The non-accidental rise of Harsh Shringla

Harsh Vardhan Shringla appeared immaculate in a freshly pressed suit and a peaked dhaka topi to address a rapt audience at the St Joseph’s auditorium in Darjeeling last week for the launch of his biography.  

Born to Sikkimese father Tshering Tendup La, and Nepali mother Hari Devi Basnet in 1962, Shringla grew up in various parts of India following his father’s government job. But wherever he went, he always felt connected to his Nepali roots.

“My father has always been there for me. He inculcated values and principles that have stood me with over time,” Shringla told Nepali Times in an interview. “My mother was practical, efficient and also very disciplined. She guided me closely throughout my career.”

At 9, Shringla was sent to Mayo College in Ajmer, where he was an avid reader of books on philosophy, history and foreign affairs. In college, he was part of the hockey team…