Scholars Call for Greater Public Discourse and Research on Yogmaya’s Legacy

Kathmandu, July 25 – Scholars, writers, and public figures have emphasized the need for broader public discussion, academic research, and historical documentation on the life and contributions of Nepal’s pioneering social reformer and revolutionary thinker Yogmaya Neupane.

Speaking at a commemorative event organized by the Association of British Alumni in Nepal (ABAN) on the occasion of Yogmaya Memorial Day, participants described Yogmaya as a visionary whose ideas on social justice, women’s empowerment, and equality remain relevant in contemporary Nepal.

Chief Guest Tirtha Prasad Shrestha, Member Secretary of the Pashupati Area Development Trust and a renowned poet, shared that his own mother was also named Yogmaya, making the occasion personally meaningful. He praised Yogmaya for challenging deeply rooted social practices during an era marked by discrimination and inequality. According to him, her advocacy for widow remarriage, opposition to untouchability, and efforts to awaken women against social injustice made her one of Nepal’s earliest voices of resistance.

Shrestha also stressed that Yogmaya’s philosophy deserves greater academic attention and encouraged collective efforts to preserve Nepal’s cultural and religious heritage, particularly the Pashupatinath area.

Former ABAN President Uttam Prasad Pant, who has published a book on Yogmaya, delivered a presentation highlighting various aspects of her life and social movement. He said continued research and public discourse would help uncover new historical perspectives and deepen public understanding of her contributions.

Pant noted that Yogmaya’s resistance against violence, injustice, and discrimination continues to inspire modern society. He also pointed out that differing historical accounts about her life still exist, underscoring the need for further scholarly investigation to establish well-documented historical facts.

The event also featured a documentary presentation showcasing Yogmaya’s spiritual journey, social activism, and her movement in Majhuwabesi of Bhojpur, where she and her followers dedicated themselves to social reform and ultimately made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of justice.

Former ABAN President and Executive Chairman of Nepal Airlines Corporation, Mahesh Bhakta Shrestha, addressed the gathering, expressing confidence that the financially challenged national carrier could be revived through effective planning, institutional reform, and committed leadership.

Chairing the event, Dr. Nastu Prasad Sharma, Executive Director of Manmohan Memorial Medical College Teaching Hospital, shared his experience of transforming the institution from financial losses to profitability through disciplined management, transparency, and sound financial governance.

ABAN stated that the programme was organized to promote awareness of Yogmaya’s extraordinary contribution to Nepalese society. The organization believes that preserving the legacy of influential historical figures like Yogmaya is essential for inspiring future generations and strengthening Nepal’s social and cultural consciousness.