Bidhya Devi Bhandari, born on June 19, 1961, is a former Nepali politician who made history as the first woman to become Nepal’s president, a position she held from 2015 until 2023. Before her presidency, she played significant roles in the government, serving as both the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Environment and Population. Her leadership and groundbreaking achievements have left a lasting impact on Nepal’s political landscape, paving the way for future generations of women in leadership roles within the country.
Bidhya Devi Bhandari Biography
| Name | Bidhya Pandey |
| Profession | Politician |
| Political Party | Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (until 2015) |
| Date of Birth | 19 June 1961 |
| Age | 63 year (as of 2024) |
| Birth Place | Ramprasadrai Rural Municipality, Bhojpur, Koshi Province, Nepal |
| Current address | Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Nationality | Nepalese |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Zodiac sign | Not known |
| Hobbies | Reading |
| School | Bidhdhodaya Higher Secondary School, Bhojpur |
| College | Tribhuvan University |
| Academic Qualification | BA |
Family & Relationship
| Marital Status | Widowed |
| Husband/Spouse | Madan Bhandari (Died) |
| Son | None |
| Daughter | Usha Kiran Bhandari Nisha Kusum Bhandari |
| Father name | Ram Bahadur Pandey |
| Mother name | Mithila Pandey |
She was born in Bhojpur, Nepal. Her father is Ram Bahadur Pandey, and her mother is Mithila Pandey. She completed her early education in her hometown of Bhojpur and then went to Biratnagar, Morang, for her higher studies. Bhandari married Madan Bhandari, a well-known communist leader in Nepal. Tragically, her husband passed away in a car accident near Dasdhunga, Chitwan, in 1993.
The couple was blessed with two daughters, Usha Kiran Bhandari and Nisha Kusum Bhandari.. Despite the loss of her husband, Bhandari continued to be a strong and influential figure in Nepali politics, eventually rising to become Nepal’s first female president. Her dedication to public service and her resilience in the face of personal tragedy have made her a respected leader in the country.
Physical appearance
| Height (approx) | 5.2 inches 1.5849meters 158.49 centimeters |
| Weight (approx) | 75 kilograms 165.43 pounds |
| Body measurement | Not known |
| Hair color | Black |
| Eye color | Light brown |
Bhandari has a height of approximately 5 feet 2 inches, which is equivalent to about 1.5849 meters or 158.49 centimeters. Her weight is around 75 kilograms, or roughly 165.43 pounds. While her body measurements are not publicly known, she is recognized for her black hair and light brown eyes.
Net worth & Assets
| Net worth (approx) | Not known |
Bidhya Devi Bhandari, the former President of Nepal, has not publicly disclosed her exact net worth. Generally, in Nepal, financial details of political leaders are not made publicly available in the same manner as in some other countries. Public figures in Nepal often have their assets scrutinized by anti-corruption bodies, but detailed personal net worth is not typically shared with the public.
Political Career
Bhandari’s political engagement took root when she joined the Nepal Women’s Association, affiliated with the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) or CPN-UML. Her marriage to Madan Bhandari, a leading communist leader, further deepened her political involvement. After his tragic and mysterious death in 1993, Bhandari stepped into the political spotlight, inheriting her late husband’s legacy and the support that came with it.
Bhandari’s political career formally began when she was elected to Nepal’s House of Representatives in 1994, representing the CPN-UML. Her leadership and dedication led to her appointment as the Minister of Defense in 2009, making her the first woman to hold this powerful position in Nepal. During her tenure, she advocated for stronger national defense and promoted the inclusion of women in the military.
Throughout her career, Bhandari has been a passionate advocate for women’s rights. She played a crucial role in ensuring that the new constitution of Nepal, adopted in 2015, included provisions for women’s representation in various sectors, including a requirement that women make up at least one-third of the members of the federal parliament.
In October 2015, Bidhya Devi Bhandari was elected as the second President of Nepal, making history as the first woman to hold the office. Her presidency was a significant moment in Nepal’s transition to a federal democratic republic. She was re-elected in 2020, serving until 2023. During her time as president, Bhandari focused on national unity, social harmony, and furthering gender equality. However, her tenure was not without controversy, as some criticized her for her close ties to the ruling party and her role in political decisions.
