Prof. Dr. Suresh Raj Sharma, the founding Vice-Chancellor of Kathmandu University (KU) and a renowned educationist in Nepal, was laid to rest with full state honors at Pashupati Aryaghat on Thursday. Dr. Sharma passed away on Wednesday after decades of dedicated service to Nepal's education system.
During the final rites, Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel paid tribute by draping the national flag over Dr. Sharma's mortal remains. A contingent of the Nepal Police presented a guard of honor to bid him a final farewell. The decision to grant state honors was made by the Ministry of Home Affairs following a formal request from the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Tributes and Government Commitments
Prior to the funeral, a condolence book was opened at the Ministry of Education, where Minister Pokharel, Ministry Secretary Chudamani Paudel, Chief Advisor Shailendra Jha, and officials from Kathmandu University offered their tributes. Minister Pokharel highlighted Dr. Sharma's passing as an irreparable loss to Nepal's academic sector.
In his condolence message, Minister Pokharel reaffirmed the government's commitment to transforming Kathmandu University into a fully autonomous institution governed by a Board of Trustees—a vision championed by late Dr. Sharma. A draft amendment to the Kathmandu University Act has already been prepared, and a bill will soon be presented in Parliament to fulfill his dream.
A Legacy of Educational Innovation
Recognized as a pioneer in higher and technical education, Dr. Sharma spearheaded Kathmandu University for more than twenty years, elevating it into an internationally respected institution. Holding a PhD in Chemistry from the UK, he was also the founding Director of the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), extending technical schooling to remote regions like Jumla, Jiri in Dolakha, and Dhankuta. Additionally, he previously served as the Chairman of Budhanilkantha School.
