Biography of Sardar Rudra Raj Pandey: A Pioneer of Nepali Education and Language

Sardar Rudra Raj Pandey was born in Kathmandu on Falgun 26, 1957 BS, as the beloved son of Padmaraj Pandey and Tikalaxmi. Pandey's ancestors were gurus to the Shah kings of Gorkha and the Sen kings of Palpa and Tanahun.

Sardar Pandey was not just a citizen of Nepal; he was a brilliant, dedicated, and ascetic personality of Nepal. It was due to Pandey's visionary thinking that Nepalis were able to pronounce the Nepali word freely. During the Rana era, Rudra Raj Pandey was the first 'Gurubabu' to establish recognition for the Nepali language in India. He used every possible means to establish the practice of taking the Matriculation (SLC) exam from within Nepal, overturning the tradition where Nepali students had to travel to Patna to take the exam.

Sardar Pandey's most cherished possessions were Nepal, the Nepali language, and Nepali nationality. Therefore, he devoted himself to Nepal, dedicated himself to the development of Nepali education, and worked tirelessly for the advancement of the Nepali language. He was a great luminary who ignited the lamp of education in Nepal. This is why he was made a Sardar for the first time. Many people knew him by the name 'Sardar Baje' (Grandfather Sardar).

Sardar Baje was a highway for educational development. Pandey was wholeheartedly dedicated to the promotion of the Nepali language during the Rana regime. On his advice, Maharaja Juddha Shamsher established the Nepali Bhasha Prakashani Samiti (Nepali Language Publication Committee) and the Nepali Bhasha Anuvad Parishad (Nepali Language Translation Council).

Pandey was stubborn, straightforward, and fearless. For example, when he was the Principal of Tri-Chandra College, the police entered the college premises to apprehend some students, including Gangalal. Due to the indiscipline of the police, he became angry and declared, 'Tri-Chandra College is under my charge; the police cannot enter here.' At that moment, even the Rana administration fell silent before such a moral personality.

Matriculation completed, Pandey was given a scholarship by the Ranas to study I.A. Therefore, he went to Calcutta University. However, he did not stay there long and went to Allahabad.

Sardar Pandey was a distinguished personality who provided exemplary inspiration and made a remarkable contribution to Nepali society. He gained fame during the Rana era through his work. The Rana rulers were also pleased by his contributions. That is why he was adorned with various titles during the Rana period.

Pandey received his school education at Durbar High School. Although he studied in Nepal, due to the provision of taking exams from India, he passed his Matriculation in the first division from Calcutta University. For this achievement, he also received a reward of three hundred rupees from the Rana government.

After passing Matriculation, Pandey was given a scholarship by the Ranas to study I.A. Therefore, he went to Calcutta University. However, he did not stay there long and went to Allahabad. He passed his M.A. from Prayag University there.

After passing his M.A., Shree 3 Chandra Shamsher directly appointed Pandey as a Professor at Tri-Chandra College. Around that time, he was also appointed as a teacher at Durbar School. After some time, he was promoted to Headmaster of that school. At that time, there were no other high schools in Nepal, and he was established as the first Nepali Headmaster.

Pandey was a model of discipline. Therefore, students trembled with fear wherever he went. He abruptly broke the prevailing custom where Muslim and Dalit students were not allowed to study alongside other students. In matters of education, whatever he said was like law.

Pandey devised every strategy for public awareness. He used to say that the educated class must engage in social awakening. Accordingly, through every effort, he had his student Balkrishna Sama's play 'Mukunda Indira' performed in 1994 BS. In reality, the ruling class was always humbled by his contributions because he was solely focused on the welfare of the nation.

Pandey's contribution was unforgettable. Therefore, he was nominated as a Commissioner in the Election Commission formed for the first general election. Many praised his impartial conduct in that role as well.

In recognition of Pandey's excellent contribution, the Rana government appointed him as the Principal of Tri-Chandra College. After he became Principal, B.Sc. level teaching also began there. In reality, he would align his conscience and actions with the wishes of the students and guardians.

Pandey's outstanding service to education was recognized even during the Rana regime. Even the democrats of that time were convinced by his work. Therefore, after democracy arrived in 007 BS, Pandey was appointed as the Secretary of the Ministry of Education. Even while serving there, he continued to dedicate himself to educational development.

Pandey's contribution was unforgettable. Therefore, he was nominated as a Commissioner in the Election Commission formed for the first general election. Many praised his impartial conduct in that role as well. Whatever he did, he did with dignity because he always adorned his head with a garland of ethics.

Shree 3 Juddha Shamsher bestowed upon Pandey the titles of Gorkha Dakshin Bahu Fourth Class and Sardar. Padma Shamsher gave him Trishulpatta Third Class.

Pandey remained active in the service of the nation until 017 BS. After that, he went to Kashi with the intention of enjoying a peaceful life. At that time, he had resolved not to return to Nepal. However, King Mahendra strongly urged him to return to Nepal and work. So, he returned to Nepal. Immediately upon his arrival, he was nominated as the Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University. Thereafter, he took significant steps for the development of the university. At that time too, he once again reached the pinnacle of fame. In fact, there was another reason why he was highly respected in Nepali society: he was already a renowned creator through his literary writing.

The first original and social novel in Nepali language literature, 'Rupmati', was published in 1991 BS. Pandey was also the author of 'Rupmati'. This novel was translated into English by Shanti Mishra and into Urdu by Dr. Tahira Nigat Nayyar.

Pandey wrote about a dozen works in Nepali literature. His works are based on novels, short stories, plays, satire, farce, history, and religious contemplation. A comprehensive critical volume titled 'Rudra Raj Pandey: Creation and Vision' (2054 BS), compiling all his works, was published under the editorship of Nai Prasaai.

Shree 3 Juddha Shamsher conferred upon Pandey the titles of Gorkha Dakshin Bahu Fourth Class and Sardar. Padma Shamsher gave him Trishulpatta Third Class. King Mahendra awarded him the First Class Gorkha Dakshin Bahu. He received a basketful of certificates for decorations, medals, and awards. Pandey also established awards and academic medals in the names of his father, mother, and guru. After his passing, the Rudra Raj Pandey Literature Committee was established under the chairmanship of his son-in-law, economist Dr. Yadav Prasad Pant.

Pandey wished to attain 'Brahmaleen' (final liberation) at Kedarnath Ghat in Banaras. Accordingly, his wife Chet Kumari and his sons Madhav Raj, Krishna Raj, and Badri Raj, and daughters Ramadevi Pant and Shree Bhandari, performed his last rites there. And ten days after reaching there, on Chaitra 23, 043 BS, he breathed his last in that very place.