His selfless acts of kindness and his commitment to social justice have left an enduring legacy.
I was on my way home and stopped to get some medicines from the pharmacy as usual on Monday afternoon (December 16). The pharmacist’s radio was on, and a newsreader was reading the afternoon news. I could hear the newsreader mentioning someone's achievements, political career, and contribution. I understood someone had died. The cogs of my brain started working, and I asked, “Who died?” He said, “PL Singh!” I was saddened by the news.
By the time I reached home, I was inundated by memories of PL dai. Yes, that is how we addressed him. During their time in exile, the members of Nepali Congress were like a big joint family. We were too young to address them by their names so we referred to them as kaka, kaki, dai, didi, and so forth. Ganesh Man ji was Ganesh Man ji kaka, BP Koirala was BP kaka, Kishun ji was Kishun ji kaka, Mangala ji was Mangala kaki, Nona Koirala was Nona kaki, Shushila Koirala was Shushila kaki and Sailaja Acharya was Sailaja di.
Similarly, PL Singh was PL dai to many of us. I remember him as a part of the Singh family. Mangala kaki often referred to PL dai as her elder son. She addressed him as PL, acknowledging his selfless dedication and invaluable contributions to her family.
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During the late 60s, I was sent to Kathmandu to continue my education while my parents remained in exile in Calcutta (Kolkata). I breathed a sigh of relief when I met PL dai for the first time. I still remember him as a young person in his 30's. I was with Basu kaka. After listening to my case, I remember PL dai assuring Basu kaka to take care of me in the absence of my parents.
While I was confused and clueless, I had no idea how I was going to manage to get myself ready for school. PL dai could see my confusion. He could understand what was going on in my mind. So, he said, “We will get you admitted after lunch.”
I was relieved. Immediately after lunch, we walked to the school. It was about five minutes away from the ‘white house’ they lived in. He filled out the forms and asked me if I had previously studied there. I mentioned that I had studied there as a child. So, they pulled out their big binders to check. Sure enough, they found my name, and I was admitted as a returning student in class eight. That evening, he took me shopping for my dress, shoes and books. After returning home, my mind was still working and asking questions. Who is this person? Why is he helping me? I had no answers to my questions at the time.
Much later, I found out that PL dai was not related to Ganesh Man ji kaka, but Mangala kaki always called him her elder son and addressed him as PL. She publicly praised him and his role in raising her children during difficult times. He was known as PL among the party ranks too.
PL dai’s name is synonymous with unwavering dedication and selfless service. His life, a testament to the enduring spirit of a true patriot, continues to inspire generations.
Much later, I found out that PL Singh was Prem Lal Singh, when he became the mayor of Kathmandu. He was more than just a politician. He was a beacon of hope for the marginalized, a tireless advocate for democracy, and a symbol of hope for a nation’s yearning for change. His unwavering commitment to the cause of democracy even during the darkest hours of autocratic rule, earned him the respect and admiration of the Nepali people.
PL dai's journey was marked by immense sacrifices and struggles. He endured imprisonment, exile along with countless hardships when party politics was banned in Nepal. He believed in the power of the people, and his efforts to uplift the downtrodden became the cornerstone of his political career.
Beyond his political contributions, PL dai was a man of immense compassion and empathy. He did not marry, and dedicated his life to serving the needs of the people, often going above and beyond the call of duty. His selfless acts of kindness and his commitment to social justice have left an enduring legacy. As we remember PL dai, let us honor his memory by upholding the values of democracy, justice, and equality that he championed.
