Late RB Basnet was born on June 21, 1948, in the village of Bockrey, Chirang, Bhutan. At that time, Bhutan lacked formal secondary educational institutions. As such, his father enrolled him in a boarding school in Kalimpong, India—the Scottish Universities Mission Institute (SUMI). At SUMI, Mr. Basnet distinguished himself academically and graduated as a Dux Holder, a title awarded to top performing students.
Late RB Basnet was born on June 21, 1948, in the village of Bockrey, Chirang, Bhutan. At that time, Bhutan lacked formal secondary educational institutions. As such, his father enrolled him in a boarding school in Kalimpong, India—the Scottish Universities Mission Institute (SUMI). At SUMI, Mr. Basnet distinguished himself academically and graduated as a Dux Holder, a title awarded to top performing students. A student of remarkable aptitude, Basnet excelled not only in academics, but he also demonstrated exceptional talent as a gifted footballer, an extraordinary athlete and a talented musician. Football earned him widespread recognition across Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Sikkim, the Dooars region, and Bhutan. Known for his strong shooting ability, he was affectionately known as ‘Raney’ in many sporting circles in the region. In addition to football, Mr. Basnet was also an accomplished tennis player, competing at an elite level, and winning numerous national championship titles. A notable moment in his sports career came in 1979, when he faced off against King Jigme Singye Wangchuk in a tennis match. This encounter highlighted Basnet’s competitive prowess and affirmed his standing as one of Bhutan’s most esteemed and versatile sportsmen. Basnet’s passion for academic advancement was as strong as his dedication to sports. In that context, he even dropped offers from prominent Indian football clubs, including the East Bengal FC, choosing instead to pursue higher education in New Zealand. Upon his return, he joined the Royal civil service and served in the government of Bhutan as a distinguished bureaucrat for several years. Over the years, he held numerous high ranking positions—including that of Deputy Secretary of the Planning Commission, Director of the Budget Bureau, Director of Revenue and Customs, Director of Post and Telegraphs, and Managing Director of the State Trading Corporation of Bhutan (STCB). His exemplary dedication, integrity, and diligence in public service earned him widespread respect among his colleagues and subordinates alike, as well as the trust and confidence of His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan. By the mid-1980s, Mr. Basnet had grown increasingly disillusioned with the policies of the Bhutanese government, particularly those he perceived as discriminatory towards the southern Bhutanese population. Convinced that only a direct appeal to the king could lead to a meaningful redress, he took a leading initiative in drafting a formal petition highlighting the grievances of the southern Bhutanese people. This historic appeal was formally submitted to His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck on April 9, 1988, by Councilors Tek Nath Rizal and Vidyapati Bhandari. The consequence—rather than acknowledging or addressing the concerns raised, the king characterized the petition as an act of sedition, dismissed Tek Nath Rizal from his elected office, and placed him under house arrest. The king’s reaction was unfortunate as it deeply unsettled Mr. Basnet’s consciousness and pushed him into a deep political awakening. In a principled act of dissent, Basnet resigned from government service in 1991 and aligned himself with the burgeoning pro-democracy movement operating from exile, primarily in India and Nepal. His resignation was followed by five other senior civil servants, who also resigned in solidarity and accompanied him into exile in Nepal, where they were granted political asylum. Once in Nepal, Basnet quickly founded the Bhutan National Democratic Party (BNDP) and started advocating for an end to systemic discrimination and widespread human rights violations; while simultaneously calling for political reform, and the establishment of multi-party democracy in Bhutan. Despite his serious and reserved demeanor, Mr. Basnet was a generous and kindhearted gentleman. His unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, justice, and human rights formed the core of his character and the foundation of his moral strength. He is still a model for many, who he continues to inspire. Mr. Basnet passed away on August 18, 2007. His untimely demise marked a profound loss to his family, friends, and his supporters. He is survived by his wife, Manikala Basnet, three beautiful daughters—Rupa Basnet, Rajani Basnet, and Roma Basnet, and four amazing grandchildren. Contributed by Mr. DP Basnet. Mr. DP Basnet shares a close familial relationship and longstanding personal association with the late RB. Basnet. Both come from the same district in Bhutan, and their acquaintance—deeply rooted in kinship, mutual trust, shared upbringing, and lived experiences—have been tested through decades. Mr. DP Basnet was among the five senior officials who resigned from government service and accompanied Mr. RB Basnet, into exile in Nepal in 1991. He is uniquely qualified to write and reflect on Mr. RB Basnet’s life, legacy and contributions.