"King Mahendra was such a heinous criminal of Nepal that not only Nepal but the whole world was shocked by his conspiracy." Or so the critics might say. Known affectionately (or infamously) as "Don MBBS," King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah ruled Nepal with a boldness that left an indelible mark on its history. His so-called "crimes" — a laundry list of audacious policies and reforms — were, in reality, transformative contributions that propelled Nepal toward modernity and sovereignty. Let’s dive into the life of this enigmatic figure and unpack his notorious deeds, which, ironically, might just make him the kind of "criminal" Nepal desperately needs today.

Introduction: The Man Who Shocked the World

King Mahendra ascended to the throne in 1955, inheriting a nation overshadowed by foreign influence and internal disarray. His reign was marked by decisions so daring that they reverberated beyond Nepal’s Himalayan borders, earning him both scorn and admiration. While detractors labeled his actions as conspiratorial, his supporters hailed them as visionary. This article explores Mahendra’s "crimes" — a sarcastic nod to the policies that reshaped Nepal’s governance, economy, education, and global standing. Far from villainy, these acts reveal a leader determined to carve out a sovereign identity for his nation.

Governance and Administration: The "Crime" of Order and Justice

Mahendra’s first heinous act was to impose structure on a fragmented Nepal. He divided the country into fourteen zones and seventy-five districts, creating an administrative framework that endures to this day. He didn’t stop there — he established the Supreme Court, ensuring judicial independence, and modernized the army and police to bolster national security. His push for decentralization gave local communities a voice, a crime so egregious it empowered the masses.

Then came the land reform system, a veritable assault on inequality. By announcing the Land Reform Act in 021 BS, he abolished the oppressive zamindari system and secured rights for Land Mohi (tenants). On Bhadra 1, 020 B.S., he unleashed a new national law banning untouchability, caste discrimination, and gender discrimination, striking at the heart of social injustice. If organizing a nation and uplifting its downtrodden is a crime, Mahendra was guilty as charged.

Economy and Development: The "Felony" of Self-Reliance

Mahendra’s economic "crimes" were equally scandalous. He dared to launch Nepal’s five-year plan, introducing a structured approach to development. The establishment of Rashtra Bank gave Nepal control over its financial destiny, while the East-West Highway — built with foreign assistance — ended the humiliating reliance on Indian routes for travel within the Terai. He even had the gall to found Royal Nepal Airlines in 2014 BS, connecting Nepal to the world on its own terms.

His industrial spree was nothing short of criminal mastermind territory. Mahendra fostered indigenous industries like the Birgunj Sugar Factory, Agricultural Tools Factory, Janakpur Cigarette Factory, Bamboo Shoe Factory, and various cement and textile ventures. These efforts slashed Nepal’s economic dependence on India from a staggering 95% between 2007 and 2011 BS to less than 60%, cementing his legacy as a champion of self-reliance. Oh, the horror of a nation standing on its own feet!

Education and Culture: The "Outrage" of Intellectual Independence

In a shocking display of cultural audacity, Mahendra banned Indian textbooks in Nepali schools, asserting educational sovereignty. He followed this up by establishing Tribhuvan University, eliminating the need for Nepalis to seek humanities and management education abroad. The Nepal Academy (today’s Nepal Pragya Pratishthan), founded in 2014 BS, became a bastion for language, literature, and culture. These "crimes" ensured that Nepal’s intellectual and cultural identity would no longer be a footnote to its neighbor’s narrative.

International Relations: The "Treason" of Sovereignty

Perhaps Mahendra’s most globally infamous "conspiracy" was his defiance of Indian dominance. He stopped the circulation of Indian currency in Nepal and reduced the presence of the Indian Army on Nepali soil. He went further, imposing restrictions on Indian representation in Nepali cabinet meetings and curbing Indian interference in water resources. These acts of "treason" against foreign overreach were complemented by his establishment of diplomatic ties with 53 nations, including powerhouses like the United States and Britain. By broadening Nepal’s international friendships, he diluted India’s stranglehold and gave Nepal a voice on the world stage.

Conclusion: A "Criminal" Hero for Today’s Nepal

King Mahendra’s rap sheet is long and illustrious: administrative overhaul, economic independence, educational reform, and international assertiveness. His "crimes" — these bold, transformative policies — shocked the world not because they were villainous, but because they were visionary. Nepal today, grappling with political instability and economic challenges, could use a dose of Mahendra’s audacity. If building highways, fostering industries, and championing sovereignty are the marks of a criminal, then perhaps it’s time for Nepal to embrace such a "criminal" national hero once more. In the hearts of many Nepalis, "King Mahendra" remains not a villain, but a legend — Don MBBS, the mastermind of a modern Nepal.