Who is Prof. Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula and why are the recent controversies built up surrounding him?

An Intellectual Who Devoted His Life to the Struggle against Imperialism & Neocolonialism for the establishment of Patriotism, Independence, Self-Respect, Equality, and Civil Supremacy in Nepal

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Prof. Sangroula is a fearless warrior who gained international recognition in the legal field, a staunch opponent of discrimination and injustice, a powerful advocate for justice against discriminatory Gurkha recruitment, a proponent of progress, a scholar, researcher, and writer. Sangroula is deeply knowledgeable about philosophy and world history. His multifaceted personality and struggles have elevated him to the status of a great human being who defends the nation's self-respect. Yet, sadly, the Nepali people haven’t been able to properly honor and evaluate his contributions to the country.

Unwavering Dedication to Nationalism

Dr. Sangroula has spent his entire life fighting to enhance the dignity of Nepalis and protect Nepal's geographical integrity and sovereignty. From the Sugauli Treaty (1816) to the 1950 Treaty, the Koshi-Gandak Agreement, the Mahakali Treaty, and the MCC, he has consistently raised a strong voice against foreign interference in Nepal and India's hegemonic attitude. Whether it was rejecting India's unilateral claim in the Governing Committee of the South Asian University or presenting Nepal's historical pride against Indian hostility at Rajasthan University in 2016, he showcased Nepal's self-respect to the world and humbled foreign adversaries with his intellect. His statement, "Nepal and India are not brothers; they are good neighbors and friends," is backed by facts and arguments that highlight his diplomatic acumen, intellectual depth, and independent, self-respecting mindset.

Regarding Kirat civilization, he says, "Kirat is not just an ethnicity; it is a civilization and a shared identity of all Nepalis." He defines Nepal as a land of six civilizations Kirat, Sinja, Magarat, Newa, Mithila, Tharu and the abode of peace through Buddhism, promoting the message of Nepali unity.

 

The Fight for Self-Reliance and Against Neoliberalism

Dr. Sangroula has consistently exposed the attacks of neoliberalism and the rampant misuse of foreign aid by foreign donor agencies on Nepal's self-reliance through his writings and advocacy. Despite Nepal's feudal rulers keeping the people trapped in ignorance, poverty, and illiteracy, they projected the country as a donor nation to the world. In his book Right to Have Rights, he presents facts proving that Nepal was self-sufficient in food grains before 2046 BS and even exported rice, arguing that neoliberalism has robbed farmers of their rights. "Farmers struggle just to recover their investments, let alone make profits," he says, emphasizing the need to fight against black markets in urea, seeds, and corrupt commission agents. During a discussion with students at the University of Sydney in 2024, he further clarified this issue.

 

Global Recognition in the Legal Field

Dr. Sangroula's contributions to the legal field are renowned worldwide. Starting his teaching career in 2043 BS and establishing Kathmandu School of Law in 2004, he laid the foundation for modern legal education in Nepal. Beginning from a thatched hut, this institution was built with an 18 lakh cooperative loan and earnings from transporting tourists in a Sumo Jeep donated by a British Gurkha soldier. For seven years, he drew no salary, turning the institution into a national pride. His numerous books—such as Exploring Asia: Concepts and Context, Right to Have Rights, Jurisprudence: The Philosophy of Law, and Criminal Justice System—reflect his intellectual depth and global influence.

At the George Town Center (1985), he critically studied Western culture; in Moscow (2008), he spoke on the dignity of labor; and at Renmin University (2016), while training Chinese students, he explored Nepal-China's 1600-year cultural ties. Chinese families honor him as "Babu," and his revelation that "Buddhism reached China from Nepal" further strengthened his international reputation.

Justice for Gurkha Recruitment and Historical Knowledge

Dr. Sangroula has always raised his voice against the exploitation of Gurkha recruitment. He has globally highlighted the history of Gurkha soldiers, their exploitation, and the need to protect their rights. Deeply knowledgeable about Nepal's history, he has fought against Western and Indian "Orientalist" racist ideologies, defining Nepal as South Asia's first and oldest nation. His intellectual contributions have elevated Nepal's identity on the world stage.

Advocacy for Equality and Civil Supremacy

A symbol of equality and a champion of civil supremacy, Dr. Sangroula has consistently fought against discrimination and regression. He has spread messages of social justice, family unity, and patriotism through education. Encouraging his daughters to return after studying abroad, he said, "Come back after your studies. Even if not everything here is perfect, we have a glorious history and loved ones."

Conspiracies and Challenges

His nationalist ideology and fearlessness made him a target of feudal rulers, elite aristocratic supporters, and those in power. Kathmandu School of Law faced donation demands, arson threats, and political conspiracies. Some even used former students as proxies to undermine him, as revealed in his own accounts. While his firm stance against India's hegemonic behavior and foreign influence enhanced his reputation, it also brought more challenges.

Message and Legacy

Dr. Sangroula's message is clear: "Nepal is not poor; our leaders' thinking is poor." He has showcased Nepal's rich history, civilization, and Buddhist peace to the world. "We must embrace our culture and identity," he says, advocating for self-reliance and unity. His books and intellectual contributions inspire the new generation to be self-respecting and nationalist, urging every Nepali to take pride in their country and resist foreign interference.

Sangroula’s Background

Born in 1960 in Panchthar district, Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula completed his postgraduate studies in law from Patna University, India, in 1986 and earned his Ph.D. from Delhi University in 2007 on Nepal’s Criminal Justice System. He established Kathmandu School of Law under Purbanchal University, Nepal’s first law campus to start the Five-year BALLB course, serving as its founding director and currently as a professor. He is also a senior advisor at the Center for Legal Research and Resource Development (CELRRD), founding secretary of the South Asian Law Schools Forum, and a member of Purbanchal University’s Faculty Board.

Experience:

  1. Teaching at Tribhuvan University Nepal Law Campus (1986–2001)
  2. Director, Practical Legal Education (1992–1996)
  3. Coordinator, Tribhuvan University Postgraduate Department of Jurisprudence
  4. Executive Editor, Nyayadoot monthly published by Nepal Bar Association (1991–1993)
  5. Elected Member and Coordinator, Central Executive Committee of Criminal Justice Education Committee (1997–2000)
  6. Alternate Advisor, Nepal Bar Association Law Asia (2000–present)
  7. Member, Vigilance Committee Against Human Trafficking
  8. Researcher, Denis Organization for Human Rights (2001)
  9. National Advisor, Five-Year Strategic Plan for Judicial Projects in Nepal, Denis Organization for Human Rights
  10. Chair, High-Level Task Force for Modernization of Nepal Government Security Agencies (2008).

Awards:

  1. Good Citizen Award for dedication against sexual exploitation and trafficking of women and children (2000)
  2. National Youth Award for commendable work in law, justice, and human rights (1999)
  3. Ashoka Fellowship from Ashoka Foundation, Washington, for legal aid to the elderly and human rights advocacy (1998)
  4. Nepal Justice Youth Award for contributions to legal education and justice in Nepal (2002)
  5. Man of the Year from the American Biographical Institute for contributions to community and human rights (2003), among others.

Dr. Sangroula does not consider his sacrifices, dedication, and intellectual journey as making him a great human being defending the nation’s pride. He says, "What I have done is every Nepali’s duty. All Nepalis are doing their part. I am just one of them."

Books by Dr. Sangroula:

  • Jurisprudence and Legal Principles (2006)
  • Condemned to Exploitation: Trafficking in Women and Girls (2001)
  • Criminal Justice System (2018)
  • Human Rights Training Manual (2001, co-authored)
  • Gender and Laws: Nepalese Perspective (2002, co-authored)
  • Nepalese Legal System: Human Rights Perspective (2005)
  • Concepts and Evolution of Human Rights: Nepalese Perspective (2005)
  • Constituent Assembly (2006)
  • Exploring Asia: Concepts and Context
  • Right to Have Rights
  • Jurisprudence: The Philosophy of Law
  • Geo-Strategic Challenges to Nepal’s Foreign Policy and Way Forward
  • Compensation and Evolution of Human Rights: Nepalese Perspective
  • The Theory of Logic with Emphasis on Oriental Perspective
  • South Asia-China Geo-Economics
  • Journey of Colonialism
  • My Perspectives

The link of the publications is given below: Books and Publications