We, PATA Nepal Chapter family, are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing away of our Founder Chairman, Mr. Prabhakar SJB Rana in New York late last night.
PATA Nepal Chapter today mourns the passing away of our Founder Chairman (Mr. Rana), a well-known pioneer in Tourism and Hospitality industry of Nepal driven by the passion to uplift the Industry through integrated efforts with admirable thoughts and leadership. This is an irreplaceable loss of such a legendary and eminent personality, outstanding amongst Nepali Tourism Fraternity and well recognized as the man of exceptional Values and Status.
In Loving Memory of such a legendary and Visionary Personality, a Guardian and Champion of our Cause, we shall forever remember him and commemorate his invaluable contributions and deeds during his tenure in PATA Nepal (1975-1984).
- Mr. PRABHAKAR SJB RANA, officially inaugurated PATA in Nepal on September 26, 1975, along with Mr. Kenneth L. Chamberlain, who was then Vice President of Development and Research from Pacific Area Travel Association (PATA) and his colleagues including Mr. D. B. Rana and Mr. I. K. Pradhan from Royal Nepal Airlines, Mr. Jyoti Lal Khanna – MD, Yeti Travels; and Mr. Gopal Subedi.
- Mr. Rana served PATA Nepal Chapter chairmanship till 1984 since its inception in 1975. He also served as the Director of PATA HQ from 1980 – 1993. He was also the Founder President of Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) and the Nepal Heritage Society in 1983 which was the Brainchild of PATA Nepal Chapter.
- During his leadership, PATA Nepal Chapter on behalf of the Govt. of Nepal hosted and took part in several promotional events in international platforms as well as within our Nation. He put emphasis on Educational and Training Programs, Seminars/Conference and Familiarization Visits to Nepal.
- One of the remarkable initiatives of Mr. Rana was convening of 3rd International PATA Tourism and Heritage Conservation Conference in 1983; which was graciously inaugurated by His Late Majesty King Birendra of Nepal at Hanuman Dhoka. Similarly, PNC had initiated a “Weekly Tourism Radio Program” over Radio Nepal on July 15, 1983.
- He invited and engaged PATA Task Force Team for Pokhara Development in 1979 and the team formulated Pokhara Tourism Development Plan.
- He encouraged emphasizing on technology as an effective medium for tourism promotion; consequently, PNC produced A/V Presentations and Destination Film Productions. Later on, PNC produced an award-winning Nepal Tourism Film entitled “Nepal where the Legends Live’’ that was dubbed into four languages; English, French, German and Japanese.
- The PATA Fraternity has felicitated him with multiple awards – PATA Pioneer of the Pacific Award, PATA Presidential Award, PATA Award of Merit, PATA “Lifetime Contribution for Promoting Tourism in Nepal”, and “PATA Nepal Lifetime Achievement Award”. He was a PATA Life Member.
Mr. Prabhakar SJB Rana was the Chairman Emeritus of Soaltee Hotel Limited. He also served in many public and private sector organizations and institutions. He always believed in doing things differently and stood out amongst the crowd and dedicated his life into refining Tourism and setting the ideal Business platforms and management practices. His visionary deeds and lessons to the tourism fraternity will always remain inspiring.
PATA Nepal Chapter is indebted to the invaluable contributions and deeds of its Founder Chairman and we will follow his visionary paths and take forward the legacy he has left to us.
May the Almighty Embrace his departed soul and grant him eternal peace and may his family be blessed with the strength to bear this irreparable loss!!
With fond memories and deepest condolences!
Sunil Sakya
Chairman & PATA Nepal Chapter Family