Nepal’s Civil Society Mourns the Loss of Dr. Devendra Raj Pandey

Dr. Devendra Raj Pandey, a renowned Nepali economist and civil society leader, passed away on Ashar 1, 2083. His demise has left a void in Nepal’s civil society and human rights movement.

I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Pandey at his residence in Kathmandu a few weeks before his passing. Despite his poor health, he was still engaged in discussions about contemporary politics and the future of democracy in Nepal.

Dr. Pandey’s life was a testament to his commitment to social justice and human rights. He was a key figure in Nepal’s civil society movement and played a crucial role in promoting democratic values and good governance.

Early Life and Career

Dr. Pandey was born in 1951 in Palpa, Nepal. He completed his higher education in economics from Tribhuvan University and later earned his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dr. Pandey began his career as a civil servant in the Ministry of Finance, where he served as a secretary. However, he resigned from his position in 1985 due to differences with the government’s economic policies.

Civil Society and Human Rights

After leaving the government, Dr. Pandey dedicated himself to civil society and human rights work. He was a founding member of several organizations, including the Nepal South Asia Centre (NESAC) and the Rural Self-Reliance Development Centre (RSRDC).

Dr. Pandey was a strong advocate for human rights, democracy, and good governance. He was a vocal critic of corruption and abuse of power, and he worked tirelessly to promote transparency and accountability in government.

Legacy

Dr. Pandey’s legacy is a testament to his commitment to social justice and human rights. He will be remembered as a champion of democracy and good governance, and his contributions to Nepal’s civil society movement will be cherished for generations to come.

His passing has left a void in Nepal’s civil society, but his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others to work towards a more just and equitable society.