Kathmandu, December 2, 2023

In a recent episode of "Metro FM 94.6's Paka Kura," the spotlight was on the venerable Hiranyalal Shrestha, a distinguished senior citizen and former diplomat. Currently residing in Ward No. 8 of Budhanilkantha Municipality, Shrestha's life journey and contributions were acknowledged in the program.

Born at Bhimfedi Makwanpur on the auspicious date of Ashwin Bikram Sambat 1998, Shrestha expressed his gratitude to the renowned obstetrician Dr. Bhawani Bhakta, who played a crucial role in ensuring his safe delivery. Recalling his early days, Shrestha shared the challenges he faced while growing up in Kathmandu, emphasizing the support he received from his maternal grandfather (Mawali Hajurbuwa). He brought him to the capital city for education at the age of ten, marking the beginning of Shrestha's journey in Kathmandu.

Reflecting on the historical significance of Kathmandu, Shrestha delved into the past when Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern Nepal, unified various states and defeated the three Malla kings of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, ultimately making Kathmandu the capital.

He eloquently recounts the marvel he experienced as he observed individuals shouldering the weight of the Jeep for Maharaj Dhiraj, expressing a sense of awe and admiration for the collective effort and devotion displayed during this remarkable moment.

At the age of 83, Hiranyalal Shrestha dedicates approximately one and a half hours daily to reading nine newspapers in Nepali and English. Following this, he spends an additional two hours writing significant articles and recording noteworthy events in his personal library. His active participation in radio interviews, television programs, and discussions on various topics related to Kathmandu showcases his ongoing commitment to sharing knowledge.

Having served as the ambassador to Russia in 2005, Shrestha shared his diplomatic experiences, including presenting a letter of credence to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He highlighted the significance of Nepal-Russia relations and expressed his special interest in Buddhism, which he observed garnering attention among the Russian people for its principles of non-violence, compassion, and the absence of war and anger.

A prolific writer, Shrestha's numerous articles published in newspapers, magazines, and journals contribute to Nepal's intellectual landscape. He envisions his personal library as a living archive, offering a wealth of information on Nepal's foreign policy and politics for future generations.

In conclusion, Hiranyalal Shrestha stands as a living testament to Nepal's rich history and culture. His journey from a small town to a respected diplomat and writer serves as an inspiration for the youth, encouraging them to explore knowledge and contribute to the nation's development. The "Paka Kura" program on Metro FM 94.6 paid a heartfelt tribute to his remarkable life and legacy.

"Paka Kura" is a special program dedicated to senior citizens, where we explore various aspects of their daily lives, including education, marriage, family, employment, and social experiences. We share the highs and lows of our daily routines with our listeners.

To tune in, catch the program on Metro FM at 94.6 megahertz or listen online by downloading our app. Join us globally at www.metronews.kathmandu.gov.np. For direct interaction, connect with us on Metro FM's Facebook page at 94.6 MHz. We encourage your active participation through the app, internet, or direct tuning.