established one of Nepal’s most trusted and enduring institutions for arts education.

Born on 14th of the seventh month of 2023 B.S. in Salakpur, Ilam, into a humble farming family, Milan Moktan is the youngest son of Narbahadur Moktan and Aiti Maya Moktan. The discipline, integrity, and simplicity of his parents profoundly shaped his character and life philosophy.

Now permanently residing in Basundhara Heights, Kathmandu, he remains equally devoted to his family life. His wife Deepa Moktan, son Sadaj Moktan, and daughter Sadhana Moktan have been constant pillars of encouragement throughout his journey.

From early childhood, he felt an undeniable pull toward music. In fear of his father’s disapproval, he would secretly play the flute. Yet when villagers praised the sweetness of his melodies, he experienced his first realization of artistic identity—a calling that would guide him for life.

Arriving in Kathmandu with dreams but without resources, his early years were marked by hardship. He washed dishes, cleaned clothes, and worked in a bookstore to survive. During this time, he underwent three months of rigorous training under Guru Gopalnath Yogi, refining his musical discipline and technical mastery.

He completed his intermediate education at Ratna Rajya Campus, Bhirkutimandap, balancing formal study with intense musical practice—transforming music into both profession and philosophy.

For 11 years, he performed as a flutist and guitarist at The Soaltee Kathmandu, where he gained professional discipline, stage excellence, and exposure to international standards of performance.

In 2046 B.S., he founded Sadhana Kala Kendra—an institution that has, for over 36 years, continuously trained students in music, dance, and instrumental arts. The academy offers instruction in folk, classical, and modern vocals, along with keyboard, guitar, flute, madal, sarangi, tungna, piano, sitar, and diverse dance forms—nurturing thousands of young talents.

He has also served as a music and dance instructor at numerous prestigious schools, including Siddhartha Banastali, Mahamanjushree School, Bright Future, LRI International, VS Niketan, Himalayan Vidya Mandir, Prabhat Secondary School, Little Flower, Buddha Primary, and Holyland International.

With the vision of elevating Nepali folk culture onto the global stage, he has represented Nepal across London, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Ethiopia, India, and China—serving as a cultural ambassador through art.

Since 2052 B.S., Sadhana Kala Kendra initiated the “Sadhana Samman” tradition, honoring creators for 12 consecutive years. The institution also conducted the National Folk Dance Competition for a decade, playing a vital role in preserving endangered cultural traditions.

Under his leadership, historic live concerts and tribute programs have been organized with internationally acclaimed artists such as Asha Bhosle, Ranjit Gazmer, Ghulam Ali, Justin Doma Lama, Anuradha Paudwal, and Deep Narayan Jha.

From 2006 to 2018, the Miss Tamang program strengthened indigenous identity and later expanded internationally as Miss Tamang World. In 2019, a grand tribute concert honored Asha Bhosle and Ranjit Gazmer. On March 15, 2025, the historic “Three Generation Live Concert” with Ghulam Ali marked a milestone in musical diplomacy. The Nepali ghazal “Gajal Unkai Geet Unkai,” composed by Milan Moktan with lyrics by Manoj Khadka and performed by three generations of Ghulam Ali’s lineage, elevated Nepal’s creative excellence onto the global platform.

During the COVID-19 crisis, he safeguarded cultural continuity through national song competitions and the “Sadhana Online Talent Hunt.” The Golden Journey celebration of music legend Shambhujeet Baskota, featuring distinguished artists, and the “Tribute to Mega Star” live concert dedicated to Rajesh Hamal—alongside Sadhana Sargam and Indrajeet Mijar—further strengthened Nepal–India cultural harmony. Additionally, a grand concert with the winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to youth inspiration and cross-border artistic collaboration.

Milan Moktan has composed music for more than 50–60 Nepali films, leaving an indelible mark on Nepali cinema. His collaborations with renowned artists such as Udit Narayan, Danny Denzongpa, and Anuradha Paudwal remain significant milestones.

Through Sadhana Kala Kendra, celebrated artists including Raju Lama, Pramod Kharel, Satyaraj Acharya, Dhiraj Rai, Deepak Limbu, Khemraj Gurung, and Junu Prasai have emerged, along with accomplished performers like Dilip Rayamajhi and Niruta Singh.

For Milan Moktan, the essence of success lies in disciplined devotion. For over two decades, he has actively advocated for artists’ rights, emphasizing the full implementation of copyright law and royalty systems.

He has been honored with the prestigious Gorkha Dakshina Bahu by King Birendra and King Gyanendra, and the Janasewa Shree by President Ram Chandra Poudel, among numerous other national and institutional recognitions.

Currently, he serves as President of the Music Association of Nepal, Director of Rotary Club Mount Everest Lalitpur, and a lifetime member of the Composers’ Association.

A Legacy of Devotion and National Pride

The life of Milan Moktan is a testament to the transformative power of discipline, the dignity of perseverance, and the nobility of national service. His journey reflects not only personal excellence but the rise of Nepali culture on the global stage.

His message is clear and timeless:

Success is not accidental—it is born from Sadhana.

For present and future generations of artists, his life stands as a luminous path—where art becomes service, culture becomes diplomacy, and devotion becomes destiny.