Nepal’s First Woman Ambassador, Bhinda Swari Shah, Passes Away at 91, Leaving a Lasting Legacy in Diplomacy
Bhinda Swari Shah, Nepal’s first female ambassador and a trailblazer in the field of diplomacy, passed away today at the age of 91, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in Nepal’s foreign relations. Her life was one of dedication to public service, education, and international diplomacy, and she is remembered for her profound contributions to Nepal’s global standing. Born on February 13, 1933, in Kurseong, India, Bhinda Swari Shah was the daughter of Padma Sundar Malla and Jagat Laxmi Malla. Her family faced exile under the Rana regime, primarily due to her father’s academic achievements in Japan and the United States. Despite these challenges, she excelled academically from a young age. In 1956, she became the first Nepali woman to graduate from an American college, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Barnard College, Columbia University in New York. She furthered her studies with a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from the esteemed Johns Hopkins University in Washington D.C. There, she developed a passion for international relations that would define her professional life. Upon returning to Nepal, Bhinda Swari Shah contributed to the establishment of the American Library in Kathmandu, enrolling King Mahendra and former Prime Minister BP Koirala as its first members. Encouraged by Koirala, she joined the Nepalese government and, after passing the Public Service Commission examination, was selected for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bhinda Swari Shah’s distinguished career took her to significant diplomatic postings, beginning in 1960 when she was posted to the Nepal Embassy in Washington D.C., where she worked until 1965. Her diplomatic service continued with major assignments in Dhaka from 1972 to 1976 and New Delhi from 1988 to 1991. In New Delhi, she played a key role during Nepal’s transition from the Panchayat system to a multi-party democratic government. Bhinda Swari Shah’s contributions to diplomacy were widely recognized. Former Ambassador Bhekh Bahadur Thapa praised her as a skilled, honest, and efficient diplomat, particularly noting her ability to navigate the complex relationship between Nepal and India. He also described her as a diplomat who rose through the ranks due to her own ability and acumen, leaving an indelible mark on the field.
Bhinda Swari Shah’s academic journey was exceptional. After completing her early education at St. Helen’s Convent in Kurseong, she won an international essay competition titled ‘The World of Tomorrow’ in 1951, which awarded her a scholarship to study in the United States. Her time in the U.S. expanded her horizons and shaped her future, leading to a successful career in diplomacy.
After returning to Nepal, Bhinda Swari Shah served as Additional Foreign Secretary before retiring. Even after her retirement, she continued to cherish the time spent with her family, a luxury she had missed during her busy career.
