Ambica Shrestha (12 February 1933 – 18 July 2024) was a renowned Nepalese hotelier and a significant figure in the preservation of Nepalese cultural heritage. She served as the president of Dwarika's Hotels and Resorts until her death.[1]
Ambica Shrestha | |
|---|---|
| अम्बिका श्रेष्ठ | |
 | |
| Born | 12 February 1933 Darjeeling, India |
| Died | 18 July 2024 (aged 91) |
| Occupation(s) | Hotelier, entrepreneur |
| Partner | Dwarikdas Shrestha |
| Parents |
|
(Photo by Priti Thapa)
Early life
editShrestha was born on 12 February 1933 in Darjeeling, British India,[additional citation(s) needed] she received her secondary education at St. Joseph School. After marrying Dwarika Das Shrestha, an artist, she moved to Nepal.[2]
Career
editShrestha established the Dwarika's Hotel, a high-end heritage hotel known for its collection of antique art and dedication to preserving traditional Nepali architecture and culture. Construction of the hotel started in 1964 and was completed in 1977. Following her husband's death in 1991, Ambica took on the role of managing the hotel, continuing to build its reputation and expand its offerings.[3]
In addition to her work in the hospitality industry, Ambica Shrestha was the Honorary Consulate General of Spain for Nepal.[4] She also led the Nepalese Heritage Society and Business and Professional Women Nepal, where she focused on preserving Nepal's cultural heritage and advocating for the welfare of underprivileged women.[5]
Shrestha was the first Nepali woman to secure bank loans for women entrepreneurs, advocating for financial independence from husbands and families.[1]
Personal life
edit
Shrestha was married to Dwarika Das Shrestha, an artist. The couple had a daughter.[5]
Shrestha died on 18 July 2024 at a hospital in Lalitpur. She was 91, and had pneumonia and rheumatism at the time of her death.[5]
Honors
edit- Gorkha Dakshin Bahu 4th by His Majesty the King of Nepal[6]
- Prakhyat Trishaktti Pattaby by His Majesty the King of Nepal[citation needed]
- Badge of Honour by BPW International[citation needed]
- Decoration of the Cruz de Official De la Orden De Isabel La Catolica by His Majesty King Juan Carlos I of Spain[citation needed]
- Service Above Self Award by Rotary Club International[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ a b Financial institutions still neglect women entrepreneurs: Ambica Shrestha Archived 6 December 2013 at the Wayback Machine My Republica
- ^ "Prominent Female Entrepreneur Ambica Shrestha Passes Away". www.newbusinessage.com. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
- ^ Ambica Shrestha and her little den Boss Nepal Magazine
- ^ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain. (n.d.). Consulates. Embassy of Spain in New Delhi. Retrieved 19 July 2024, from https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/nuevadelhi/en/Embajada/Paginas/Consulados.aspx
- ^ a b c Republica. "Ambica Shrestha, owner of Dwarika's Hotel, passes away at 92". My Republica. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
- ^ "Interview with Ambica Shrestha: Liverpool John Moores University" (PDF).