Shanti Mishra

Shanti Mishra, known as the mother and sister of the modern library world of Nepal passed away on May 15, 2019 in Indiana, USA. Her last rites were performed in Indiana according to Hindu rituals on May 17, 2019.

She was the founder and creator of the nationally and internationally well known Tribhuvan University Central Library. During her administration, this library was announced as one of the best libraries (unique) in South East Asia by the B.B.C in 1969. Due to this reputation, the library was a place of pride for the country and a place where foreign dignitaries were taken to visit during their state visit. Distinguished visitors to the library included King Mahendra and Queen Ratna, King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya of Nepal, President of India Zakir Hussian, emperor of Japan Akihito and Empress Michiko.

She was well known in the country as the first female professor of Tribhuvan University, first female librarian, first person to obtain a Masters degree in library science from the USA, first Lady with the position of special class officer (bishista shreni) . She made tremendous contributions in the development of modern libraries, women’s rights and literary work. She was the member-secretary of the International Women’s Year committee Nepal 1975, as a delegate to the UN General Assembly and the founding president of the Nepal branch of International P.E.N. (International Writer’s association) , President of Martin Chautari, advisor of Sancharika Samuha (association of women Journalists).

She had the following publications:

1. Pustakalaya bigyanko ruprekha (A book on library Science written in Nepali)

2. Voice of Truth: the Challenges and Struggles of a Nepalese Woman (this book about her life and her experiences was among the top ten best seller list in 1994, the year of publication)

3. A widow’s gift (novel)

4. Tribi Kendriya Pustakalayako Gauravshali kahani ra Hamro sewa (History of T.U Central Library and our contribution written in Nepali)

5. Rupmati(English Translation)