Vijay Dhakal, born in Putalibazar Municipality-8, Syangja, was killed by the Royal Army on 2061 Poush 29 in a place called Samni, Nirmal Pokhari, Kaski. From a young age, Vijay was interested in politics and was also a bright student. Since his family was politically active, he joined the Maoist movement for change. Even though he was young, he took on a leadership role in the district party, which made him a target of the Royal Army.
His father, Ghanshyam Dhakal, was a professor at PN Campus, Pokhara. Along with teaching, he also supported the Maoist movement through his writings. Vijay was influenced by his father’s political views.
After his family moved to Pokhara, Vijay joined the People’s War from Kaski in 2056. He became a central member of the Maoist-affiliated student organization Akhil (Revolutionary). By the age of 27, he became the district secretary of the Maoist party in Kaski. Vijay was known as a fearless and clear speaker, and his friends remember him that way even today.
In 2068, while commemorating the People’s War, Vijay’s father, Ghanshyam Dhakal, died in a road accident at the age of 58.
Vijay’s mother, Paru Dhakal, feels that more than his death, the sacrifices of martyrs like him are being forgotten. The 69-year-old, who lives in Ratnachowk, Pokhara Metropolitan City-8, says, “Dreams and pain are different things. If my son were alive, he would have a wife and children by now. I am proud that he gave his life for change, but I worry—was his sacrifice worth it? Did his dream take the wrong path?”
