the mayor of Kathmandu, Nepal.
Balen Shah**, the mayor of Kathmandu, Nepal. Below are 20 lesser-known facts about Balen Shah and Kathmandu, blending details about his life, career, and the city he governs. These facts aim to go beyond widely known information, offering unique insights: ### Facts About Balen Shah: 1. **Early Poetry Inspiration**: Balen was deeply inspired by NepalтАЩs legendary poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota, which shaped his lyrical style before he transitioned to rap. 2. **First Rap Song at 15**: He wrote his debut rap song "Sadak Balak" (Street Child) while in grade nine, releasing it years later in 2012 after graduating. 3. **Engineering Thesis**: His masterтАЩs thesis in structural engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), India, focused on earthquake-resistant structures, reflecting NepalтАЩs seismic vulnerability. 4. **Ayurvedic Roots**: His father, Dr. Ram Narayan Shah, was an Ayurvedic doctor who served the Nepalese royal family, connecting Balen to traditional medicine he...