President

Mr. Rishikesh Shah
(1988 - 1996)

Mr. Rishikesh Shah was a distinguished scholar-statesman whose remarkable life encompassed diplomacy, politics, education, writing, and human rights activism. He is remembered not only as a national leader of stature but also as a visionary who connected Nepal with the wider world. As the founding President of the Human Rights Organization of Nepal (HURON) from 1988 to 1996, Shah played a historic role in shaping Nepal’s democratic trajectory. Under his leadership, HURON emerged as one of the most influential civil society organizations of its time challenging authoritarian rule, advocating fundamental freedoms, and amplifying the voices of citizens who longed for justice and dignity. During this transformative era, he spearheaded campaigns against the one-party Panchayat system, mobilized civil society for greater political openness, and ensured that human rights remained central to the national discourse. His guidance was pivotal in the movement that culminated in the restoration of multiparty democracy in 1990 and in embedding democratic values within the 1990 Constitution.

Before his leadership in HURON, Shah had already established himself in prominent national and international roles. He served as General Secretary of the Nepali Congress (2009–2012 B.S.), became Nepal’s first Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and concurrently held the office of Ambassador to the United States (1956–1960). His international stature was further recognized when, in 1961, he chaired the UN Commission investigating the death of Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld. Domestically, he served as Minister of Finance (1960–1962), chaired the Constitution Drafting Commission (1962), and represented the graduate constituency in the National Panchayat (1967–1971), where he was widely respected as a persistent advocate for democratic reforms.

Alongside his political and diplomatic service, Shah made enduring contributions to education and scholarship. He lectured at Tri-Chandra College, held visiting professorships at Jawaharlal Nehru University and the University of California, Berkeley, and pursued fellowships at prestigious institutions including the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C., and the East-West Center in Honolulu. His intellectual legacy is exemplified by his book Heroes and Builders of Nepal (1998), a seminal work celebrating the country’s leadership and history.

Until his passing in 2002, Shah remained an unwavering advocate for democracy, human rights, and social justice. In recognition of his lasting contributions, the Government of Nepal issued a commemorative postage stamp in his honor in 2011. Today, his vision continues to inspire HURON’s mission to defend human rights and strengthen democracy in Nepal.