Quick Facts
Biography
Ganesh Man Singh (Nepali:गणेशमान सिंह) (November 9, 1915 – September 1997) was the leader of the democratic movement of 1990 in Nepal. He is revered as the Father of Democracy in Nepal.He joined Praja Parishad to protest against the autocratic rulers of Nepal(the Ranas).
Early life
Ganesh Man Singh was born on November 9, 1915 in Itum Bahal, Kathmandu. His father was Gyan Man Singh and mother Sanunani Shrestha Singh. His father died when he was young, so his grandfather, Ratna Man Singh (who was Badakaji in Rana regime), took care of him.
He studied in Durbar High School till class 6 when he was rusticated from the school for not respecting his fellow Rana students. He then went to Calcutta to study where he completed his matriculation from Vidyasagar College in first division. He studied until ISc (Intermediate of Science) then returned to Nepal in 1938.
Supreme Leader of Nepali Congress
Ganesh Man Singh was one of the main leaders of Nepali Congress Movement in 2007 B.S., which was able to overthrow the Rana Regime. In 2015 B.S., he was elected as Member of Parliament from Kathmandu and later became a Cabinet Minister. After coup d'état by King Mahendra, Singh became one of the main leaders advocating for democracy in Nepal. He ultimately became the Supreme leader of Nepali Congress, the title he held throughout his life.
Early political life
As soon as he got back to Nepal, he started protesting against the autocratic rulers of Nepal. He came in contact with martyr Dharma Bhakta Mathema and joined Praja Parishad, the first political party of Nepal. He got married with Mangala Devi Singh in B.S. 1997. Three months after his marriage, he was arrested for his involvement in Praja Parishad. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for his democratic activities.
Later life
After the coup of 1960, Singh was held without trial for eight years at the Sundarijal Military Detention Camp.
Recognizing his outstanding contribution in the field of Human Rights, Mr. Singh was honored by the United Nations with “Human Rights Award” in 1993. He is the first Statesman from South Asia to receive this prestigious award.
Singh had received the “United States Peace Run Prize” in 1990 for his contribution to peace in Nepal and the world and his leadership quality. He was also decorated by the “U Thant Peace Award”.
Ganesh Man Singh Foundation
Ganesh Man Singh Foundation has been established in the commemoration of Ganesh Man Singh with the presidency of his son Prakash Man Singh.