Kathmandu. Rambabu Prasai (Khanuparude), the most senior personality of Nepali democratic movement, died yesterday (Friday) aged 99.

Prasai was born in Hangpang of Tehrathum district in 1921 AD as the first child of father Devi Prasad and mother Rudra Kumari. A B Sc. in agriculture, Rambabu had refused a US scholarship for further education and got himself involved in Nepal’s democratic movement in which he was active since 1950.

Rambabu Prasai associated himself with the Nepali Congress Party. After the political upheaval of 1960, he was imprisoned for five years and he had to spend six years in exile. The Panchayat regime confiscated Prasai’s 100 bigha land after the incident of 1960.

He advocated for multiparty system in the Referendum of 1980 and played a leading role in the movement for restoration of multiparty system in 1990. He was the treasurer of the Nepali Congress once.

Ram Babu Prasai lived in Birtamod of Jhapa. His numerous donations show his magnanimity and his love for social service. He provided land to Dhaijan School, Devi Primary School of Birtamod and  for the management of Birtamod Bazaar, each worth 5 crore rupees. He was also interested in literature and had established awards under different categories of literature through Nai Publication.

President of Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed his sorrow on the demise of Prasai. In his message of condolence he said, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing away of former Nepali Congress treasurer and social worker Ram Babu Prasai who had his own tall personality as an honest and truthful leader. He played a very important and active role in Nepal’s democratic movement. I express my heartfelt tribute to him.”