The Life Story of
Rudra Raj Pandey
compiled by Dr. Badri Raj Pande
Rudra Raj Pande, one of the greatest sons of Nepal was a man of multiple virtues. His contribution in the field of Nepali literature, education, culture, spirituality and above all in the administrative management of the highest seat of learning was recognized posthumously in the release of stamp with his picture by the postal department of the country.
Rudra Raj Pande was born on 26 Falgun 1957 according to Bickram Sambat (10 March, 1901 AD) in Pyukha Tol, Kathmandu in a family whose ancestors served as royal preceptors to the Sen dynasty of Tanahu and Palpa and Shah dynasty of Gorakha. As providence had it, his widow grand mother was forced to leave her home in Lamjung and was forced to come to Kathmandu empty handed with her son, Padma Raj Pande. The latter had to work very hard to raise the family. Rudra Raj Pande was the eldest of Padma Raj Pande and Tika Laxmi Devi’s six sons.
Rudra Raj Pande had his initial education at home and was later admitted to Ranipokhari Sanskrit Pathshala. Later he switched on to study English and was admitted to Durbar School. After completing study in the school, he traveled to Calcutta, India to appear for the Matriculation examination and passed in the First Division. It was customary then to present the candidate to the then Rana Prime Minister, who would wrap the person with a shawl worth 1,000 rupees for a member of the Rana family and 300 rupees for others. He was wrapped with a shawl worth 300 rupees.
After matriculation, he was offered a stipend for further study and went to Calcutta. The climate did not suit him. He pursued study in Allahabad. He passed Master in Arts (M. A.) in History and stood Third in the University.
In 1924 (B.S. 1981), He was appointed as Professor in History in Tri-Chandra College and in the following year, 1925 he had the dual responsibility to teach in the college as well as to take up the responsibility as Head Master of Darbar School. He earned the singular distinction of being the first Nepali to be appointed as Head Master of the only school in Nepal at a time when there was rampant indiscipline in this institution.
The majority of Rana students would misbehave with their teachers and class fellows. Belonging to the ruling class, they did not hesitate to show acts of indiscipline as they liked. This posed a great challenge to the management. He took it as a personal issue and managed to convert the school to a well disciplined institution. Even the Rana rulers appreciated this firm handling.
In the process of institutionalization, the venue of the matriculation examination was shifted from Calcutta to Patna University. He was concerned that the students could not appear in the examination in Nepali medium. He approached the British authorities and convinced them that there were enough books in Nepali for teaching purpose. Eventually it was agreed that the School Leaving Certificate examination could be conducted in Nepali and the venue was shifted to Kathmandu. In course of time, the S.L.C. Examination Board was set up in Nepal and was recognized by the Patna University. His initiative and effort was greatly appreciated.
During his tenure, he made sure that there was no place for untouchability in the temple of learning. Until then, students from backward and socially disadvantaged community such as muslim, damahi, kasahi, kusle were barred from studying in the school. Due to his effort, the right to study by all irrespective of caste and creed along with others was upheld. Also the poor students were provided with free tiffin in the afternoon. At the same time, Pandit Komal Nath would provide religious sermons weekly in the school.
He believed in the role of the extra-curricular activities in the total development of the student. In the field of sport, he organized players in groups in each class for competition and the winner would receive a shield- Juddha Dhal. Debate competitions were also regularly organized. He organized play by the students of the drama ‘Mukunda Indira’ written by late Balakrishna Sama which was later displayed in the public and was much appreciated. During the great earthquake disaster in 1934 (B.S. 1990), he organized Volunteers for the first time in nepal to render service to the affected. This was much appreciated. He served as Headmaster for nearly 13 years.
Rudra Raj Pande was appointed Principal of Tri-Chandra College in 1938 (B.S.1995) and served in this post for another 13 years until 1951 (B.S.2008). The college had only courses on Arts subjects and limited to Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at Intermediate level. During his tenure, additional subjects of Zoology, Botany were added and the classes were upgraded to Bachelor of Science, besides addition of Political Science, which was of no less significance in those days. For the intellectual development of the students he organized competitions on essay writing, debate etc. and at the same time tutorial classes for the benefit of weaker students.
One significant event during his tenure was not to compromise with the Rana authorities to allow the police to enter the gate of the college to arrest student activists even in the volatile year 1940. He strongly believed in maintaining the decorum of educational institution.
Rudra Raj Pande believed in the strengthening of Sanskrit education. During the ‘Jayatu Samskritam’ movement 1947, the students could not appear in the examinations in Varanasi, India and it was organized instead in Kathmandu. The University authorities in Varanasi refused to recognize this examination. With his justifiable arguments, he not only managed to convince them to recognize it, but also to ensure that the examination would be held in Nepal in future.
After the emergence of democracy in Nepal in 1950, he was appointed to the post of Secretary in the Ministry of Education. He set up the organization of the Ministry. He organized the National Cadet Corps for senior school and college students. Honest, hard-working and a man of integrity as he was, he could not compromise with his set values and principle in matter of its administration and management and tendered resignation. He was then given the responsibility to set up the Department of Archaeology as its Director. He worked for protection and preservation of archaeological objects, but did not get co-operation from the government in terms of manpower and financial resources. Later he was appointed as Chairman of Nepal Education Reform Commission. He submitted a critical report on the theoretical education and instead recommended for practical education which however was not much appreciated. Later he was appointed as Election Commissioner and during his work for advocacy for free and fair election, he organized cultural activities including drama and dance in Pokhara, Bhairahawa and adjoining areas. He retired from civil service in 1960.
After retirement, he went to Varanasi for pursuit of spirituality and remained cut-off from worldly affairs. Then in 1964 (B.S.2021), he was summoned by late Majesty King Mahendra and requested him to take up the post of Vice Chancellor of Tribhuvan University. He was once again in the center stage of educational activities. The notable achievements amongst others were setting up of institutions like CENAS, CEDA, construction and utilization of student hostels, faculty buildings, start of postgraduate study in Science, utilization of international academicians and researchers in different faculty, setting up of health center for student etc. The task was challenging, but a lot was accomplished within a short period. He always would take blame for non-achievment and give credit to others for success. He shunned publicity and never called a press conference to publicise his achievments. Unfortunately, due to failing health and urge to go back to spirituality, he could not accept another term and tendered resignation. This was most reluctantly accepted by the Chancellor of the Tribhuvan University, Late Majesty King Mahendra.
He was a great educationist and believed in right to education without gender bias. He considered it as a religious duty to impart education to children. While he was teaching in school, his father would bring street children from the locality to his house and ask him to teach them. Similarly, he would ask his sons to teach children to read and write while they themselves were in school.
In Nepali literature, his contribution dates back to his school days. He would attend the literateurs’ congregation and publish articles. His poetry was also published in Shakti Sindhu. He was instrumental in setting up Nepali Bhasha Prakashini Samiti to meet the needs of text books in Nepali once the S.L.C. Board was set up in Nepal. He encouraged the publication of the magazine Sharada in 1935BS in Nepali edited by late Riddhi Bahadur Malla, his bosom friend and helped in every way.1935 also saw the publication of Roopmati, the first Nepali original novel which vividly depicted the social culture, values and scenario of Nepali society. Till date it remains the single most popular novel in Nepali literature. It has been translated in Urdu and English and has also been televised. Interest has been expressed to make a film on large screen.
After Roopmati, the second novel published was Chappakazi depicting the life of the kith and kin of the ruling feudal establishment. Then came Prayaschitta and Prem in the form of psychological novels.
Rudra Raj Pande was a great nationalist. Before 1950, the publication of books based on Nepali nationalist was shunned as it was seen with suspicion. But he felt a need to inspire a feeling of nationalism. So he wrote and published Navaratna citing examples of the Rajput heros and heroines filled with nationalism and sacrifice. After 1950, the acts of bravery of Nepali heroes were also included. Later, two more books- Hamro Gaurav and Hamro Nepal were published which depict the glory and sacrifice of Nepali heroes and heroines.
There was also a shortage of text books in Nepali for schools and college besides books for children. He wrote the History of India for Ancient and Maedival periods and History of England. It was not an easy task to write the latter in particular as the truth could not be hidden. Nevertheless the book was published and was used by college students. To aid in character building for children, he would have liked to publish stories from Panchatantra, but it would have invited rebuke from the Ranas. Thus he translated Aesop’s fables and called it Isapaniti Katha. This also was not much appreciated. Bal Ramayan and Bal Krishna ko Charitra were two more books he wrote, based on the great epics.
Post 1950 was a period of great turmoil in the socio-political scene in Nepal. He wrote Nepal Azad Sangh vis a vis Nepal Sandhe Sangh, a drama filled with humour. It depicts the bulls who are interested to open a party to perpetuate their self-interest above anything else. The true democrats are confused and a state of anarchy sets in. Alas! the situation still prevails!!
There has been one more addition to the list of books he wrote. He expired before it was completed. Royal Nepal Academy published this book ‘Her-pher’ posthmously in 1998.
Rudra Raj Pande was a deeply religious person since childhood. Ramayana and Bhagawat were his most favourite epics. He had a liberal outlook and did not believe in casteism and untouchability. He considered it as a religious duty to impart education to children. In his house there was regular bhajan every evening and it is continued even today. He had great leaning towards the Gospel of Ramkrishna Paramahamsa Dev and had read it many times. He was fond of visiting the ashrams of famous saints like Dandi Baba, Deohariya Baba, Ful Chor Baba of Brindavan, Dr. Banke Bihari etc and participating in religious discourse. He also came in contact with Raman Maharshi, the famous saint from South India. During the festival of Shivaratri, he would go to Pashupati Nath temple and look around for the saints. During such exercise he came across the saint Gopal Baba and later his Guru, Bade Baba Ram Snehiji Maharaj, who made great impact in the Nepalese society. They still have many followers who visit the Ashram of Bade Baba at Bheda Ghat Jabalpur regularly. In this context it is to be noted that Gopal Baba took samadhi at his house in Pyukha and was buried in the Pashupati area.
Indeed, Gopal Baba and Bade Baba made great impact in his life. Their company inspired him to write the books- Narmada Tat ke Brahmarshi and Ishwar Praptike Sadhan in Hindi and later, Santa Darshan in Nepali. He also published a book on collection of Bhajans. He had acquired spiritual power and those who came in close contact with him particularly in India experienced this. However, he never expressed this in public.
He was decorated with Gorkha Dakshin Bahu First Class. In 1933, he was decorated with Gorkha Dakshin Bahu Fourth Class, which in those days was considered to be the highest decoration for the public. He was conferred the title of Sardar by Prime Minister Juddha Samsher JBR. In 1948, he received TriShakti Patta Class III. He also received a medal as a gesture of his service as volunteer during earthquake disaster. besides, he was decorated with Shri Panch Tribuvan Silver Jubilee medal, Shri Panch Mahendra and Shri Panch Birendra Coronation medals.
Indeed, Gopal Baba and Bade Baba made great impact in his life. Their company inspired him to write the books- Narmada Tat ke Brahmarshi and Ishwar Praptike Sadhan in Hindi and later, Santa Darshan in Nepali. He also published a book on collection of Bhajans. He had acquired spiritual power and those who came in close contact with him particularly in India experienced this. However, he never expressed this in public.
Besides providing scholarships to poor students, he set up Gold Medal for student topping in MSc. in memory of his father and for BSc. topper girl student in memory of his mother. In the name of his father, Mr. Padma Raj Pande, he also supported the recital of Puran during Chaturmas by providing some financial resource to Tanahu Village Service Fund.
He provided one and half ropani of land to Sahityik Patrakar Sangh at Tahachal to aid in the development of Nepalese literature.
In the name of his elder step mother, Nandakumari, he set up scholarships for the disabled students.
In the memory of his teacher, Ishwori Dutta Rataudi, he has set up a scholarship for the brilliant student at Durbar High School.
He used to provide donations to many organizations and individuals, anonymously.
Indeed, Gopal Baba and Bade Baba made great impact in his life. Their company inspired him to write the books- Narmada Tat ke Brahmarshi and Ishwar Praptike Sadhan in Hindi and later, Santa Darshan in Nepali. He also published a book on collection of Bhajans. He had acquired spiritual power and those who came in close contact with him particularly in India experienced this. However, he never expressed this in public.
Rudra Raj Pande due to religious conviction wanted to breathe his last in Varanasi, India. While he was seriously ill in Kathmandu, he expressed this wish and wanted to leave for Varanasi. It did not seem possible to do so at that state. Nevertheless once a promise was made to him that he would be flown to Varanasi once his condition improved, his condition really started to show rapid improvement. Once he reached Varanasi, he was welcomed by many of his friends, colleagues and disciples with whom he exchanged greetings and was in cheerful mood. He would converse with them for hours for a couple of days. Later he stopped talking to everybody and wanted somebody to recite Gita. His wish was fulfilled.
In the morning of Chaite Dashain, 1987 he was taken to by boat from Assi Ghat and was parked by the bank of the river Ganges in Kedarghat. Towards the evening, he opened his eyes, looked around, smiled and then was seen giving serious attention to the recital of Gita. Soon his blood pressure was falling and he was moved to the bank of the ghat and was put in lying posture. During the time the bells were ringing for the Arati of Kedareshwar Mahadev, he took a long breath and this was his last. The Arati was over soon and the priest remarked that it was very unusual for anybody to breathe his last in this manner. Either the person is brought to Kedar Ghat already dead or goes back feeling better. Thus a great star disappeared from this earth!
He provided one and half ropani of land to Sahityik Patrakar Sangh at Tahachal to aid in the development of Nepalese literature.
In the name of his elder step mother, Nandakumari, he set up scholarships for the disabled students.
In the memory of his teacher, Ishwori Dutta Rataudi, he has set up a scholarship for the brilliant student at Durbar High School.
He used to provide donations to many organizations and individuals, anonymously.
Indeed, Gopal Baba and Bade Baba made great impact in his life. Their company inspired him to write the books- Narmada Tat ke Brahmarshi and Ishwar Praptike Sadhan in Hindi and later, Santa Darshan in Nepali. He also published a book on collection of Bhajans. He had acquired spiritual power and those who came in close contact with him particularly in India experienced this. However, he never expressed this in public.
His Family
Late Sardar Rudra Raj Pande
Dr. Madhav Raj Pande
Mrs. Rama Devi Pant
Er. Krishna Raj Pande
Dr. Badri Raj Pande
Mrs. Shree Bhandari
Late Mrs. Chet Kumari Pande
Mrs. Sharada Pande
Dr. Yadav Prasad Pant
Mrs. Ambika Pande
Mrs. Pramila Pande
Dr. Durga Prasad Bhandari