The founding president of this foundation, Mitrasen Dahal, was born on 4th Mangsir 2019 B.S. (November 19, 1962 A.D.) as the fifth child to father late Jayaprasad Dahal and mother late Dambarkumari Dahal, in a humble farming family. He was born in Baruneshwar VDC, Ward No. 4, Okhaldhunga District. From an early age, he was of sharp character.
Since childhood, Mitrasen Dahal had an outspoken nature against social malpractices and oppression. He received his early education at the village school and later came to Kathmandu for higher education, completing his Bachelor’s degree at Ratna Rajya College. During his student life, he actively participated in the Satyagraha and democratic movement of 2042 B.S. (1985 A.D.) led by the Nepali Congress.
Having personally experienced the struggles of children in his birthplace, who faced difficulty even accessing schools, he felt a strong need for an institution that would work for education and health in a philanthropic spirit. He thus initiated the process of establishing this foundation. However, he realized that only having the willpower was not enough—resources were also essential. Guided by the principle that “one must collect from those who have, to serve those who don’t,” he mobilized financial support from influential business families and generous donors in Kathmandu. With these funds, the foundation was able to announce scholarship support of NRs. 1,500 per child to students deprived of education, especially targeting Okhaldhunga district students. Following this, many parents began sending their children to school.
After coming to Kathmandu, from 2042 B.S. (1985 A.D.), he also established his own private business, Ayam Advertising Service. This advertising company went on to become Nepal’s No. 1 advertising agency, receiving awards and recognition. He gradually became successful in business as well.
In politics, he also advanced, and in 2074 B.S. (2017 A.D.), he even received the ticket from Province “A” of Okhaldhunga District to contest for the Provincial Assembly, though he faced defeat due to circumstances.
After undergoing a kidney transplant in 2064 B.S. (2007 A.D.), he dedicated his second life entirely to social service. He invested all his time in the construction of the Maitri Old Age Home under this Foundation, and in its first phase successfully completed the construction of 34 buildings and cottages.
Mitrasen Dahal also served as the Chairman and Managing Director of NPTC Ltd., Chairman of the J.P. Foundation (Maitri Old Age Home), and was actively involved for decades in numerous governmental, non-governmental, business, social, political, and educational organizations. He authored several works, among them:
Advertising Business in Nepal: Theory and Experience (2045 B.S.) – later included in the curriculum of Tribhuvan University.
Chintan ra Anubhuti (2063 B.S.)
Congress Parajaya Okhaldhunga Ko Serophero Ma (2065 B.S.)
Samasamayik Chintan Pravah (2065 B.S.)
Katha Ra Byathako Yatra (2066 B.S.) – written from his hospital bed after his kidney transplant, reflecting on the ups and downs of his life.
Samasamayikata Bhitra Mitrasen (Interview Collection, 2067 B.S.)
Mrigaula Rog Ra Samadhan (Kidney Disease and Solution, 2068 B.S.)
Smritima Kehi Byakti (2068 B.S.)
Samasamayik Vichar Pravah (2068 B.S.)
Congress Hijo Ra Aaja (2069 B.S.)
Gaun Bane Sahar Banchha (Poetry Anthology, 2070 B.S.)
Sarthak Ra Samriddha Jeevan (2071 B.S.)
Manchhe Bachirahaindaina (Poetry Anthology, 2072 B.S.)
Chandani Ko Sahar (Story Collection)
Ama
Itihasma Congress
In addition, he published hundreds of articles in various newspapers and journals.
He traveled extensively—visiting 25 countries including the USA, UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and the Netherlands, as well as all 75 districts of Nepal.
As a businessman, politician, and social worker, Mitrasen Dahal made remarkable contributions to the pride of the Nepali nation and the welfare of its people. In recognition of this, on the recommendation of the Government of Nepal, he was awarded the national honor “Prabal Janasewa Shree” in 2076 B.S. (2020 A.D.) by the President of Nepal.
He passed away on 7th Falgun 2078 B.S. (February 19, 2022 A.D.).
