At 78, Dhanapati Bhandari Personally Carries a Cheque to Singha Durbar to Support the Government

Kathmandu : When a country faces a disaster, many people come forward to help. Some contribute through organizations, others through groups, while some provide assistance individually. But the story of 78-year-old Dhanapati Bhandari is different. He wrote a cheque from his own bank account and personally travelled to Singha Durbar to support the government.

At around 2 pm on Bhadra 14, Bhandari left his residence in Sinamangal and headed to Singha Durbar.

He was carrying a cheque worth Rs. 777,777.

Upon reaching the southern gate of Singha Durbar, he told the security personnel, “I have come to donate money to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. Please direct me to the place where I can deposit it.”

The Nepal Police personnel stationed at the gate contacted the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The call eventually reached Roshan Tamang, who works at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat. After learning that the Finance Minister would receive the relief amount, Tamang arranged for Bhandari to be sent to the Ministry of Finance.

Police personnel from the southern gate then accompanied him to the ministry.

The Ministry of Finance was busy that day managing relief efforts for flood-affected communities. After waiting for some time amid the crowd, Bhandari was taken to the office of Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle.

After meeting Bhandari, Minister Wagle himself moved closer to where he was seated.

The minister asked, “You have brought such a large amount at this age. Do you really want to make this contribution personally?”

Bhandari’s response was brief: “Yes.”

As their conversation continued, the story behind his contribution gradually emerged.

Bhandari spent much of his working life in India. After raising his children, he returned to his hometown of Butwal. Once his children completed their education and established themselves in Kathmandu, he also moved to the capital. He currently lives in Sinamangal.

Whenever the country faces a major crisis or disaster, however, he says he cannot simply remain silent. He writes a cheque from his personal bank account and travels to Singha Durbar himself to make the contribution.

Third Time Supporting the Government

This is not the first time Bhandari has supported the government. Including this contribution, he has personally contributed to the government three times.

There is also something distinctive about the amount he donates: Rs. 777,777.

That means he has contributed exactly Rs. 777,777 each time.

While receiving the cheque brought for flood victims, Finance Minister Wagle assured Bhandari that the money would reach those affected by the disaster.

He said the funds would be sent to the local level so that flood victims in Rasuwa could receive relief. He also confirmed that the cheque would be deposited into the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

“I’m Relieved After Giving It to You”

After receiving assurance from the Finance Minister that the money would be used for the intended purpose, Bhandari said, “I’m relieved after giving it to you. That is why I kept searching and came here myself.”

At the age of 78, Bhandari’s decision to travel personally to Singha Durbar to support the state during a national disaster has become an example of humanity that goes beyond financial assistance.

As floods and landslides continue to affect people’s lives, support for relief and rehabilitation is coming not only from the state but also from citizens.

Amid these efforts, Bhandari’s contribution sends a simple message: age is no barrier to helping others.

The cheque in his hand was worth Rs. 777,777, but the sense of civic responsibility, compassion and trust in the state attached to it appears far more valuable.