By News Karnataka

Copyright newskarnataka

Bengaluru: Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, the rapper-turned-politician who has emerged as a frontrunner for the post of Nepal’s next Prime Minister, shares a strong connection with Karnataka. The 35-year-old, who rose to prominence as the Mayor of Kathmandu with an unprecedented independent win, pursued higher education in Bengaluru, where he completed his Master of Technology (M.Tech) degree in Structural Engineering.

Academic journey in Bengaluru

Between 2016 and 2018, Balen enrolled at Nitte Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, under the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) quota, which facilitates overseas students from South Asia and other regions to study in India. According to the institute, Balen successfully completed his postgraduate degree alongside two fellow Nepalese students, Pravin Shresta and Sunil Lamsal.

Dr Shreyas, a senior faculty member at Nitte, confirmed Balen’s academic stint, adding that the young politician showed promise during his academic years. “He was sincere about his work and developed a strong foundation in structural engineering. He was part of a small group of students who were determined to balance their studies with a vision for their future,” he recalled.

Rise in Nepalese politics

Balen Shah’s political journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. In 2022, he scripted history by becoming the first independent candidate to be elected as the Mayor of Kathmandu, defeating contenders from Nepal’s most dominant political parties. His victory symbolised a larger trend of disenchantment among Nepal’s urban youth with traditional politics.

Balen, who is also a rapper with a significant fan following, effectively leveraged his cultural influence and grassroots outreach to win the mayoral elections. His campaign was marked by promises of good governance, accountability, and modernisation of civic infrastructure. For many young voters, he represented a refreshing break from political dynasties and party-driven rivalries.

Karnataka connection in focus

The revelation of Balen’s academic years in Bengaluru has sparked fresh conversations about India’s educational role in shaping leaders across South Asia. Karnataka, in particular, has emerged as a preferred destination for Nepalese students, thanks to its engineering institutions, medical colleges, and relatively inclusive admission policies.

For Balen, his time in Bengaluru was a transformative phase that allowed him to build technical expertise while simultaneously engaging with multicultural peers. Alumni from his batch recall his charisma and leadership qualities even during classroom discussions and student activities.

Youth-driven political rise

Balen’s meteoric rise in politics has been fuelled largely by Nepal’s younger demographic, many of whom identify with his style, rhetoric, and approach to problem-solving. His background in engineering is often highlighted as a strength, especially in addressing Kathmandu’s persistent urban challenges such as waste management, traffic congestion, and building safety.

Observers in Nepal note that his Bengaluru education added to his image of being modern, globally aware, and yet rooted in local concerns. His ability to merge technical expertise with political ambition has made him one of the most closely watched figures in South Asia.

A potential Prime Minister

As Nepal heads into a decisive political phase, Balen has emerged as a frontrunner for the Prime Minister’s post. His independent credentials, coupled with a growing support base among youth and civil society, have positioned him as a formidable contender in a political environment dominated by established parties.

While his future role will depend on evolving parliamentary dynamics, his connection with Bengaluru underscores the deep educational and cultural exchanges between India and Nepal. Should he rise to the country’s top post, his Karnataka stint will likely remain a point of pride for both nations.

Balen Shah’s journey from a student in Bengaluru to a frontrunner for Nepal’s Prime Ministership exemplifies the power of education in shaping leadership beyond borders. As Nepal awaits its next political chapter, his story reflects not just personal ambition but also the aspirations of a generation demanding change.