Kathmandu, August 1: On Jestha 24 (June 7), former Crown Princess Himani Shah visited Jumla with her son, Hridayendra, marking his first-ever trip to the remote western district of Nepal.
The visit was part of a social initiative by the Himani Trust, which is constructing a maternity service center in Manisangu of Guthichaur Rural Municipality. Hridayendra accompanied his mother for the foundation stone-laying ceremony.
To mark his 23rd birthday on Shrawan 14 (July 30), Hridayendra released a vlog titled “My Trip to Jumla”, where he captured the natural beauty, vibrant culture, and daily lives of local people in Jumla. The 15-minute video showcases his effort to understand the region and connect with its people on a personal level.
The new vlog has garnered significant attention across various social media platforms like facebook, instagram, X (formerly twitter), YouTube and media outlets, drawing a large and engaged audience.
During his time in Jumla, Hridayendra visited several places of significance, including the famous Tila River, Karnali Technical School, and the Dundul Chaitya (one of the important Buddhist Stupa located in Sinja Valley), where he spent considerable time reflecting and observing.
He also engaged openly with locals, asking questions and responding to their curiosities. One of the highlights was his heartfelt interaction with Panchakali Budha, a local girl he met at the Dundul Chaitya.
While exploring Jumla Bazaar, Hridayendra visits a coffee shop called “Black Stone Bakery”, where he has a conversation with a young entrepreneur who has been running the bakery in Jumla for the past eight years after moving from Kathmandu.
During the trip, Hridayendra has an open conversation at Dundul Chaitya with Panchakali Budha, whom he meets there. During the conversation, Panchakali asked Hridayendra, “When will our Nepal become prosperous?”
Here’s an excerpt of their conversation:
Panchakali: Namaskar, welcome to Jumla!
Hridayendra: Thank you. What’s your name?
Panchakali: Panchakali Budha. And yours?
Hridayendra: Hridayendra Bir Bikram Shah
Panchakali: I’ve heard that name. So happy to meet you. Did you just arrive today?
Hridayendra: Yes, I arrived today.
Panchakali: Did you come by plane?
Hridayendra: Yes.
Panchakali: Wasn’t it a shaky flight?
Hridayendra: It was, especially at the end. The plane shook quite a bit during the landing turn.
Panchakali pointed out landmarks from the hillside, including the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences and the Mount Kanjirowa, before spontaneously offering to sing him a song.
Panchakali: May I sing something for you?
Hridayendra: Please do.
Panchakali: (After singing) What did you think? Did you understand it?
Hridayendra: It was beautiful. Did you write it yourself?
Panchakali: I wrote the lyrics, but not the tune.
Hridayendra: You sing very well.
Then came a profound question:
Panchakali: When will our Nepal become prosperous?
Hridayendra responded with calm confidence: “If everyone does good work, and things go well, it will happen. We all need to take initiative and be brave. Then, prosperity will come.”
Panchakali: Will you stay in Nepal?
Hridayendra: I’ll come back. I’ve just gone abroad to my study.
Before parting ways, Panchakali took a selfie with Hridayendra. They exchanged respectful farewells, marking a memorable moment of connection between a royal descendant and a citizen of the hills.
The vlog also captured Hridayendra strolling through Jumla Bazaar. The video ends with Hridayendra expressing his awe at Jumla’s stunning beauty and his desire to return again.
Through his lens, Hridayendra not only introduced Jumla’s scenic and cultural charm to a broader audience but also reflected a genuine curiosity to understand and engage with the real Nepal beyond the capital. #nepal #hridayendra #monarchy #jumla
Photo-Padam Timilsina
