From Bengaluru Student to Nepal's Next Prime Minister: The Remarkable Journey of Balen Shah
In a fascinating cross-border connection, the man poised to become Nepal's next prime minister—leading the nation that hosts Mount Everest—once spent his evenings in Bengaluru watching Kannada films and admiring legendary actor Puneeth Rajkumar. Balendra 'Balen' Shah, currently serving as Kathmandu's 15th mayor and Nepal's likely next head of government, developed a profound appreciation for Karnataka's language and culture during his formative years as a student in India's Silicon Valley.
A Simple Student Life in Bengaluru
Shah resided in Bengaluru between 2016 and 2018 while pursuing a master's degree in structural engineering at the prestigious Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology. His connection to the city began through family ties—his sister Sujata had settled in Bengaluru after marrying Harish Kumar Sejekan, a native of Sejekan village near Karwar. It was Sujata's presence that ultimately influenced Shah's decision to choose Bengaluru for his postgraduate education.
During his student days, Shah embraced a remarkably simple lifestyle, commuting to college either by bus or borrowed scooter. "I had a scooter then, and sometimes he would borrow it. Otherwise, he would travel in the university bus, or sometimes by BMTC bus. Later, when I bought a car, he would occasionally use that too," recalled brother-in-law Harish Kumar Sejekan. "He never complained about the mode of transport. For him, spending quality time with friends and living an uncomplicated life mattered far more than material comforts."
Developing Political Vision Amid Academic Pursuits
Friends and family remember Shah as consistently calm, deeply thoughtful, and quietly ambitious during his Bengaluru years. His close circle included fellow Nepali students Sunil Lamsal and Praveen Shah, along with a Karnataka-based friend named Akash. "Their conversations frequently extended well beyond academic subjects," Harish noted. "They would engage in substantive discussions about society, governance structures, and future possibilities—dialogues that perhaps planted early seeds for his political career."
Embracing Local Culture and Language
Beyond the classroom, Shah enthusiastically embraced South Indian culinary traditions, developing a particular fondness for idli and dosa. Simultaneously, he found himself intrigued by Bengaluru's vibrant nightlife scene. "He was genuinely fascinated by the city's pub culture and enjoyed visiting popular establishments like Skybar and various pubs at Church Street and Koramangala," Harish added.
Remarkably, Shah took considerable pride in speaking the local language correctly and even assisted his sister in improving her Kannada proficiency. "When people asked for directions, he would confidently respond in fluent Kannada," Harish explained. "Instead of mixing languages, he would carefully articulate phrases like ‘Munde hogi balakke tirugi’ (go ahead and take a right turn). He was exceptionally particular about using precisely the correct words and proper grammatical constructions."
From Student to Statesman: A Sister's Perspective
For sister Sujata, witnessing her younger brother's transformation from a Bengaluru student to one of Nepal's most influential political figures has been profoundly emotional. As the youngest of three siblings, Balen Shah demonstrated exceptional focus and dedication throughout his academic journey. "He was always completely focused and thoroughly dedicated in whatever endeavor he undertook," Sujata shared. "Today, when I see him preparing to lead our nation, I not only feel immense pride but also look up to him as a guiding figure and guardian for our family."
This unique Bengaluru chapter in Balen Shah's life illustrates how international educational experiences can shape future leaders, creating cultural bridges and fostering cross-border understanding that may influence governance approaches in unexpected ways.
