Long ago, in the hills of the Gorkha Kingdom, a visionary leader was born on January 11, 1723. His name was Prithvi Narayan Shah, the son of King Nara Bhupal Shah and Queen Kaushalyavati Devi. Little did the world know that this young prince would change the course of Nepal's history forever.

At that time, Nepal was divided into many small kingdoms and principalities. The Kathmandu Valley alone was split among the kingdoms of Kantipur, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur. These divisions made the region vulnerable to external threats, especially from the expanding British East India Company in India.

From a young age, Prithvi Narayan Shah understood that a divided Nepal would not survive. His dream was to unite these scattered kingdoms into a single, powerful nation. After becoming the king of Gorkha at the age of 20, he began his journey of unification with determination and strategic brilliance.

His first focus was the Kathmandu Valley, the economic and cultural heart of Nepal. Prithvi Narayan Shah knew he couldn't conquer it with brute force alone. He carefully planned his attacks, forming alliances and cutting off trade routes to weaken the valley kingdoms.

In 1768, after years of preparation, he successfully captured Kantipur (now Kathmandu) during the festival of Indra Jatra, when the city was least prepared for battle. Soon after, he conquered Lalitpur and Bhaktapur, bringing the entire valley under his control.

But his mission didn't stop there. Prithvi Narayan Shah expanded his rule over neighboring regions, uniting small kingdoms from the east to the west. His famous strategy was:

"Nepal is a yam between two boulders," referring to the powerful empires of China and British India. He believed Nepal had to be strong and self-reliant to survive between these giants.

Under his leadership, Nepal transformed from a fragmented land into a unified kingdom. Prithvi Narayan Shah ruled with wisdom, encouraging local industries and protecting Nepal's sovereignty from foreign influence.

In 1775, Prithvi Narayan Shah passed away, but his legacy lived on. His dream of a united Nepal became a reality, and he is rightfully remembered as the Father of the Nation. His courage, vision, and leadership continue to inspire generations of Nepalese.

Thus, the story of Prithvi Narayan Shah is not just about conquests but about unity, strength, and the birth of a nation that stands tall even today.