By Narayan Prasad Mishra 

In memory of the sixth anniversary of her sad demise.

We have two English terms: "biography" and "autobiography". Both describe the life, work, and contributions of a person. The key difference lies in authorship: when someone else writes about a person's life, it is called a "biography"; when a person writes their own account, it is called an "autobiography". A biography is often written when the author believes that readers will gain valuable insights from learning about the subject's life. In contrast, autobiographies are typically written by individuals who believe their own life experiences, thoughts, knowledge, and contributions may benefit others.

Biographies and autobiographies offer first-hand insights into the history, culture, politics, education, economy, and other aspects of society—framed through the life and experiences of the individual at the center of the writing. These works not only document personal achievements and contributions but also allow readers to learn from the weaknesses, mistakes, and successes of others, offering valuable lessons for shaping their own goals and decisions. When written with honesty and integrity, biographies and autobiographies serve as valuable sources of factual and experiential insight into real life. However, if the authors lack credibility or misrepresent the truth, such works can become misleading and potentially harmful.

Biographical and autobiographical writings span all levels of society and professions—from prominent figures and national leaders such as kings, queens, presidents, and prime ministers to professionals in fields such as science, education, literature, and the arts.

In this context, the late Shanti Mishra, the first woman professor of Tribhuvan University, also wrote a book titled "Voice of Truth: The Challenges and Struggles of a Nepalese Woman" in 1994, which is an account of her life, experience, and contributions. This substantial volume of 483 pages was published by Book Faith India, Delhi, and is still available in bookstores in Nepal and India, as well as on Amazon. It presents a dramatic and moving true story—one worthy of a film—including her experiences of love and marriage. The book recounts both the joyful and tragic moments of her life, with particular emphasis on the inspiring and heartbreaking events surrounding the establishment of the Tribhuvan University Central Library in Nepal.

This book may well be the first autobiography written in English by a Nepali professional woman of such distinction. She was a person whose name cannot be hidden from the true history of Tribhuvan University. Based on the same book and my acquaintance with her as a professional colleague, close intimate friend, and later as a beloved wife, I present a brief biography of her on the occasion of the sixth death anniversary of her sad demise. I hope her above-mentioned autobiography and this biography always inspire people to serve the institutions of their responsibility honestly and sincerely, without compromising with anyone, for the betterment of the country and the welfare of the people -whether one is in a small or high position.

Shanti Mishra: A Brief Biography 

(June 22, 1938 - May 15, 2019)

Shanti Mishra was born on June 22, 1938, at Jhochhe Tole, Kathmandu, to Janaki Lal Shrestha and Krishna Devi Shrestha. On May 8, 1970, she had a love marriage with Narayan Prasad Mishra of Bhaktapur, who lived in Kuleshwor, Balkhu. She completed her SLC from Kanya Mandir High School and earned her M.A. in History from Calcutta University. She joined Tribhuvan University as a history professor in 1962 and became the first woman professor appointed to a full-time teaching post. Later, as per the requirements of the university, she studied library science at George Peabody Library School, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. After obtaining a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from that school, she became the first Nepali woman to achieve such a qualification.

On May 1, 1963, she was appointed as the Chief Librarian of Tribhuvan University Central Library. She became the founding Chief Librarian of this library and a pioneer of the library profession in the country. At that time, the library profession was not recognized as prestigious in our society - and unfortunately, it still often isn't. No modern library existed in the country.

The need for a modern, well-organized library - one that serves not only as a repository of knowledge but also as a hub for disseminating and fostering learning, teaching, and research - was not yet recognized in Nepali society. At such a time, she left her prestigious academic position as a professor and, with immense effort, dedication, and perseverance, created the Tribhuvan University Central Library, establishing its name and fame nationally and internationally. Serving as Chief Librarian, she gained both national and international recognition. She instilled in Nepali society the awareness that a library is not merely a storehouse of knowledge but an essential center for sharing and advancing it. Her vision inspired the belief that many more such modern libraries were needed across the country.

As a guardian of knowledge and light for future generations, she created a modern model library - not merely a repository for books and magazines but a vibrant center for the dissemination of knowledge and information. In this context, in 2024, she also presented a plan to develop modern libraries in the country as a coordinator of the Government’s National Education Advisory Council's Library Committee. She propagated the importance of modern libraries throughout the country. She also co-authored the first book on library science written in Nepali, together with her husband, Narayan Prasad Mishra. For these various reasons, she is regarded as the mother of modern libraries in the country.

She is the only Nepali woman to have been awarded the International Library Movement Award of India, which is given to renowned library experts, along with various honors and medals. According to a Google search, she brought pride to Nepal by being ranked 13th in the 300-year-old Timeline of World Women in Library Science, dating back to 1796.

Due to the high-level library services she introduced, Tribhuvan University upgraded the chief librarian’s post from lecturer to professor (equivalent to a government secretary), following international standards. She thus became the first woman in Nepal to hold a special class post. In 1969, the BBC recognized the TU Central Library as one of the best in Southeast Asia. Its prestige also led the government to showcase it to international dignitaries. Over the years, it was visited by King Mahendra and Queen Ratna, King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya, President Zakir Hussain of India, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan, among others.

Based on the high-level modern library service she demonstrated at the university, the post of library chief, which was initially only at the lecturer level, was later elevated by Tribhuvan University to a professor (secretary-level to the Government of Nepal), similar to practices in other foreign countries. In this way, she became the first woman in the country to hold a special class post. During her administration, the Tribhuvan University Central Library was recognized as one of the best (unique) libraries in Southeast Asia by the BBC in 1969. Due to the prestige of the library, the government established it as an institution suitable for visiting dignitaries from various countries. For this reason, the library has a proud history of being visited by kings and queens of Nepal—King Mahendra and Queen Ratna, King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya—as well as His Excellency the President of India, Shri Zakir Hussain, Emperor Akihito of Japan, and Empress Michiko. 

A photo of King Mahendra signing the Visitors' Book at the Tribhuvan University Central Library in Kirtipur on June 6, 1969. From left to right: 1. Narayan Prasad Mishra 2. Shanti Mishra 3. King Mahendra

I vividly recall King Mahendra expressing his joy after visiting the library. He said, “I am glad to observe this beautiful and peaceful place of organized knowledge. You have created it like a beautiful and peaceful restaurant.” (He meant a restaurant serving delicious dishes of knowledge.) I also remember how Shanti shared her dream of building a rose garden with President Zakir Hussain. He admired the idea—and soon after, the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden came to life with support from the Indian Aid Mission.

Shanti Mishra is also a renowned writer. She wrote three books in English: 

1. Voice of Truth: The Challenges and Struggles of a Nepalese Woman

2. Rupamati (English translation) 

3. A Widow’s Gift (novel) 

Additionally, she co-authored Tribi Kendriya Pustakalayako Gauravshali Kahani Ra Hamro Sewa ( The Glorious History of the Tribhuvan University Central Library and Our Service ) in Nepali with her husband. Her first English book, Voice of Truth, was among the top 10 best-selling books in 1994. According to an article by Rakshya Khadka published in "myRepublica" on July 13, 2018, Shanti Mishra’s novel "A Widow’s Gift" advocating social reform regarding the problems of child marriage and child widowhood in Nepal - is also a widely read and much-loved book.

Given the significance of writing and the subject matter of her English-language novel "A Widow’s Gift", two postgraduate students—Mr. Bhim Giri (2013) and Mr. K. K. Bastola (2019)—completed M.A. dissertations on the work under the Central Department of English at Tribhuvan University. Similarly, in 2021, Ms. Merina Shrestha submitted an M.Ed. dissertation under the Department of English Education on "Rupamati", a novel by Sardar Rudra Raj Pandey, translated into English by Shanti Mishra, thereby contributing to the international recognition of Nepali literature. In the same year, Mr. Chandrika Pandit earned an M.A. degree from the Central Department of Library and Information Science at Tribhuvan University by researching Shanti Mishra’s role in developing a modern, well-organized library system that supports academic study, teaching, and research. This information is publicly accessible through a Google search. Collectively, these four dissertation projects underscore Shanti Mishra’s substantial contributions to education, literature, and library science in Nepal.

The multi-talented Shanti Mishra has made indescribable contributions to the field of libraries as well as to education, literature, women's development, communication, and information services. She was the Member Secretary of the International Women’s Year Committee Nepal in 1975, the founding president of PEN Nepal (International Writers’s Association Nepal), president of Martin Chautari, and an advisor to Sancharika Samuha (Association of Women Journalists). In recognition of her contributions, Active Women of Nepal (AWON), an organization affiliated with the diplomatic mission in Nepal, awarded her a certificate of Honorary Membership. She was included in Nepal’s delegation to the United Nations and actively participated in the United Nations General Assembly.

A Certificate of Honourary Member awarded to Shanti Mishra by AWON ( Active Women of Nepal ) in 2003 

She passed away on May 15, 2019, which fell on "Mohini Ekadashi" according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, Mohini Ekadashi falls on May 8, 2025. According to Hindu tradition, it is a sacred day observed by devotees of Lord Vishnu (Narayan, one of the three deities of the Hindu Trinity) on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase) in the month of Vaishakha (April–May). The day commemorates the divine incarnation of Vishnu as "Mohini", a beautiful enchantress who outwitted the demon Bhasmasura, who had received a powerful boon from Lord Shiva. It is an extraordinary and unforgettable coincidence that Shanti Mishra was both born and passed away on "Ekadashi"—though on two different ones. She was born on "Harishayani Ekadashi", the 11th lunar day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha, the day when Lord Vishnu is believed to have begun his cosmic slumber for four months in "Sheersagar". And she departed this world on "Mohini Ekadashi", another sacred Ekadashi day in honor of Lord Vishnu.

She loved her library as dearly as a mother loves her child. I loved her library as dearly as I loved her—gave my heart and full hand, to the extent of my knowledge and caliber, and became instrumental in its growth and development. Perhaps because of this, she loved me deeply and unconditionally. In time, that bond made us inseparable—and eventually, husband and wife. Not a moment passes without her presence in my thoughts. Life without her feels like the shell of a body, moving through time without its soul. She was my companion, my strength, and the quiet joy in every day. Words fall short of capturing the depth of what I have lost, or the love that still lives within me. On this sacred day, I offer her the flower-  of my undying love and pray for her eternal peace—with a heart full of remembrance and devotion.

It is earnestly hoped that her distinguished service, invaluable contributions, and enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Her dedicated and unforgettable work - as a builder of the nation through the Learning Resources Center and as a scholar, writer, visionary, and honest public servant - deserves to be honored and celebrated by all who value knowledge and learning. The library community eagerly awaits the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp by the government in her honor, thereby fulfilling the heartfelt request of the Nepal Library Association, the Tribhuvan University Central Library, and the Department of Library and Information Science at Tribhuvan University, while also recognizing the vital role of knowledge in uplifting the nation beyond the fray of divisive politics. By granting this earnest wish to Nepal’s library community, it is hoped that the government will affirm that it serves not merely a political party, its leaders, followers, and families, but the entire country and all its people - both near and far. May that day come soon.

narayanshanti70@gmail.com