Kul Ratna Tuladhar
Encyclopedia
Kul Ratna Tuladhar, CBE
(6 July 1918 – 2 March 1984) was the first chief engineer of Nepal
's Public Works Department where he served since its establishment in 1951 till 1957. The highlight of his term was the construction of Tribhuvan Highway
which opened in 1956. This is Nepal's first highway and links the capital Kathmandu with the Indian border to the south. Tuladhar also played a major role in the development of engineering education in Nepal's modern history.
was born in Asan
, Kathmandu to father Asha Ratna and mother Laxmi Maya Tuladhar. After graduating from Durbar High School
in Kathmandu in 1935, he enrolled in Tri-Chandra College in Kathmandu and studied Intermediate in Science, subsequently graduating from Patna University, India
in 1937. Tuladhar then pursued further studies at Calcutta University and earned a Bachelor in Engineering in 1941.
In 1954, Tuladhar became a member of the executive committee of the Nepal Council of World Affairs.
In 1955, Tuladhar went to London
and studied at the Architectural Association School of Architecture
from where he earned a certificate of post-graduate course in tropical architecture.
He was appointed principal of Nepal Engineering Institute in Lalitpur in 1962, subsequently becoming dean of the Institute of Engineering
, Tribhuvan University
, Kathmandu in 1973. In 1977, he was appointed a member of the Public Service Commission
by the king of Nepal in which capacity he served till 1983.
I in 1969 and the Tri Shakti Patta II in 1983 by the king of Nepal.
. A street in downtown Kathmandu was named Kul Ratna Marg by Kathmandu Metropolitan City
.
CBE
CBE and C.B.E. are abbreviations for "Commander of the Order of the British Empire", a grade in the Order of the British Empire.Other uses include:* Chemical and Biochemical Engineering...
(6 July 1918 – 2 March 1984) was the first chief engineer of Nepal
Nepal
Nepal , officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India...
's Public Works Department where he served since its establishment in 1951 till 1957. The highlight of his term was the construction of Tribhuvan Highway
Tribhuvan Highway
The Tribhuvan Highway connects the outskirts of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, with Birganj/ Raxaul on the Nepal-India border. NH 28 and NH 28A links Raxaul with Lucknow/ Barauni and other locations in India.-History:...
which opened in 1956. This is Nepal's first highway and links the capital Kathmandu with the Indian border to the south. Tuladhar also played a major role in the development of engineering education in Nepal's modern history.
Early life
TuladharTuladhar
Tuladhar is a caste from the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. The name Tuladhar is derived from the Sanskrit words tula and dhar , thus meaning scale-bearer or in general, merchant. Tuladhars belong to the Uray group which includes Kansakar, Tamrakar, Sthapit, Bania, Sindurakar,...
was born in Asan
Asan
Asan is a city in South Chungcheong Province, South Korea. It is located at , bordering the Seoul Metropolitan Area to the north. Asan has a population of approximately 250,000.Asan is known for its hot springs and is a city of spas....
, Kathmandu to father Asha Ratna and mother Laxmi Maya Tuladhar. After graduating from Durbar High School
Durbar High School
Durbar High School which translates to Palace High School, opened in 1892 is the oldest modern school in Nepal. Located in Ranipokhari, Kathmandu, it originally taught only members of the ruling family, but was opened to private citizens in 1902....
in Kathmandu in 1935, he enrolled in Tri-Chandra College in Kathmandu and studied Intermediate in Science, subsequently graduating from Patna University, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
in 1937. Tuladhar then pursued further studies at Calcutta University and earned a Bachelor in Engineering in 1941.
Career
Returning to Nepal, Tuladhar joined government service the same year as headmaster of the Engineering Section, Technical School under the Department of Education. In 1951, he became chief engineer of the Public Works Department where he was in charge of design, construction, maintenance and repair of government buildings, roads and bridges in Nepal. Construction of Tribhuvan Highway began in 1953 which marked the start of Nepal's drive towards modernization.In 1954, Tuladhar became a member of the executive committee of the Nepal Council of World Affairs.
In 1955, Tuladhar went to London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
and studied at the Architectural Association School of Architecture
Architectural Association School of Architecture
The Architectural Association School of Architecture, more usually known as the AA, is an architectural school in London, United Kingdom...
from where he earned a certificate of post-graduate course in tropical architecture.
He was appointed principal of Nepal Engineering Institute in Lalitpur in 1962, subsequently becoming dean of the Institute of Engineering
Institute of Engineering
Institute of Engineering is one of 5 technical institutes under Tribhuvan University and is governing body for engineering and architecture education under the umbrella of TU. Established in 1972, IOE is Nepal's oldest and the widest engineering education consortium. IOE provides Diploma,...
, Tribhuvan University
Tribhuvan University
Tribhuvan University [त्रिभुवन विश्वविध्यालय] is a public university located in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal. Established in 1959, TU is the oldest of the five universities in Nepal...
, Kathmandu in 1973. In 1977, he was appointed a member of the Public Service Commission
Public Service Commission
A civil service commission is a government agency that is constituted by legislature to regulate the employment and working conditions of civil servants, oversee hiring and promotions, and promote the values of the public service. Its role is roughly analogous to that of the human resources...
by the king of Nepal in which capacity he served till 1983.
Awards
Tuladhar was decorated with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1962. He was awarded the Gorkha Dakshina BahuGorkha Dakshina Bahu
Gorkha Dakshin Bahu is one of the highest honors given traditionally by the King and now the President of Nepal. It can be awarded to both the military and civilians including foreign nationals for the distinguished contribution to the country in the field of arts, literature, sports, science, and...
I in 1969 and the Tri Shakti Patta II in 1983 by the king of Nepal.
Legacy
In 2010, a life-sized statue of Tuladhar was erected on the premises of the Institute of Engineering at Pulchowk, LalitpurLalitpur District, Nepal
Lalitpur District of 337,785. It is one of the three districts in the Kathmandu Valley, along with Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.Lalitpur District has many schools, colleges and hotels. Adarsha Vidya Mandir, St. Xavier's School, St...
. A street in downtown Kathmandu was named Kul Ratna Marg by Kathmandu Metropolitan City
Kathmandu Metropolitan City
Kathmandu Metropolitan City is the largest urban area of Nepal. It is the capital city of Nepal. It is located in Western part of Kathmandu valley and South eastern part of Kathmandu district.- Administrative divisions :...
.