KATHMANDU: Former president of the NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal (NADA), Dhruba Thapa, has expressed deep sorrow after his house in Pokhara was set on fire during the recent Gen Z protests.
In a social media post, Thapa said decades of his hard work had turned to ashes in an instant. “Looking at the ruins of my burned home, I cannot help but wonder if it was a mistake to build a business in Nepal. This house, built on land earned by my forefathers, carried 35 years of my sweat and struggle. But in just a moment, everything has been reduced to ashes,” he wrote.
Thapa said the destruction of his home and office also crushed his spirit. “I began my entrepreneurial journey when I was just a 17-year-old college student. I endured many ups and downs, took risks and always encouraged others to invest in Nepal. But today, watching my house and office burn, I feel my heart burning as well,” he shared.
He added that his passion and enthusiasm had turned to ashes with the flames. “During the 2015 earthquake and again during the COVID-19 crisis, I imported dozens of ambulances and donated them to different organizations free of cost. Those ambulances have been serving the community,” he said. “Today, as my home burns, it feels as if all my enthusiasm has been consumed by the fire too.”
“I endured many ups and downs, took risks and always encouraged others to invest in Nepal. But today, watching my house and office burn, I feel my heart burning as well,” former NADA President Dhruba Thapa said.
Thapa said he was devastated by the death of a household employee in the fire. “A young woman who lived with us like family was brutally burned alive. This has shaken me to the core,” he said. “The perpetrators should not be allowed to escape justice.”
He also questioned whether it is a mistake to be active in politics. “Is involvement in politics a crime? My brother was a successful businessman in Pokhara long before he joined politics. The fake social media posts accusing him of corruption and misuse of funds are fabricated. It was a part of a conspiracy to damage his reputation because of his growing popularity,” Thapa said. “The local people know him well. Our family, not just now but for generations, has never had to rely on corruption to earn a living.”
