Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala || History in English

Summary

This video script chronicles the life of Biswasher Prasad Kurala, a prominent figure in Nepal’s struggle for democracy and independence. Born into a politically active family, BP’s early involvement in the Indian independence movement led to his imprisonment and later political career. His contributions extended beyond politics, making significant strides in Nepali literature, introducing new psychological themes in storytelling. A firm believer in democracy and social justice, BP’s efforts reshaped Nepal's political landscape and left a lasting legacy in both the nation’s history and its literary heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 BP Koirala was born on September 8, 1914, in Banaras, India, and was the second son of Krishna Prasad Koirala and Divya Koirala.
• 😀 His father, Krishna Prasad Koirala, was instrumental in establishing Biratnagar, running customs posts, and promoting women's rights during his time.
• 😀 BP Koirala was deeply influenced by international political movements such as the Indian independence struggle, communism in the Soviet Union, and the rise of Japan as a power nation.
• 😀 BP became involved in the Indian independence movement at a young age, participating in boycotts and protests against British rule, earning the attention of Mahatma Gandhi.
• 😀 He was arrested multiple times for his political activities, including his involvement in the 1930 Mutihari conspiracy and labor strikes in Darbhanga.
• 😀 BP Koirala completed his higher education in Banaras and Kolkata, later settling in Darjeeling where he worked as a lawyer and became involved in literature.
• 😀 His first Nepali story, 'Indra Vadan', published in 1939, was revolutionary and challenged societal norms, addressing previously taboo issues in Nepali society.
• 😀 BP was a prominent leader in the Quit India Movement of 1942 and was arrested again for his activism, suffering from throat cancer during his imprisonment.
• 😀 He founded the Nepali Congress in 1947, which later became the Nepali Congress Party, and played a pivotal role in the movement for democracy in Nepal.
• 😀 BP served as the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Nepal, introducing various reforms, including nationalizing forests and improving foreign relations, before being ousted by King Mahendra's coup in 1960.

Q & A

Who was B.P. Koirala's father and what was his significance?

B.P. Koirala's father was Krishna Prasad Koirala, a significant figure who helped establish the town of Biratnagar. He ran a series of customs posts, opened a school and hospital, and was an advocate for women's rights, encouraging girls to learn to ride bicycles and use daggers and guns. He was expelled from Nepal by the Rana regime and spent time in exile in British India.

What major event led to B.P. Koirala's involvement in the Indian Independence movement?

B.P. Koirala's involvement in the Indian Independence movement was spurred by his belief that the Rana regime in Nepal could not be overthrown while the British Empire remained in India. He was an active participant in boycotting classes and was arrested for his involvement in the Mutihari Conspiracy in 1930.

What were some of the hardships B.P. Koirala faced during his childhood?

B.P. Koirala faced significant hardships in his childhood, including poverty. His family struggled financially after moving to Banaras, and he had to sell newspapers to help support his family. He often went to school with torn clothes and sandals, eating only chickpeas and water.

How did B.P. Koirala's early political actions influence his future?

B.P. Koirala's early political actions, such as participating in the Indian independence movement and defying British authorities, brought him into national attention. His fearless participation in protests and his arrest for his political activities set the foundation for his later involvement in the democratic struggle in Nepal.

What role did B.P. Koirala play in the 1942 Quit India movement?

In the 1942 Quit India movement, B.P. Koirala worked among British Gorkha soldiers in Dehradun, encouraging them to defy orders to suppress the nationalist movement. His activism led to his arrest and deportation to Hazari Bagh, where he spent three years.

What were the significant contributions of B.P. Koirala in Nepal's fight for democracy?

B.P. Koirala played a key role in establishing the Nepali Congress in 1947, leading the fight against the Rana regime and promoting democratic reforms in Nepal. He was instrumental in organizing mass movements, leading strikes, and founding the Nepali National Congress, which later became the Nepali Congress.

What was B.P. Koirala's position in Nepal's first democratic government?

B.P. Koirala became Nepal's first elected Prime Minister in 1959 after the fall of the Rana regime. During his tenure, he implemented significant reforms, established diplomatic relations with several countries, and nationalized forests to reduce the power of feudal elites.

How did B.P. Koirala's political career end?

B.P. Koirala's political career was interrupted when King Mahendra dissolved the first democratic government in 1960. Koirala was imprisoned, and after spending eight years in jail, he was released. His efforts to restore democracy were hampered by continued political instability and his eventual ill-health.

What is the legacy of B.P. Koirala's literary contributions?

B.P. Koirala made significant contributions to Nepali literature, introducing new psychological insights into storytelling. His works, such as 'Chandra Vadan,' 'Teen Gumti,' and 'Sumnima,' addressed contemporary societal issues and explored themes of love, loss, and human psychology, gaining recognition in Nepali literary circles.

What were some of B.P. Koirala's philosophical beliefs?

B.P. Koirala was an atheist who believed in Marxism and Gandhi's principles. He advocated for social justice, democracy, and economic reforms. His famous quotes emphasized the importance of culture, universal humanity, and the necessity for democratic governance to preserve national unity.