Balen Shah (Balen) Biography

Balen Shah (Balen) Biography

Balen Shah, a multifaceted (बहुआयामिक) talent hailing from Nepal, was born on April 27, 1990. This versatile individual is not only a rapper and composer but also a structural engineer and a respected non-political leader. He is alternatively recognized as Balendra Shah. Balen Shah is the youngest child of Ram Narayan Shah and Dhruva Devi Shah. His father, Ram Narayan Shah, is a practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine.

Balen Shah’s paternal roots trace back to Mahottari Ekdara Rural Municipality, while his maternal ties are anchored in Dhanusha. His family relocated to Kathmandu from Mahottari when his father assumed a position at Naradevi Ayurvedic Hospital.

In 2018, Balen Shah entered into matrimony with Sabina Kafle, a dedicated public health professional.

1. Early Life and Education

Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen Shah, was born on April 27, 1990, in Naradevi, Kathmandu, Nepal. He is the youngest son of Ram Narayan Shah, an Ayurvedic practitioner, and his wife Dhruvadevi Shah. Balen’s family has roots in Mahottari’s Ekdara Rural Municipality, while his mother’s family resides in Dhanusha. The Shah family moved to Kathmandu when Balen’s father was assigned to Naradevi Ayurvedic Hospital.

For his education, Balen Shah attended V.S. Niketan Higher Secondary School for his 10+2 studies. He pursued a bachelor’s degree (BE) in civil engineering from Himalayan Whitehouse International College and later earned a master’s degree (MTech) in structural engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in Karnataka, India.

2. Music Career

From a young age, Balen Shah had a deep interest in music and poetry. In 2012, he released his debut single, “Sadak Balak,” which he composed while in the ninth grade. His breakthrough in the Nepalese music scene came in 2013 when he gained recognition among Nephop fans after participating in the YouTube battle rap series Raw Barz.

3. Political Career

Balen Shah’s entry into politics marked a significant transition in his career:

Mayor of Kathmandu (2022 – Present)

Balen Shah announced his candidacy as an independent in the 2022 local election, where he secured a historic victory, becoming the 15th mayor of Kathmandu. He defeated candidates from major political parties, including the Nepali Congress and CPN (UML), making him the first independent candidate to hold this position.

4. Initiatives as Mayor

As the mayor of Kathmandu, Balen Shah introduced various initiatives and policies aimed at improving the city:

Transparency and Civic Engagement
– Implemented live telecasts of municipal council meetings to enhance transparency.
– Encouraged businesses to allow public access to their restrooms, resulting in the emergence of public restroom signs in private establishments.
– Committed to safeguarding Newa heritage and architecture, with plans to revitalize Newa Chhen type buildings in public infrastructure.

Urban Development and Civic Projects
– Prioritized initiatives such as solid waste management, parking infrastructure improvement, slum clearance, hawker management, and beautification projects.

5. Controversies and Criticisms

While Balen Shah’s tenure as mayor has seen several achievements, it has not been without controversies and criticisms:

Use of Force Towards Street Vendors
– Faced criticism for allegedly employing unethical use of force against unorganized street vendors, leading to protests and concerns about the impact on the urban poor.

Contempt of Court
– Sparked controversy by imposing a ban on screening Indian movies within the city limits, leading to a legal battle and accusations of contempt of court.

Rap Lyrics
– Received criticism for the profane and misogynistic elements in his rap lyrics.

6. Personal Life

Balen Shah is married to Sabina Kafle, a public health professional. He resides with his family in Gairigaun, Tinkune.

7. Electoral History

In the 2022 Kathmandu mayoral election, Balen Shah secured victory with a campaign focused on waste management, road traffic control, public service delivery, anti-corruption, and the preservation of the city’s cultural heritage. He was sworn in as mayor on May 30, 2022, and administered the oath of office to other members of the municipal assembly elected during the same election.

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