Baburam Bhattarai, the former Prime Minister of Nepal, and Hisila Yami, a prominent politician and architect, share a remarkable romantic history deeply intertwined with their shared political aspirations and the tumultuous landscape of Nepali politics. Their enduring partnership, forged in academic halls and tested through revolutionary struggle, stands as a testament to a bond built on intellectual camaraderie and a common vision for their nation.
Their paths first converged in the late 1970s in India, far from their native Nepal. Baburam Bhattarai was pursuing his master's degree in planning at the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) in New Delhi, while Hisila Yami was studying architecture at the same institution. It was during this period, around 1977, that they first met, drawn together by shared intellectual interests and a growing commitment to Marxist ideology and political change in Nepal. Their academic pursuits laid the foundation for both their professional careers and their personal connection.
Their relationship blossomed amidst a backdrop of political activism. In 1981, Baburam Bhattarai and Hisila Yami formalized their union through a court marriage in Delhi. This ceremony, notably devoid of traditional rituals, reflected their shared progressive views and their focus on substance over ceremony. Swami Agnivesh, a social activist and then-Member of Parliament, facilitated their marriage, underscoring their connections within activist circles even at that early stage.
Following their studies and marriage, the couple returned to Nepal, where they became increasingly involved in the country's communist movement. Their intellectual prowess and dedication quickly propelled them into leadership roles within the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). Their home became a hub for political discourse, and their lives became inseparable from the unfolding political narrative of Nepal. This period saw them become parents to their daughter, Manushi Yami Bhattarai, who would later follow in their footsteps, entering the political arena.
As the Maoist People's War intensified in the mid-1990s, Baburam Bhattarai and Hisila Yami made the profound decision to go underground, fully committing themselves to the revolutionary cause. This period, marked by immense personal sacrifice and danger, further solidified their bond. Hisila Yami, known by her nom de guerre 'Parvati,' played a crucial role in the movement, often working alongside her husband. Their shared experiences during this clandestine phase, including periods of house arrest, underscored their unwavering commitment to each other and their political ideals.
After the peace process and the transition of Nepal to a republic, both Baburam Bhattarai and Hisila Yami emerged as prominent public figures. Bhattarai served as the Prime Minister of Nepal from 2011 to 2013, while Yami held various ministerial portfolios, including Minister for Physical Planning and Works and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation. Their political careers, though sometimes subject to internal party disagreements and public scrutiny, continued to be a joint endeavor, often with Hisila Yami serving as a staunch supporter and intellectual partner to Bhattarai.
Hisila Yami's memoir, Hisila: From Revolutionary to First Lady, published in 2021, offers an intimate look into their shared journey, detailing not only the political upheavals but also the personal dynamics of their relationship. The book highlights how their romantic encounter shaped their family life and their lifelong political engagement. It provides insights into the challenges and triumphs they faced as a couple navigating the complexities of revolutionary politics and public service.
Throughout their decades-long relationship, Baburam Bhattarai and Hisila Yami have consistently presented a united front, both politically and personally. Their public appearances and statements often reflect a deep mutual respect and intellectual partnership. Even in recent years, their bond remains strong, as evidenced by their joint recovery from COVID-19 in 2020, which they publicly announced together. Their story is not just one of personal romance but of a shared destiny intertwined with the political transformation of Nepal.