It was on September 9, 1945 in a small settlement of Ghoom Pahar, a baby girl was born. Surya Bahadur Lama and Sanmaya did least know that this little girl would one day become the voice of the Nepali people and would charm many a listener and get to be known around the world as the Nightingale of the Hills. Inspired by her uncle CB Lama she started to sing at the tender age of seven and never looked back from then. She won the Music Competition organized by the Gorkha Dukha Niwarak Sangh in the year 1956 at the age of 11. The great Ambar Gurung then groomed her since 1958.

On the 11th of July 1963 Aruna's life took a different turn. She got married to Saran Pradhan a musician, lyricist and composer. With a married life the whole scenario changed and she would sing lesser and was seen lesser. Soon after persuasion from all the other musicians and artists she came back to the scene again. The likes of Karma Yonzon, Gopal Yonzon, Ambar Gurung , Shanti Thatal, Narayan Gopal, Mani Kamal Chettri ,Dibya Khaling all composed music that was to be voiced by her. This brought her back to the center stage and she was acclaimed as one of the best Nepali female singers of all time.

1974 saw another big turn in Aruna's life. She lost her husband and she was left with two children and a whole life ahead. She struggled through the difficulties of life and started to work at the Chitfund from where she soon found work at The Scheduled Castes and Tribes Welfare Office and served there till 1998. She was strong willed and she looked after her children and never deprived them of any requirements. Besides working she also kept up with her music and carried on the glory of the Nepali people.

With her beautiful voice she has captured the hearts of many listeners and good wishers and her contribution to The Nepali Music world has been a big one.

As they say that all good things must come to an end, Aruna Lama passed away on the 4th of February 1998. Though she is gone her voice lives on and her memories shall remain in the hearts of the Nepali people forever.

Darjeeling and its people will always remember her as "The Nightingale of the Hills".

Information and Photo Courtesy - Mr. Supreet Lama (Son of Late Aruna Lama)
Source: http://darjeelingnews.net/aruna_lama.html