Ambica Shrestha
{{Short description|Nepalese entrepreneur (1933–2024)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Ambica Shrestha
| image = Ambica_Shrestha.jpg
| native_name = अम्बिका श्रेष्ठ
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1933|02|12}}
| birth_place = Darjeeling, India
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2024|07|18|1933|02|12}}
| death_place = Lalitpur, Nepal
| occupation = Hotelier, entrepreneur
| partner = Dwarikdas Shrestha
| mother = Padhma Kesari
| father = Khadga Bahadur Pradhan
}}
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.[http://archives.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=23077 Financial institutions still neglect women entrepreneurs: Ambica Shrestha] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206153036/http://archives.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=23077|date=6 December 2013}} My Republica
(Photo by Priti Thapa)
Early life
Shrestha was born on 12 February 1933 in Darjeeling, British India,{{Acn|date=July 2024}} she received her secondary education at St. Joseph School. After marrying Dwarika Das Shrestha, an artist, she moved to Nepal.{{Cite web |title=Prominent Female Entrepreneur Ambica Shrestha Passes Away |url=http://www.newbusinessage.com/Articles/view/21583 |access-date=20 July 2024 |website=www.newbusinessage.com |language=en}}
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.[http://bossnepal.com/ambica-shrestha-den/ Ambica Shrestha and her little den] Boss Nepal Magazine
In addition to her work in the hospitality industry, Ambica Shrestha was the Honorary Consulate General of Spain for Nepal.Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain. (n.d.). Consulates. Embassy of Spain in New Delhi. Retrieved 19 July 2024, from
Shrestha was the first Nepali woman to secure bank loans for women entrepreneurs, advocating for financial independence from husbands and families.
Personal life
File:Ambica Shrestha - Small.jpg
Shrestha was married to Dwarika Das Shrestha, an artist. The couple had a daughter.
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.{{Cite web |last=Republica |title=Ambica Shrestha, owner of Dwarika’s Hotel, passes away at 92 |url=http://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/157487/ |access-date=20 July 2024 |website=My Republica |language=en}}
Honors
- Gorkha Dakshin Bahu 4th by His Majesty the King of Nepal{{Cite web |title=Interview with Ambica Shrestha: Liverpool John Moores University |url=https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/-/media/files/ljmu/microsites/qualitative-analysis-in-action-nepal-project/business/interview_with_ambica.pdf }}
- Prakhyat Trishaktti Pattaby by His Majesty the King of Nepal{{fact|date=July 2024}}
- Badge of Honour by BPW International{{fact|date=July 2024}}
- Decoration of the Cruz de Official De la Orden De Isabel La Catolica by His Majesty King Juan Carlos I of Spain{{fact|date=July 2024}}
- Service Above Self Award by Rotary Club International{{fact|date=July 2024}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{Authority control}}{{DEFAULTSORT:Shrestha, Ambica}}
Category:20th-century Nepalese women
Category:21st-century Nepalese women
Category:Nepalese women in business
Category:20th-century Nepalese businesspeople
Category:21st-century Nepalese businesspeople
Category:20th-century businesswomen
Category:21st-century businesswomen