There are few joys in life that are always memorable. For me, one of them is the long-awaited return of Barbara Adams, “American Daughter, Nepali Daughter-in-Law” and popular columnist for Janaastha.Success in obtaining Nepal’s naturalized citizenship after struggle. On 10 Baisakh, 2073, the year after the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal, at the age of 86, she passed away at Grande Hospital in Kathmandu, as per her last wish, with her Nepali citizenship certificate on her pillow.
While the process of granting citizenship was being started in 2054 BS, the government changed and the work could not be completed. After 45 years of struggle, that happy day finally came on 29 Magh 2065 BS. She had given up her American citizenship and gone to her birthplace with a visa on her Nepali passport. She did not cry with joy at the Home Ministry on the day she received citizenship. History is witness to the fact that Bamdev Gautam had started the process of addressing her demand with a pure heart since 2054.
And, coincidentally, he was also the Home Minister who gave up his photocopy of the citizenship certificate that he had given to her 8 years ago with his own hand on the body kept in Pragya Bhavan.After Barbara, who had moved to Baluwatar after the earthquake shook her old house, it is now unclear who opened a foundation and what business she ran in her name. Since she had no interest or connection in any of those activities, there was no question of taking responsibility.
Barbara, a young writer who came to Nepal in 2018 to report on the royal visit of British Queen Elizabeth II, was captivated by the natural beauty and decided to stay in Nepal. Barbara, who later became romantically involved with the then King Mahendra’s younger brother, Prince Basundhara, was refused citizenship by the court for fear of being disinherited and was repeatedly deported.
However, when truth and willpower prevail, who cares? Well-wishers began tireless efforts and one day her dream came true.Even today, when I walk that road in Naxal, I remember Barbara, Johnny Karki and Maya Tamang who cooked delicious food in her kitchen. That house with the huge compound of the Jung Thapas of Naxal is still there in another form of a restaurant, but Barbara is gone, her sharp pen is gone. But Barbara is always in my heart!
