Kathmandu was set to host the fifth national games that were scheduled to begin on June 2, 2001. The then Crown Prince Dipendra, the patron of Nepal Sports Council, was personally overseeing the preparation formalities of the largest sporting spectacle of the nation. Media reported that Prince Dipendra visited Dashrath Stadium a couple of days before the start of the event to observe the preparation for athletics competition. During a training session on that day, one of the country's leading long-distance runners stumbled and fell on the track. Without hesitation, the prince rushed down from his royal seat to comfort the injured athlete.

The image of Prince Dipendra on his knees, gently patting the fallen runner, became the front-page photograph of a leading national daily the next day. Prince Dipendra's gesture of compassion and humility appeared to be a genuine reflex rather than a scripted propaganda. This was expected from him as Dipendra was groomed for kingship and his public activities were always portrayed in a positive vein.

Ironically, just a few days later, the headlines of all major national dailies carried the shocking news of the unceremonious palace massacre that occurred on the night of June 1, 2001 and claimed many lives of the members of the royal family, including King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya. The investigation committee blamed Prince Dipendra as the sole architect of the palace massacre. However, a large section of the public has never fully accepted this conclusion. This is due to Prince Dipendra's publicised clean and respectable image.

Larger than life portrayal of prominent figures, including the royals, is a common practice worldwide. Vintage images of late King Mahendra visiting rural Nepal and surrounded by locals are omnipresent on various digital platforms. Even late King Birendra was seen to appear casually at public functions in many instances. People might label such activities as propaganda meant to generate media coverage, but such activities seem to be part of the royal grooming. Occasional public appearance of prominent figures helps to maintain their relevance and relatability and draws public support.

Aligning with this understanding, Hridayendra Shah, grandson of former king Gyanendra Shah, seems to have followed the footprints of his royal ancestors. His recently released Jumla Vlog has created a huge media buzz and has been well received by the public. His body language and suave mannerism have been lauded by many. In fact, he has been compared with his late grand uncle, King Birendra, during the latter's younger days. This comparison serves as a source of pride for his family, especially in light of the largely tainted reputation of his grandfather and his father.

Hridayendra's father Paras Shah has been dubbed as a bad boy of the royal family. In addition, the allegedly notorious past of former king Gyanendra, especially when he was a prince, is equally recalled. In contrast, Hridayendra Shah's recent public appearance shows that he is well groomed. This was obvious as he was born after the palace massacre and king Gyanendra's enthronement, and unlike his grandfather and his father, he naturally inherited the position of heir to the throne.

Even after the comprehensive peace accord with the Maoists, the then prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala hinted at accepting the concept of a 'baby king'. Had the political situation evolved in that direction, Hridayendra Shah might have ascended the throne. But it didn't happen that way. Despite that, it is understandable that he was groomed as a future king since his birth. His demeanor and mannerisms reflect this preparation.

The timing of Hridayendra Shah's public appearance seems to be a perfect strategy of the royalist as the political milieu of the country is volatile with state-sponsored corruption, nepotism and oligarchy at their peaks. Despite relying on corrupt and self-centric so-called royalist political parties and their leadership, Nirmal Niwas seems to have adopted a new strategy. Former king Gyanendra seems to have realised that the odds of his reinstatement as the monarch are bleak. Hence, he must have played the new card from under his sleeve in the form of Hridayendra Shah's Jumla Vlog.

In addition, the recent public appearance of so far compliant granddaughters of beloved king Birendra adds to this endeavour. This is definitely the ultimate and decisive move that might add up to the cause of the monarchy's reinstatement.

The loud outcry by some of the political leaders, especially of the Maoist party, denouncing the motive of Hridayendra Shah's Jumla Vlog shows their insecure mentality. The monarchy was abolished in 2008 with the promise of rapid nation development. However, the 17 years since have largely been seen as a lost opportunity. Hence, the first significant resurgence of monarchist sentiment –symbolised by the Jumla Vlog – has sent shockwaves through the foundations of the country's corrupt political establishment.

Hridayendra Shah's Jumla Vlog has undoubtedly created waves in the country's volatile political landscape. While it may not be enough to topple the current regime, his body language and mannerism have partially contributed to restoring the royal family's public image. Monarchy might never be reinstated in Nepal, but Hridayendra Shah can be proud of his ancestors' contribution in shaping modern Nepal. Keeping aside the monarchy mirage, he should continue engaging in humanitarian efforts for the nation's welfare as a representative of the Nepali youth. As he pointed during his interaction with Panchakali Buda in his Vlog, Hridayendra Shah's actions should aim to inspire young people to contribute meaningfully to the country's development. This will be a fitting tribute to his ancestors.

Dr Joshi is a senior scientist and independent opinion maker based in Germany

pushpa.joshi@gmail.com