Chhaya Devi Parajuli is dead. But her legacy lives on. Parajuli, 88, who succumbed to her illness at Bir Hospital on Saturday, braved police batons and declining health to be at the vanguard of the protests during the Jana Andolan II. A native of Sunsari, she arrived in the capital to support the pro-democracy movement. The octogenarian was a great source of inspiration for both the youth, whom she helped get out of their political slumber, and the elderly, who were inspired into taking to streets on the call of their doughty fellow citizens. The movement would probably have not been successful without the vigorous and gallant support of the likes of Chhaya Devi, who chose to rise above petty ends and fought for the peoples’ rights. Every revolution produces a hero and Parajuli may well be the one of the April revolution.

Chhaya Devi’s popularity can easily be gauged by the huge mass that turned up to pay their last respect to her. Perhaps those involved in the ongoing peace process can take a leaf or two out of Parajuli’s book and learn to work above their sectarian interests. Her real contribution to restoring freedom to the Nepalis may not be ascertained ever but what cannot be disputed is that the flame of democracy and liberty burns bright in Nepal thanks to the sterling sacrifices of national heroes like Chhaya Devi. Instead of erecting her statue, it would be a nice gesture on part of the government and the general public if some sort of a trust could be set up or an award instituted in her memory. That’s the least a grateful nation could do for this crusader of freedom and democracy.