Establishment of Foundation in Memory of Khagendra Rai

31st Shrawan, Kathmandu – A foundation has been established in memory of Khagendra Rai, a leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist). The Khotehang community residing in the capital formed the ‘Khagendra Rai Memorial Foundation’. Bimala Rai, Khagendra Rai’s wife, has been appointed as the foundation’s chairperson, and Bhawani Luintel has been selected as the general secretary.

At the meeting held to establish the foundation, UML central member Vishal Bhattarai highlighted Rai’s contributions to political and progressive literature. Rai, former central president of the People’s Cultural Federation and a former UML central member, had passed away on 20th Falgun during an election campaign. According to Devvikram Rai, UML Khotehang’s chairperson, the foundation has been created to keep alive the legacy of Rai, who had remained active in politics for 42 years.

“When Khagendra Rai passed away, his family was left in solitude. Our party also lost a guardian and a warrior,” Devvikram said at the meeting, “Through this foundation, we will continue to remember Khagendra Rai and introduce him to the new generation.” Bimala Rai, his wife, stated that Khagendra Rai’s honor would be upheld by the glow on a student’s face or the joy of a disadvantaged family. “He was not only the pillar of our family but also the axis of our consciousness,” she said. “But now he will not return, so bringing happiness to a helpless face will be the true tribute and memory of him.”

Members of the foundation include Ashish Rai, Mission Rai, Indra Limel Magar, and Sushila Timalsina. The remaining office bearers and members will be selected from Rai’s home district, Khotehang.