The junction where the Brahmadev Link Road branches off from the East–West Highway in Mahendranagar has been officially named ‘Bipin Chowk’. Following a decision by the executive committee of Bhimdatta Municipality, the naming was formally announced on Friday with the installation of a signboard bearing the name of Bipin Joshi.
Ward Chairperson of Bhimdatta Municipality–3, Gagan Singh Dhami, said the junction was named in memory of Bipin Joshi’s courage and contributions demonstrated while he was in Israel. Bipin Joshi, a 24-year-old student from Kanchanpur, lost his life while being held hostage by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The municipality had earlier decided to name the junction ‘Bipin Chowk’ and to install a statue in Joshi’s memory. Ward Chairperson Dhami confirmed that the statue will be constructed at the same location and that the municipality has already allocated a budget of NPR 200,000 for the project.
“The executive committee has decided to name the junction after Bipin and to install a statue in his memory,” Dhami said. “In line with that decision, the junction has been formally named today. The statue installation will be completed in the coming period.”
Previously, Bhimdatta Municipality Mayor Padam Bogati had also pledged to install a statue in memory of Bipin Joshi. Family members, including Bipin’s father Mahananda Joshi and his elder brother Kishor Joshi, were present at the naming ceremony.
According to Ward Chairperson Dhami, the municipal executive has also recommended that Bipin Joshi be declared a martyr, forwarding the proposal to the federal government through the District Administration Office.
Background: Israel–Hamas Conflict and Bipin Joshi’s Death
Two years ago, 49 students from the Faculty of Agriculture at Far Western University had traveled to Israel under the ‘Learn and Earn’ program. Within a month of their arrival, they were caught in an attack by Hamas. Ten students were killed in the attack, while Bipin Joshi was taken hostage. He later died while still in captivity.
Last Kartik, during efforts to end the ongoing Israel–Hamas war, an agreement was reached in the first phase of a Middle East peace plan proposed by the United States to release hostages and Palestinian detainees. Following that agreement, Hamas handed over Bipin Joshi’s body.
