Revolution changes Nepal’s former princesses to social workers
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KATHMANDU: Surrounded by Nepal's blue-blooded, the plutocracy and the paparazzi, Nepal's former princesses, led by former crown princess Himani Rajyalaxmi Shah, officially announced their entry into social service from Friday, the auspicious day the Himalayan republic also began celebrating its biggest Hindu festival Dashain, saying they would begin their work in three villages in the Terai region near the Indian border.
Deposed king Gyanendra unveiled the Himani Trust at the five-star Soaltee Crowne Plaza hotel, of which the former queen, Komal, is the patron and Himani, wife of former crown prince Paras, the chairman. The deposed king's daughter Prerana, who hit the headlines only once in 2002 after her fairytale wedding to a commoner, made her debut in public life, attending her maiden press conference to deliver the welcome address. Three more former princesses are on the all-women board of the trust: Dilasha, Sitashma and Puja Shah, the three daughters of Gyanendra's younger brother Prince Dhirendra, who died in the royal palace massacre in 2001.
Of them, Sitashma has already begun a fresh innings as a career woman, opening her exclusive salon Beatification at the arcade of the upscale Hotel de l'Annapurana earlier this year.
"I decided to open the trust after receiving letters from people about the hardships they were facing," Himani told TNN. "The most moving were tales from villages that had no water supply. Just imagine, how can you live without water!"
The trust will open its account with three villages in Namju in Dhanusha district, working with the local communities and organisations to build infrastructure, schools, provide drinking water supplies and irrigational facilities. It will also strengthen the existing bridge on the Tamakoshi river with wire netting.
Himani, known to be a devoted and "cool" mum, said her eldest daughter Purnika, who is now 10, is very proud of her initiative and wants to be part of the trust's activities. "I have told her you can join the trust when you are older," Himani said with a radiant smile.
The former royals, including the ousted king, had to field a barrage of questions about politics. The former crown princess said she had no desire to join politics and her organisation was purely intended for social service. Asked if she would like to see her son, Hridayendra, who was once second in line to the throne after his grandfather, become king, she said it was for the people to decide.
Gyanendra declined to comment on the protracted political deadlock in the country including the 11 rounds of election that have failed to give the country a new prime minister so far. He said he was saddened by the deterioration in the law and order situation, the economy and the increased suffering of the people. "Why do you make politics such a big issue?" he asked in exasperation. "Why don't you write about people's sufferings?" (times of india)
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