National 7 (Spotlight Weekly)

Beacon Of Inspiration

Tarapad Chaudhary was living proof that teachers transcend national boundaries

By A CORRESSPONDENT

Despite many ups and downs in diplomatic relations, Nepal's education system continues to benefit from the scholarly support of Indian teachers, scholars and other eminent personalities. As Nepal has been passing through a very difficult phase of its modernization process, the country can acquire a lot of experience from our close southern neighbor India.

Chaudhary : Legendary Figure

India is a home to immense knowledge, values, ideals and ideas and Nepalese scholars have yet to benefit from them. Many scholars from India have contributed in the process of modernization of Nepal, be it in the judiciary, civil service, education, culture or religion. The support of Indian scholars in education development is immense. Some Indian teachers and scholars have left an indelible impression on Nepal. While many returned their homeland after completing their jobs, some spent the rest of their lives serving the Nepalese people.

Indian civil servants played an important role in the restructuring of the Nepalese civil service following the revolution of 1950. Nepal's only college was affiliated to the Patna University and many Indian teachers were recruited in Nepal. Professor Tarapad Chaudhary was among the few who made a lasting contribution.

Chaudhary, a professor of economics, came to Tribhuvan University 43 years ago under the Colombo Plan. But he decided to sacrifice his life for the upliftment of the education system in Nepal. His dedication in the higher-education sector is unmatchable. He never accepted money in the form of salary from Tribhuvan University. Born in West Bengal, Chaudhary taught economics at All India Statistical Institute Calcutta for 30 years before coming to Nepal.

Chaudhary, who did his Ph.D. from the London School of Economics, spent his later life teaching at Tribhuvan University's Central Economics Department. "Our department has lost a great asset and a man of such a commitment," said Professor Parthiveswor Timisina.

A bachelor, Chaudhary was hospitalized two years ago. When he died last Wednesday, the follower of Mahatma Gandhi was 91. Although he did not have any close relative at the funeral, hundreds of Nepalese teachers and students come to bid him their last goodbye.

Nepalese have the tendency of remembering the contributions of people after their death. Although the late professor Gopal Singh Nepali also came to Nepal after retirement from an Indian university, the country paid a little attention to taking advantage from his vast knowledge and experience.

The late Nepali, who lived in a modest rented house in Kathmandu, was another shining example of how the Nepalese higher education benefited from the Indian education system.

"Our students have benefited a lot from the experiences and ideas of the Tarapad Chaudhary. The TU has lost a great powerhouse of knowledge," said Professor Timisina.

Professor Chaudhary's contributions and dedication will always be remembered in the annals of higher education of Nepal. His life will continue to symbolize the ideal that scholars and teachers transcend national boundaries.