KATHMANDU, May 17: People are born, they live, and one day they die. It is the inevitable cycle of nature. But not all deaths are the same. Some losses remain confined to a family’s grief, while the absence of certain individuals leaves a void across society. Social worker Santosh Prasad Rijal was one such personality.
As news of his passing spread, social media was flooded with tributes. For those who knew him closely, it was the loss of a good friend, mentor, and inspiration. For others who only knew him through his work, it marked the departure of a sincere campaigner quietly devoted to social change.
Rijal passed away on May 2 while undergoing treatment at HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu. Until his final days, he never sought publicity, recognition, or praise. Yet after his death, society realized that a man known more for his work than words was no longer among them.
A condolence gathering held in the capital on Sunday brought together people from various fields, including colleagues, social activists, businesspersons, members of Rotary and JCI, and youths who had closely known him.
Most speakers shared a common sentiment: Santosh Rijal was respected not because of positions he held, but because of his conduct and character.
Rotary District Governor Binod Koirala recalled Rijal’s contribution to society, saying his absence would always be felt. “His contribution was not merely an institutional achievement, it was a vision and a belief that one should always work for society,” Koirala said. “Fulfilling the dreams he envisioned will be the truest tribute to him.”
His longtime colleague Anish Bajracharya became emotional while remembering him. “Every action of Santosh, who dedicated his life to social organizations, was exemplary,” he said. “He may no longer be physically with us, but his good deeds will continue to guide us.”
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Many attendees noted that Rijal never tried to place himself at the center. Instead, he prioritized work and encouraged others to move forward. He preferred achievements to be credited to institutions rather than to himself.
Rijal’s main working ground was Biratnagar, where he devoted himself to social service and leadership development. However, his influence was not limited to one city. Through his work, he also represented Nepal on international platforms.
He served as president of Biratnagar Jaycees in 1987, where he worked to organize youths and inspire them toward social responsibility. Later, he became the national president of Nepal Jaycees, playing a significant role in promoting youth leadership across the country.
In 1998, he became Executive Vice President of Junior Chamber International (JCI), considered the highest international position ever attained by a Nepali within the organization.
Rijal was also closely associated with Rotary International. As governor of Rotary clubs in Nepal and Bhutan, he helped strengthen social service initiatives in areas such as education, health, drinking water, disaster relief, and community support.
Those close to him say he always focused on the real impact of programs rather than their formality or publicity. He cared more about whose lives changed than whether an event was successfully held.
Unlike many social figures who seek public attention, Rijal quietly continued his work without demanding recognition. Perhaps that is why society is feeling his absence so deeply today.
People who knew him often described him as a “quiet leader.” For him, leadership was not about authority or position, but about helping others grow. He listened to young people, offered guidance, and preferred teaching over scolding.
Rijal was also a successful businessman, but he did not view business merely as a means of profit. He believed that those who earn from society should also give back to it. That belief kept him actively engaged in various social campaigns throughout his life.
While success in business is one thing, sharing that success with society is another. Rijal chose the latter path.
He valued the trust of society more than formal honors. As a result, many people remember him not only as a businessman or organizational leader, but as someone dependable and sincere.
Some people are forgotten shortly after they pass away. But certain individuals leave behind a lasting emptiness. Santosh Rijal was one of them.
Though he is no longer physically present, the values he embodied — humility, discipline, quiet leadership, and service — continue to inspire many.
Today, he lives in memory. Tomorrow, he still will. Because some people never truly disappear after death; they continue to live on through their good deeds.
