POKHARA: Bimala Gauchan, a proportional representative member of parliament from the Nepali Congress in Gandaki Province, has passed away. She died of cardiac arrest at Grande Hospital in Kathmandu at 12:30 am on Wednesday. She had been admitted to Grande Hospital for treatment after experiencing health issues. She had been diagnosed with dengue infection five days ago.
According to family members, while Gauchan had eaten dinner by herself on Wednesday evening, her oxygen levels and blood pressure suddenly dropped later that night. Gauchan is survived by a son and daughter. Her son is currently in the US. Her final rites will be performed on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River in Myagdi on November 17 after his son returns, according to Gandaki Province Assembly member Prakash Baral.
Her husband, Ram Gauchan, had passed away a few years ago.
The Gandaki Provincial Government will hold a memorial service before the final rites.
She had been residing in her home in Damside in Pokhara-17. Her late husband, Ram Gauchan, was an influential leader of the Nepali Congress in Myagdi. He had tragically died after being crushed by marble slabs while constructing their house in Beni.
After her husband’s death, Gauchan continued both her political career and hotel business. She served as the Myagdi district chairperson of the Nepal Women’s Association and was a Nepali Congress general convention representative. She was also a member of the Nepali Congress Gandaki Province Committee.
News of her sudden passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences on social media.
Gandaki Province Assembly member Baral remembers Gauchan as someone with a pure heart who was always ready to help others. “She was a social worker deeply imbued with community spirit. Her path in politics reflected its core values – serving society and standing with citizens in their times of hardship,” Baral recalled. “Her demise is a great loss to society, her family, and the entire party.”
Leaders and colleagues remember her significant contributions to social service while managing both her hotel business and political career. She was known for working with NGOs and was considered a pioneering woman leader in Myagdi’s social sector. She had recently handed over hotel management responsibilities to her daughter.
Former President of the Thakali Sewa Samiti, Pokhara, Bishwa Mohan Gauchan, says the Thakali community has lost a prominent female leader. Remembering their recent meeting in Pokhara, he reflected on life’s unpredictability. “She had a helpful nature since childhood. In Myagdi, she worked harmoniously with people from all castes and ethnic groups. Whenever she heard of someone in trouble, she would immediately reach out,” Bishwa Mohan said. “It’s deeply saddening that the Thakali community has lost such a leading female figure.”
Tourism Entrepreneurs Women’s Association Nepal (TEWAN) President Kamala Giri remembers her as a brave female leader in both tourism and politics. “Despite being a woman, she was courageous, decisive and very active. She could effectively raise women’s issues in parliament and various forums,” Giri said, adding that the Dhaulagiri region has lost a pioneer in women’s tourism.
