An occasional but a fantastic singer, her passion for music was immense. One of the initiators of the Women in Concert series, Shrestha’s contributions to the Jazz scene in Nepal cannot be forgotten.[break]
But it was more than music that defined her. A philanthropist and educator, she was one of the unsung heroes who touched many hearts in her own special ways.
“Vidhea was more than music or the eclectic mix of friends she kept; the first impression gave way to a person who was socially, morally and fully committed to the society,” shares Anil Chitrakar, a long-time friend and colleague.
He remembers her meticulous approach to work and her keen eye for details. “She didn’t believe in empty words, she would match her talk with all the hard work,” he adds.
Her devil-may-care attitude still garners awe from her admirers. The lady had no chips on her shoulders; if she believed in a cause, she would believe in it all the way, and adulation was the least of her concerns.
One of the many causes close to her heart was the Orchid Garden Nepal (OGN). A non-profit organization, it runs a daycare center for children belonging to the discriminated, deprived section of the society.
“She was down-to-earth, approachable and one of the most humble human beings I’ve come across in my life; for the kids here, she was no less of an angel,” reminisces Bina Basnet, Chairperson of OGN.
Intimately associated with the organization, Shrestha single-handedly helped in raising funds which enabled the NGO to meet its basic monetary funds for food.
An extensive traveler with friends all over the world, Vidhea always had her heart set on her homeland. “Despite her worldly persona, Vidhea was a hardcore patriot,” Chitrakar admires her lifelong passion of educating the world about Nepal.
Through Passage International, a student exchange program, she believed she was creating ambassadors for Nepal by instilling the sensibilities and the essence of the country into foreign students.
Vidhea’s longing to live life on her own terms speaks volumes about the importance of being true to oneself. Like Chitrakar puts it, even till the last phase, she took life seriously but never forgot to have fun. She would often joke about being a Cancerella.
“She was a patient but I never took her as one. For me, she’ll always be Vidhea Di, a strong courageous lady full of optimism,” praises Dr Rajendra Baral, oncologist and Head of Cancer Department at B&B Hospital.
Baral adds that despite her ailing health and advanced cancer, she always managed a sunny disposition and encouraged other fellow patients to have faith and fight for life.
December 17 marks the first death anniversary of this remarkable woman. And to keep her legacy and her beautiful spirit alive in all true essence of modesty, her son Yanik Shrestha, along with Passage International, will be paying tributes to her life and works through music, art and philanthropy.
“The Music, Art and Healing Tribute Concert: In Memory of Vidhea Shrestha” will see various local artistes, friends and well wishers come together.
Revealing the theme of the concert, Yanik says, “My Mother and I have always firmly believed that Nepal is more than just mountains and misunderstandings or violence and romance; it’s the humbleness and love of the people.”
“It’s the perfect place to open up ignorant eyes, and if music be the way to open those channels, I would love to be the medium for it,” shares Yanik. “It is important to know that it really does not take too much of one’s time, money and energy to do something good!”
Proceeds from the event will be handed to Dr Baral. He will be utilizing the funds for the Children’s Cancer Ward at B&B Hospital.
“Celebrate my death like you celebrated my life,” Vidhea’s wish is about to come true.
The concert is to commence on Saturday, December 18 at Moksh, Pulchowk, from 4 pm. Tickets are priced at Rs 800 each.
Kunal Tej Bir Lama
Vidhea. Not Vidhya or Bidya. This already says a lot about a woman who lived life on her terms, not that life ever came to her the way she expected. But Vidhea hated life preordained. She liked challenges; she created them. When she took them on, she got bruised, battered and bettered. But she made sure it was fun.
She made friends of all backgrounds and ages and explored allpossibilities life promised. She gave me unconditional love, friendship and many memories, especially of a woman for whom life was an opportunity not to be wasted being meek, mannered and mundane. Boldly she lived, boldly she warred cancer, and boldly she died, setting examples to be emulated with care – perhaps even caution – and lots of humor, dignity and sweet music.
Sapna Thapa
Vidhea was the epitome of meticulousness. Her hair had to be dried right after a shower, “I can never go out with wet hair.” Whatever she ate could never be hidden, so she religiously avoided momos and samosas. She abhorred people who tossed time out of the window, especially if it was hers. These were some of her idiosyncrasies that probably drew me closer to her.
I have always admired people who could say and do the things that you and I avoid for the sake of society; Vidhea was one of them. Some may still think that Vidhea was supercilious and proud. But for me, she was one person who had reason to believe in what she said and what she did. For me, Vidhea was unadulterated, authentic. An original friend!
Abhaya Subba Weise
She is alive. Snippets of conversations we had, her sense of style and dry humor, a red pair of shoes she insisted I should have, a silk animal print scarf she gifted me – they are alive with me. Her voice soaked husky with emotion behind the microphone, “Cry Me a River.”
Her wit as sharp as Bruce Lee’s reflexes, her joy at being herself, tangible as if you are in the same room as her. She will never be in the past tense for me because her presence exists with me, in her love for music, her uncompromising individuality, in her lust for life and a spirit that defies death.
Tsering Choden
I remember how frail she looked, and yet how strong she was.
I remember her kindness, her wisdom and knowledge.
Her love for music went beyond genres and time.
How can I forget her insatiable passion for reading?
I will remember with fondness the unconditional love for her son.
I remember her as a hardworking woman, who lived and breathed life in others.
She had an acute sense of humor, she called herself Cancerella.
The difficult memory of Vidhea is her constant
fight – living with and dying of cancer.
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