Ambica Shrestha

Ambica Shrestha (12 February 1933 – 18 July 2024) was a renowned Nepalese hotelier and a significant figure in the preservation of Nepalese cultural heritage. She served as the president of Dwarika's Hotels and Resorts until her death.^[1]

Ambica Shrestha
अम्बिका श्रेष्ठ
Born	(1933-02-12)12 February 1933 Darjeeling, India
Died	18 July 2024(2024-07-18) (aged 91) Lalitpur, Nepal
Occupation(s)	Hotelier, entrepreneur
Partner	Dwarikdas Shrestha
Parents	Khadga Bahadur Pradhan (father) Padhma Kesari (mother)

(Photo by Priti Thapa)

Early life

Shrestha was born on 12 February 1933 in Darjeeling, British India,^{[additional citation(s) needed]} she received her secondary education at St. Joseph School. After marrying Dwarika Das Shrestha, an artist, she moved to Nepal.^[2]

Career

Shrestha established the Dwarika's Hotel, a high-end heritage hotel known for its collection of antique art and dedication to preserving traditional Nepali architecture and culture. Construction of the hotel started in 1964 and was completed in 1977. Following her husband's death in 1991, Ambica took on the role of managing the hotel, continuing to build its reputation and expand its offerings.^[3]

In addition to her work in the hospitality industry, Ambica Shrestha was the Honorary Consulate General of Spain for Nepal.^[4] She also led the Nepalese Heritage Society and Business and Professional Women Nepal, where she focused on preserving Nepal's cultural heritage and advocating for the welfare of underprivileged women.^[5]

Shrestha was the first Nepali woman to secure bank loans for women entrepreneurs, advocating for financial independence from husbands and families.^[1]

Personal life

Ambica Shrestha

Shrestha was married to Dwarika Das Shrestha, an artist. The couple had two daughters.^[5]

Shrestha died on 18 July 2024 at a hospital in Lalitpur. She was 91, and had pneumonia and rheumatism at the time of her death.^[5]

Honors

• Gorkha Dakshin Bahu 4th by His Majesty the King of Nepal^[6]
• Prakhyat Trishaktti Pattaby by His Majesty the King of Nepal^{[citation needed]}
• Badge of Honour by BPW International^{[citation needed]}
• Decoration of the Cruz de Official De la Orden De Isabel La Catolica by His Majesty King Juan Carlos I of Spain^{[citation needed]}
• Service Above Self Award by Rotary Club International^{[citation needed]}