Born Dharma Ratna Tuladhar in Asan, Kathmandu, to a wealthy merchant family later left penniless after Rana confiscation
Dharma Ratna Yami
Deceasedधर्मरत्न यमी
Also known as Dharma Ratna Tuladhar
Nepal Bhasa writer and anti-Rana activist who changed his surname from Tuladhar to Yami in prison to identify as Newa; father of Hisila Yami
About
Dharma Ratna Yami was born Dharma Ratna Tuladhar. His family were wealthy merchants, but the Rana regime seized their wealth. In 1930, he travelled to Lhasa, Tibet, to work in a relative’s business. There, he came under the influence of the scholar Rahul Sankrityayan.
Because of his family’s changed situation, he was schooled at home. He became a writer and activist in Nepal Bhasa, the Newar language. During an 18-year prison sentence, he organised resistance against Rana rule from inside the prison. While in prison, he adopted the surname Yami, meaning “inhabitant of Kathmandu” in Nepal Bhasa. He chose this name on purpose, to assert his Newa identity.
He later served as a government deputy minister. He is the father of politician Hisila Yami. He is also the father-in-law of former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1915-08-18
- Birthplace
- Asan, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Profession
- Writer, Activist, Government deputy minister
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Deceased
- Died
- 1975-09-10
Previous roles
Deputy Minister
Government of Nepal
Career & life timeline
- 1915-08-18
- 1930
Traveled to Lhasa, Tibet, to work in a family business house, where he met scholar Rahul Sankrityayan
- prison term
While serving an eighteen-year jail term, organised communities against the Rana regime and changed his surname to Yami
- 1975-09-10
Died at age 60
Achievements
Organised communities against Rana rule while imprisoned
Adopted the Yami surname to publicly identify as Newa, a statement of ethnic and linguistic pride
Related people
Last updated: 2026-09-06