The oldest member of Bhutanese community in Australia, Dhana Pati Poudel, grandfather of the editor of Radio Bhutan Online, Ichha Poudel, died at the age of 98 at Lyell McEwin Hospital at Elizabeth, Adelaide on Saturday.
The preparation for final rituals will probably start only on Monday when all offices reopen here and is likely to be cremated according to Hindu traditions by Wednesday.
With the death of Poudel, Bhutanese Diaspora has lost a resourceful person of Lhotsampa history in Bhutan. Poudel, who worked in East India Company offices in his age, was one of the oldest politically aware personalities of Bhutanese community. He was also a stern advocate of the social justice who always stood for the socially inclusive community in Diaspora.
Meanwhile, BNS has extended heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family of late Poudel. “We are really sorry to hear this news and we take the side of Ichha Poudel, one of our senior board members at this hour,” said Buddha Mani Dhakal in a condolence message.
Dhakal further added that Dhanapati’s death has caused a great loss not only to Ichha, but to entire Bhutanese communities.
