Monday, Nov 16, 2026 04:30 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Nov 15, 2026 22:57 [IST]
GANGTOK,: The Nepali Sahitiya Parishad (NSP), Sikkim, celebrated the 117th
birth anniversary of Maha Kavi Laxmi Prasad Devkota at NSP Sikkim Bhavan here
on Sunday.
The programme
was chaired by NSP Sikkim president Hari Dhungel and attended by Professor
Pushpa Sharma as the chief guest, with Padma Shri Naren Gurung as the guest of
honour. Professor Rudra Poudyal, CP Dhakal, DR Nepal, former MLAs BN Ramudamu
and EM Prasad Sharma were among the special guests.
Addressing the
gathering, chief guest Professor Pushpa Sharma highlighted the literary
contributions and life of Maha Kavi Devkota. She noted that despite his
relatively short literary career, Devkota made an extraordinary contribution to
Nepali literature, producing 12 mahakavyas, along with numerous poems and prose
works. Of these 12 mahakavyas, only two were published during his lifetime,
while the remaining works were published posthumously.
She observed
that Devkota's mahakavyas, which explore mythology, history and humanity,
continue to hold relevance in contemporary times. His literary contributions
extended across Nepali, English and Sanskrit, reflecting his remarkable
literary versatility. She also highlighted the simplicity, humility and
grounded nature of his writings, which continue to inspire readers and admirers
across generations.
Professor
Sharma also appreciated the interactive session organised as part of the
celebration, particularly the active participation of young people. She
commended the panelists for their insightful perspectives on Devkota's literary
works and expressed confidence in the potential of the younger generation to
take Nepali literature to greater heights.
Earlier, an
interactive session on the theme ‘Nepali Literature: Modernity and Devkota’ was
organised as part of the programme. The session was moderated by Mandira Raut,
with NB Ghimirey, Pramil Theeng and Simeyon Sukita Rai participating as
panelists.
The programme
also featured poetry recitations by Renuka Nepal, Samson Gurung, Stuti Kafley
and Narmada Mangar.
Four books and
publications were released during the celebration. These included the 22nd
edition of the literary magazine ‘Phurbadhar’ by Tika Dhungel, ‘Padam Prakash’
and ‘Sahaj Geeta’ by Khushen Timsina, the novel ‘Thuli’ by TP Singh, and ‘Bihyog’
by Chewan Koirala.
The
celebration commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by the
offering of a silver scarf to the portrait of Maha Kavi Laxmi Prasad Devkota by
the chief guest and other dignitaries.
