His Excellency Late Gyan Bahadur Yakthumba, affectionately known as GB among his family and friends, was born to father Makar Jung Yakthumba and mother Moti Devi Yakthumba on 16th March 1920 in Silange Basti, Memyo of Burma. This is where he grew up and spent his early life- a life both of joy and hardships.
He was from "Hembe" family who was his forefathers, who lived in eastern Nepal, in Panchthar at Amarpur VDC.
He was a diligent and versatile student. His academic performance and extracurricular activities were always commendable. He completed his school with the examination for the School Leaving Certificate (SLC) from Anglo-Indian Vernacular High School (a missionary school) in 1936. After completion of IA, he began his military career by joining the fourth Burma Rifle and fought against the Japanese on behalf of the Brittany Regiment in the Second World War.
His Excellency Late Gyan Bahadur Yakthumba: A champion of democracy, a freedom fighter, who played a decisive role to put an end to the 104 years long Autocratic Ranarchy and established the democracy in Nepal was also the leading figure of the success of armed people revolution 2007 which supplanted the evil era with a new system. Even after the great social change, he remained a backbone of democracy, always fighting against the regression and other deterrence to the democratic political exercise and consequently proved himself an unparalleled champion of democracy.
He served the nation as the Baddahakkim of Illam, DIG of Kathmandu and IGP of Nepal respectively. He was also appointed as the Counselor of Burma, the Counselor General of Lhasa and the Ambassador to Burma. He had attained a gamut of various historical experiences. He had distinguished himself as the most successful ambassador of Nepal and was still in service when he passed away on 1st March 1970.
But... Was that the end?
Obviously not, rather it was the beginning of a never-ending journey towards truth and wisdom led by Mrs. Indira Yakthumba, wife of His Excellency Late Gyan Bahadur Yakthumba. She was broken, but she wasn't that weak. She channelled that grief into something positive. She established Gyanodaya Bal Batika in 1975 in fond memory of her husband. She worked tirelessly towards the betterment of the school and students. Later in 1999 she established Gyanodaya Residential School and further expanded the era of education and enlightenment. Her commitment to the education sector is exemplary, which is attested by the numerous awards and recognition she has been conferred upon by various government and non-government institutions.
Gyanodaya today, proudly celebrates the 43rd foundation day carving a long journey that stands witness to Gyanodaya's contribution to the society and its graduates' endeavours towards global excellence. Gyanodaya today, stands as a top-notch school, though many schools are mushrooming all around.
Residential, Day Boarder and Day Scholar are some very attractive facilities provided by Gyanodaya. It emphasizes 21st-century progressive education. Each child is special, every child matters at Gyanodaya.