Nepal’s first female ambassador is no more (Obituary)

Bhinda Swari Shah, a pioneering diplomat, education advocate, and champion of gender equality, passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 91. A trailblazer in every sense, Shah was the first Nepali woman to earn a bachelor’s degree in the United States, Nepal’s first female ambassador, and a relentless advocate for women’s empowerment and social reform.  

Shah’s diplomatic career was marked by historic firsts and an unwavering commitment to advancing Nepal’s global standing. At the behest of BP Koirala, Nepal’s first democratically elected prime minister, Shah joined the Foreign Ministry and quickly established herself as a trailblazer in the male-dominated field of diplomacy.  

She played a pivotal role in establishing Nepal’s first embassy in Bangladesh, demonstrating exemplary leadership during the political turbulence that followed Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s assassination in 1975.  

In 1988, she made history as Nepal’s first female ambassador to India, skillfully navigating strained relations during the economic blockade imposed by India.

Her dedication and expertise earned her widespread respect. Reflecting on her impact for the ‘ApEx Pioneers’ column in The Annapurna Express, her colleague and former foreign secretary Madan Kumar Bhattarai remarked, “She was not only a person but an institution. Her ability to prepare diplomatic agendas, negotiate agreements, and master protocols set the bar for Nepal’s Foreign Ministry.”  

Shah’s legacy extended beyond diplomacy. She was a tireless advocate for gender equality and education, using her groundbreaking achievements to inspire and pave the way for future generations of Nepali women.  

“It is my duty to be the voice of tens of thousands of Nepali women who didn’t have the opportunity to get the kind of education I received,” she said in a May 2022 interview with ApEx.

Her resilience extended into her personal life, where she faced societal challenges, including prejudice for being a working woman and marrying outside her caste. These struggles only strengthened her resolve to break barriers and inspire others.  

Born on 13 Feb 1933, in Kurseong, India, where her father lived in exile due to the Rana regime, Shah’s early years were shaped by resilience and determination. After attending St Helen’s Secondary School in Kurseong, she became the first Nepali woman to earn a bachelor’s degree in the United States, graduating from Barnard College, Columbia University, in 1956.  

Later, she pursued a master’s degree in international relations at Johns Hopkins University, funding her education by working as a caretaker. Her academic accomplishments were groundbreaking for Nepal, inspiring countless young women to dream of global opportunities.  

Shah’s professional life demanded immense personal sacrifices, including extended periods of separation from her family. Yet her commitment to her work and the greater cause of national and social progress never wavered.  

In the ‘ApEx Pioneers’ column, her granddaughter Aarya Shah said, “She would always tell me, ‘Don’t follow in my footsteps; start your journey where my footsteps end.’ Her life was a testament to courage and resilience, inspiring me and many others to overcome challenges with confidence.”  

From establishing the American Library in Nepal to mentoring countless diplomats and women leaders, Shah’s contributions were monumental. Her lifelong friend, Helga Bendix, shared for ‘ApEx Pioneers’: “She lived a life that could be an epic movie in which she is the hero. For 70 years, we shared our joys and sorrows, bound by an unbreakable friendship.”  

Shah’s story is a beacon of hope and empowerment. Her courage, determination, and groundbreaking achievements have left an indelible mark on Nepal’s history and society. She is survived by her son, Anil Keshary Shah, a prominent former banker, and other family members who carry forward her legacy.

“People see my life and say, wow, it’s a fairy tale. But there was a series of struggles and pain in this fairy tale. I fought against these challenges because I wanted to be a catalyst for change,” she had said in an interview with ApEx.

Her life remains an inspiration for generations to come.