Kathmandu— Jaya Prithvi Bahadur Singh, the founder of Gorkhapatra weekly and a proponent of world peace, was born on August 22, 1877, in Chainpur, Bajhang, Nepal, as the eldest son of King Bikram Bahadur Singh. He unexpectedly became king of Bajhang at age twelve after being installed by Rana Prime Minister Bir Shumsher, but ultimately renounced his position to pursue a life dedicated to humanist philosophy and social reform, establishing schools, publications, and advocating for peaceful progress both in Nepal and abroad before passing away in 1940.

Early Life and Unexpected Kingship

Singh received his primary education at Thapathali Durbar School in Kathmandu. His life took an abrupt turn in 1889 when the Rana prime minister forced his father to abdicate, leading to Singh’s coronation as King of Bajhang at just twelve years old. He later pursued further studies at Prayag College in Uttar Pradesh, India, where he began to develop dissatisfaction with the policies of the Rana regime.

Founding Gorkhapatra and Satyabadi School

Returning to Bajhang in 1898, Singh demonstrated a commitment to education by sending young men from diverse caste groups to Kathmandu for training. With the approval of Prime Minister Dev Shumsher Rana, he established both Gorkhapatra, a weekly publication, and Satyabadi School – an Oriental Nepali Language School – in Kathmandu in 1901. In 1905, he returned to Kathmandu from Calcutta with a hand press intended for printing textbooks in the Nepali language, and reopened Satyabadi School in Naxal.

A Life Dedicated to Humanist Philosophy

Singh authored numerous books on topics ranging from Nepali grammar and linguistics to humanism itself, including ‘Tatto Prashansha,’ a work dedicated to humanity. Dissatisfied with the Rana rule and moved by the plight of impoverished Nepalis, he abdicated his throne in 1916 and relocated to Nainital, India, where he spent eight years writing three volumes on the Philosophy of Humanism. He later migrated to Bangalore, South India, establishing liaison offices in Calcutta and Allahabad to further propagate his ideology.

Advocacy and Later Life

Singh actively promoted his humanist beliefs through publications like a humanist magazine and ‘Flag of Peace,’ traveling extensively to share his message. His opposition to both British rule in India and the Rana regime in Nepal led to house arrest by the British government at his residence, Jaya Bhawan, in Bangalore. He passed away on October 15, 1940, at the age of 63.

Enduring Legacy

Singh’s writings and principles continue to resonate as a call for peace and goodwill among nations. His message offered solace during a turbulent period – what was referred to as ‘the lost generation’ – and his focus on humanist values remains relevant in the ongoing search for common ground and understanding.

Jaya Prithvi Bahadur Singh's legacy endures through his writings and the institutions he founded, offering a continuing message of peace and humanism.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.