Birth: 25 October 1967, Kathmandu 
Death: 12 December 2021, Lalitpur 

For Dr Rajesh Pradhanang, his father, Dr Krishna Bhakta Pradhanang, a homeopathic doctor, was a role model whose footsteps he wanted to follow on.

But this was not the only reason the son wanted to pursue homeopathy. Even though the homeopathic system of medicine had been used in Nepal for at least a century, it had not gained much traction due to the lack of physicians. So, Pradhanang took it as a challenge to establish homeopathy as a respectable profession in Nepal.

As soon as he completed his Intermediate of Science degree from Amrit Science College in 1987, Pradhanang went to India and joined a Diploma in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery course at Pratap Chandra Memorial Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital.

In the same year, he returned to Nepal with a certificate and started a private clinic. This he did on October 29, the birthday of his teacher, Dr DJ Sutarwala. He also started a free homeopathic dispensary at Thai Kirti Monastery, Kirtipur. 

In 2005, Pradhanang established the Buddha Maitreya Soul Therapy Center in Thamel, which treats maladies with light and music. The treatment is a combination of spiritual and medical healing—the first of its kind in Nepal.

Also read: Dr. Subash Lohani obituary: A spiritual neurosurgeon 

He organized numerous free health and wellness camps in rural areas of Nepal to establish a positive perception about homeopathy and to help people benefit from medical and spiritual practices. Pradhanang was also keen to work in the field of child psychology. He thought children, the future of the nation, should be healthy if the country is to progress.

During the 2015 earthquake, he managed shelter and food for many affected people with the help of different Buddhist institutions and schools.

To spread awareness about the benefits of homeopathy, he also started to write health columns in newspapers, magazines, and run TV shows. Pradhanang’s work has appeared in over two dozen media outlets over the past two decades. Every few years, he used to get an invite from the International Council for Homeopathy to help organize its world conference and to prepare a homeopathic book.

Recognizing his contribution, Nepal Cancer Relief Society and Nepal Orthopedic Hospital had even awarded him.

A couple of weeks ago, Pradhanang and his wife tested positive for Covid-19. They had developed severe symptoms and were rushed to hospital. His wife got discharged after successfully defeating the virus a few days later, but he succumbed. The 54-year-old is survived by his wife, a daughter, and a son.