KATHMANDU, Nov 5: Colin Smith, a British citizen also known as 'Putali Baje' (Butterfly Grandpa), died in Pokhara on Saturday morning. The 88-year-old Smith had been undergoing treatment for heart diseases for two months at the hospital.

Sunil Ulak, who was close to Smith, confirmed that he died during treatment at around 3 AM on Saturday morning. "He was receiving treatment for a long time. He passed away this morning," he said, "The funeral is only scheduled for Monday." Smith had been undergoing palliative care treatment in Hariyo Kharka for two months.

Smith came to Nepal in 1966 for teaching through the United Mission. He started teaching at Nepali Adarsh Vidyalaya in Lamachaur, Pokhara, but later he also taught at various schools in Pokhara and Gorkha.

Popularly known by the nickname "Putali Baje," Smith spent an extensive period studying the approximately 640 species of butterflies found in Nepal. The butterflies he collected are housed in the Annapurna Museum, located within the Prithvi Narayan campus. Interestingly, this museum is more widely recognized as the 'Putali Museum' than by its official name.

Having authored over 30 books focused on butterflies, his works are results of rigorous study and dedicated research in the field. His inaugural publication, "Butterflies of Nepal in Central Himalayas," was penned in 1989.

Smith, who arrived in Nepal at a young age, was also honored with Nepali citizenship. His application for citizenship, initiated in 1990, was granted honorary Nepali citizenship in the year 2019.

 
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