Date: 17 May 2025 (Jestha 3, 2081 B.S.)
Kathmandu — The 32nd Memorial Day of the late leaders of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), Madan Kumar Bhandari and Jeev Raj Ashrit, is being observed today (Jestha 3) with various events organized across the country.
On this occasion, a special tribute program is scheduled at Madan Nagar in Balkhu, Kathmandu, where Prime Minister and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli will attend as the chief guest. According to UML Politburo member Krishna Gopal Shrestha, a garlanding ceremony will be held at the statue of Madan Bhandari located at the former party headquarters in Balkhu.
Shrestha recalled that the late Madan Bhandari had played a leading role in establishing the UML’s central office in Balkhu after the success of the People’s Movement of 1990 (2046 B.S.). Initially, after the movement, the party had set up its central office in Bagbazar at the residence of founding leader Narayanbilas Joshi. Later, the office was relocated to Balkhu.
However, after the 2015 (2072 B.S.) earthquake severely damaged the building, it was declared unusable and subsequently demolished. Only the statue of Madan Bhandari remains intact in the central courtyard of the site and continues to hold significant importance during the annual memorial day.
Following the demolition, the UML’s central office shifted locations several times, from Dhumbarahi to Thapathali, and is currently based at the Tulsi Lal Memorial Foundation in Chyasal. Despite this, the former site in Balkhu and the statue of Madan Bhandari continue to be of great symbolic and emotional value, especially on this commemorative day.
Party committees and organizations across Nepal are marking the day with various programs including tribute gatherings, discussion forums, blood donation drives, and memorial meetings.
Madan Kumar Bhandari is widely recognized as the architect of Nepal’s “People’s Multiparty Democracy,” while Jeev Raj Ashrit is remembered as a dedicated and disciplined organizer within the party.
According to UML leaders, memorial days like this not only honor the legacy of past leaders but also inspire the party’s current and future vision.
