Biography
Late Colonel Gopal Bahadur Khatri
Late Colonel Gopal Bahadur Khatri ADC to King, Late Colonel Gopal Bahadur Khatri, a permanent residence of Tanahu, Chisapani – 8, Dhudhekuna was born on March 11, 1932 (BS 1988, Falgun 29) in Kathmandu. Col. Khatri lost his mother during his infancy and was raised by his father Balindra Bahadur Khatri ( A retired Major who was also the Bada Hakim of Nuwakot, Dhading and Rasuwa). Col. Khatri did his initial schooling from Durbar High school and later from Nandi Ratri School from where he completed his Matric level.
He joined the Nepal Army in 1949 (BS 2005) and was posted to the Bir Dal Company. Due to his hard work, intelligence and competence, he was able to meet all the criterion of the Army thus climbed the ladder towards success.
After the dawn of democracy, the Nepal Army was restructured and reorganized. As part of reorganization, the Gorakh Bahadur Battalion (Royal Guards) was created in April 13, 1952 (BS 2009, Baishak 1). Since its inception, Colonel Khatri served in this Battalion.
During his Military career, Col. Khatri has completed numerous courses, namely, Platoon Commander course from MHOW, Intelligence, PT and Method of Instruction course from Pune. During the modernization process of the Army, he was selected for the first ever Officers Basic Course in 1956 (BS 2013) conducted by the Indian Military Mission.
Col. Khatri was nominated as the ADC to King Mahendra in April 13, 1958 (BS 2015, Baishak 1). During his tenure as the ADC, he travelled extensively at home and abroad to United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and India to name a few. Upon the demise of King Mahendra in 1971 (BS 2028), King Birendra nominated him as the ADC to Queen Mother Ratna. During this tenure, he got promoted to Lt.Col and Colonel. Col. Khatri retired from the Army in March 29, 1986 (BS 2042, Chaitra 16) due to age restriction. But despite his retirement, he was re nominated by King Birendra again to serve as ADC for five more years till April 14, 1991 (2048, Baishak 1). In recognition for his service, Col. Khatri was granted uninterrupted access to the Palace lifelong.
Col. Khatr’s decorations and medals in his 43 years of service includes, Gorkha Dakshin Bhau II class, Tri Shakti Patta, III class, Bikhyat Sewa Alankar, Bisesh Sewa Padhak, Prasiddha Sewa Padhak, Durgam Sewa Padhak, Coronation medal, Dirga Sewa Patta, Sainik Sewa Patta and People’s Army Silver Star from Former Yugoslavia. He was also awarded with Silver Jubliee Coronation medal and Birendra Aishwarya medal after his retirement.
Col Khatri married Pramila Thapa ( Maiya ) in 1950 (BS 2007). The couple is blessed with four sons, four grandsons and four granddaughters. Amongst their four sons, Ramindra and Rajendra are serving Generals of the Nepalese Army whilst Ratindra is a retired Colonel.
Col Khatri spent most of his retirement days in Bharatpur, Chitwan. He was a devout poet who has penned many published and unpublished poems. He died in January 31, 2002 (BS 2058, Margh 15), (Swasthani Purnima ) aged 70. Late Col. Khatri’s journey from Tanahu, Dhudhekuna to the Narayanhiti Place is truly inspirational to all.