KATHMANDU, JULY 28

After securing an overwhelming victory in the recently concluded local elections for the post of deputy mayor of Butwal sub-metropolitan city, CPN-UML leader Sabitra Devi Aryal is determined to fulfill her promises to the voters.

This victory helped save UML's face after losing the mayoral seat to Nepali Congress (NC), backed by the alliance, after three decades.

In a bid to transform Butwal which is an industrial, educational hub of the western region, no stones will be left unturned, deputy mayor Aryal said referring to working with the mayor in tandem and with other stakeholders.

Having witnessed major overhaul in the political scene of the country from monarchy to the federal republic, Aryal, who is also a recipient of 'Prabal Jana Sewa Shree Padak' and is Central Committee Member of UML, is looking forward to leaving an impact during her tenure.

Early days

Aryal was born in Kusumkhola in Palpa district to an affluent family and grew-up in Kapilvastu district. While growing up, Aryal never liked the way house helps were treated in her house and in the surroundings, she was particularly unhappy with the prevalent patriarchal system.

'That level of suppression to people, lack of freedom, inhuman treatment really compelled me to think about their liberty, rights and values of life,' Aryal shared, adding that those experiences were the turning point and paved the way for joining politics.

After tying knot with Bishnu Prasad Aryal, a school teacher then, at the tender age of 15, she moved to Palpa.

'By the time of '2036 AD Referendum', I was actively involved in politics and voted against direct monarchy rule,' Aryal who is also a social activist and philanthropist added.

She then became a full member of the then Nepal Communist Party (UML), and was later elected as executive ward member in the 2054 local elections, after migrating to Butwal in the early 1990s.

Contributions

Aryal is one of the prominent social activists, and a strong political figure in Butwal.

She is the founding chairman of Sadhana Mahila Madhyamik Bidhyala, Butwal-8, which caters to education for elderly citizens; chief advisor of Radio Mukti, Butwal-4, which advocates for women's empowerment and rights.

Similarly, she is also the founding member of Lumbini Television and has been actively involved as founding member of Jivan-Ashrit Memorial Foundation and Madan Ashrit Trust. Additionally, she is also a member of All Nepal Women Sangh Central Committee Member.

Recognising her contributions towards the society, women and education in particular, President Bidya Devi Bhandari had conferred her with 'Prabal Jana Sewa Shree Padak.'

Likewise, Butwal Woman Jesis also honoured her with 'Lady of the year 2008'.

Future goals

Aryal is a firm believer of youth as catalysts for change in the country, age restriction in politics and urges youth to come in politics and takeover the rein from the older generation.

'They did their part and not its now for the younger generation to shoulder the burden to lead the nation forward,' Aryal added.

She has her own change agendas i.e. reigniting dead alike postal system from the sub-metropolis, establishing digital scanner for recording vehicle plying to and fro from Butwal through Mahendra/East-West Highway and Siddhartha highway.

Aryal also plans on launching equitable quality education for all across all the community schools, proper medical facilities and conduct regular market supervision.

Similarly, she is keen on addressing issues related to woman empowerment not only in Nepal but also advocating their rights in their foreign employment. 'I will raise the voice/issues related to migrant workers to safeguard their rights and lobby it to make it the main agenda of parties,' Aryal shared her plans.

Likewise, issues related to Jyotinagar landslide, Golpark-Chauraha road expansion, squatters settlement, beautification, among others will be on her priority list.

Aryal is a permanent resident of landslide affected area in the Butwal Sub-metropolis area.

She looks forward to a graceful exit from an active political career, and plans to spend the rest of her life dedicated to education sector.