Democracy Series

At the time, there weren’t many women in politics in Nepal – be it in the ruling government, or even within those demanding democracy – participation of women was limited. Therefore, many, seeing me hang around with a bunch of men, would question my character, and naturally the questions made its way home as well. […]

Tripartite talks in New Delhi On the 13th day of Bhogendra Man Singh’s death, a delegation representing Rana rulers which included Bijaya Shumsher, Keshar Shumsher accompanied by then Indian ambassador to Nepal Chandreshwar Narayan Singh departed for New Delhi for tripartite talks between King Tribhuvan, Rana rulers and Nepali Congress. King Tribhuvan represented himself along

Bhogendra Man Singh is killed: Nhuchhay Ratna Tuladhar’s death was a tipping point for Kathmandu. In the days that followed, mass protests against the Ranas started becoming a regular sight. So much so, the government had to start announcing curfews to prevent such agitations. Meanwhile, in Delhi, preparations for a tripartite agreement between the Rana

Protests by ‘C’ Class Ranas, Nhuchhe Ratna Tuladhar’s death In Kathmandu, widespread protests against the government were continuing – however, it was the death of Nhuchhe Ratna Tuladhar which would add fuel to the fire within valley residents. One day, a group of ‘C’ Class Ranas (at the time, Ranas would be categorized according to

Nepal Mahila Sangh decides upon its flag On 26th and 27th September, 1950, Nepali Congress organized a conference in Bairganiya, Bihar and announced an armed revolution against the Rana regime in Nepal. Days later, members of Nepal Mahila Sangh decided to develop their own flag. I had suggested placing an oil lamp (diyo) in the

Managing finances to keep the movement ongoing As our political initiatives continued, we were continually faced with a shortage of funds. Thankfully, I didn’t have to manage finances for the household – for this purpose, we received regular income from our fields in Kathmandu and in the Terai. However, for any political activity, we were

A short conversation with Kisunji After meeting with B P Koirala and Kisunji (Krishna Prasad Bhattarai) to affirm the support of Nepal Mahila Sangh towards Nepali Congress’s activities, Kisunji asked me if I would drop him to a location en route my home. “I don’t mind dropping you Kisunji, but my only worry is the

The need for Nepal Women’s Association: As my interest in national politics grew, my belief that women were being cheated because of their lack of participation in such affairs continued to grow. As I attended meetings after meetings which were attended mostly by men, I determined to work towards increasing women participation in such events.

Expelled from my home in Yetkha: On my way back home from Padma Shumsher’s palace, I encountered Bada Man Ratna Kazi’s driver and assistant. “Bada Kazi has asked you not to return home”, they said in unison. I too, said okay, despite carrying a deep-seated fear in my mind about the consequences of my earlier

Leading a delegation to Padma Shumsher’s home After attending four meetings organized by the Praja Panchayat, it was evident that women’s political participation was abysmal. Faced with this hard reality, one day, twenty one of us decided it’s time to demand for reform from no one else but Prime Minister Shree Teen Padma Shumsher himself.