September 12: Industrialist and former ambassador Rukma Shumsher Rana is credited for setting up an outlet of a renowned multinational company in Nepal in the late 80s. Rana played a crucial role in establishing Dabur Nepal in 1989. The origin of the company, which is renowned across the globe, dates back to 1884 in India.    

Rana, who was a partner and managing director of the Indian joint venture company Dabur Nepal, died at the age of 85 at his residence in Battisputali, Kathmandu on Friday (September 10).  He was suffering from kidney ailments, diabetes and high blood pressure. 

Marketing chief of the Dabur Nepal, Abhaya Gorkhali, says that they have lost their guardian. The company currently employs more than 1000 workers and its annual turnover is above Rs 10 billion, according to a source at Dabur Nepal. The company produces juice, chawanprash and Hazmola candies from its outlet in Nepal.

Rana, who was involved with the company since its establishment, worked as its managing director for a long time and was appointed its chairman two years ago.

Besides a successful businessman, Rana is also a well-known figure in national politics. . Rana, the youngest son of Nepali Congress leader and founder Subarna Shumsher Rana, served as Nepal's ambassador to India from 2009 to 2011 during the Congress-led government.    

He also served as the member secretary of National Sports Council twice between 2050 to 2055 BS. Rana also became the president of Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) in 2059 BS. The NOC had recently appointed Rana as its honorary president.    

He also served as the acting president of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and the president of the Nepal Taekwondo Association and the Nepal Athletics Association.

Rana was the father-in-law of Anil Keshari Shah, CEO of Nabil Bank. He is survived by a wife and a daughter.       

According to family sources, he was cremated at Pashupati Aryaghat on Saturday afternoon.