Born in Itumbahal, Kathmandu
Ganesh Man Singh
Deceasedगणेशमान सिंह
Also known as Father of Democracy, Iron Man of Nepali Politics
Leader of the 1990 Nepalese revolution that restored multi-party democracy; widely called the "Father of Democracy"
About
As a young man, Ganesh Man Singh joined the underground group Nepal Praja Parishad. He wanted to resist the Rana regime’s total control of the country. He was sentenced to life in prison for his activities. He later escaped and continued his resistance under a false name.
He went on to become one of the most senior leaders of the Nepali Congress party. In 1990, he helped lead the Jana Andolan mass movement. This movement forced King Birendra to end absolute Panchayat rule and restore multi-party democracy. Because of this, people remember him as the “Father of Democracy” in Nepal. In 2010, he received the Nepal Ratna, one of Nepal’s highest honours, after his death.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1915-11-09
- Birthplace
- Itumbahal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Profession
- Politician
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Deceased
- Died
- 1997-09-18
Previous roles
Senior leader
Nepali Congress
Career & life timeline
- 1915
- 1936
Joined the Nepal Praja Parishad to oppose Rana rule
- 1940s
Sentenced to life imprisonment for anti-Rana political activity, later escaped and continued resistance underground
- 1990
Led the Jana Andolan movement that ended the Panchayat system and restored multi-party democracy in Nepal
- 1997
Died in Kathmandu at age 81
- 2010
Posthumously awarded the Nepal Ratna, Nepal's highest civilian honour
Achievements
Leader of the 1990 Nepalese revolution (Jana Andolan)
Movement that ended absolute monarchy under the Panchayat system and restored multi-party democracy
Awards & honours
Nepal Ratna
Organizations & affiliations
- Nepali Congress
- Nepal Praja Parishad
Last updated: 2026-09-06