Lekhnath paudyal biography channel
PART ONE
THE POETS OF NEPAL
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Nepali Poetry
Poetry is the richest genre of twentieth-century Nepali literature. Although the short story has developed strongly, the drama holds its ground in the face of fierce competition from the cinema, and the novel is increasingly popular, almost every Nepali writer composes poetry. Since the appearance of Sharada , Nepali poetry has become diverse and sophisticated. The poets I have selected for inclusion represent different stages and strands of this development, and I have attempted to present them in an order that reflects the chronology of literary change. The direction that this process of evolution has taken should be clear from the introduction to individual poets and the translations of their poems. Here, a few general comments are offered by way of introduction.
Lekhnath Paudyal, Balkrishna Sama, and Lakshmiprasad Devkota were undoubtedly the founders of twentieth-century Nepali poetry, and each was a distinctly different poet. Lekhnath was the supreme exponent of meter, alliteration, and melody and the first to perfect the art of formal composition in Nepali. His impact on poets contemporary with him was powerful, eventually producing a kind of "school." Although his influence has waned, this school retains some notable members. Sama was primarily a dramatist, but his poems were also important. He began as a disciple of Lekhnath but later rebelled against the restraints of conventional forms with the same vigor that he brought to his opposition to Rana autocracy. Sama's compositions are colored by sensitivity, intellectualism, and clarity, and because of his role as a social reformer and the accessibility of his work, he is still highly respected. Both Lekhnath
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and Sama were deliberate, methodical craftsmen and masters of particular modes of poetic composition, but the erratic genius of Lakshmiprasad Devkota brought an entirely new tone and spirit to Nepali poetry. Early in his career, h A compilation of poet Lekhnath Paudyal’s work, Kavi Shiromani Rachanawali, is slated to hit the shelves this week. The compilation includes all of the poet’s published work, with some of previously unpublished works as well. Paudyal (1885-1966) is considered the pioneer of modern Nepali poetry. His published work include Varsha Vichara, Ritu Bichara, Buddhi Vinod, Satya Kali Sabaad, and Taruna Tapasi, among others. The upcoming compilation, published by Publications Nepalaya, is edited by Professor Sanat Kumar Wasti. “It is unfortunate to realise that many important works of literature by legendary authors are not available in the market with ease,” said Kiran Krishna Shrestha of Nepalaya. “We believe such works need to be published. Such books will be published under our Nepalaya classics series.” Speaking about the publication, Dr Prativa Pandey, the granddaughter of the poet, shared, “I remember writer Jagadish Ghimire expressing his wish to see Baba’s work being published, so that Nepali households would keep them with reverence. His wish coupled with Professor Sanat Wasti’s initiative. And support from the family members along with members of Lekhnath Foundation have resulted in this publication.” The book’s release will coincide with the poet’s death anniversary. Kavi Shiromani Rachanawali comes as a set of five hardbound books with a price tag of Rs 6,975.
Nepalaya to publish ‘Kabi Shiromani Rachanawali’
KATHMANDU, Feb 17: ‘Kabi Shiromani Rachanawali’, a five volume compilation, which includes all the literary works of Kabi Shiromani Lekhnath Paudel is being published by Publication Nepalaya. Born in Arghaun Archale, a village east of Pokhara, Poet Lekhnath Paudel (1884-1966) is a towering icon of Nepali literature. He was honored with the title Kabi Shiromani. He is known for presenting complex poetry rich in traditional and classical precepts and philosophy in a simple and colloquial style.
The press statement released by Nepalaya said that Nepal’s revered poet, Mahakabi Laxmi Prasad Devkota, praised him as an ‘Academician of Saintly Imagination’. Even half a century after his death, few of his works remained unpublished. These previously unpublished works, as well as a collection of other published works, are presented in the book as a package.
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‘Kabi Shiromani Rachanawali’ to hit market
Works representing the evolution of Nepali literature are presented, to be cherished and enjoyed by readers now and in the future, read the press statement. The compilation is edited by Professor Sanat Kumar Wasti. His effort to collect, compile and present all the works by Paudel in a simple chronology is believed to help general readers to explore these works and attract new readers, stated the press statement.
The book is being released on February 19, which coincides with the Poet’s death anniversary. The value added limited edition of ‘Kabi Shiromani Rachanawali’ comes as a set of five hardbound books with a price tag of Rs 6,975.
Senior linguist Bal Krishna Pokharel has been awarded with this year’s Lekhnath Literary Award, amid a ceremony, held in Arghau Archale, Kaski, over the weekend. The event marked the 133rd birth anniversary of poet Lekhnath Poudyal.
The award which carried a cash purse of Rs 50, 000 was conferred to Pokharel jointly by vice-chancellor of Nepal Art Council Ganga Prasad Upreti, chairperson of Lekhnath Literary Academy, Padma Raj Dhakal, and granddaughter of Lekhnath Poudyal, Sudha Khakurel.
Speaking at the event, chairperson Dhakal said, “Pokharel’s contribution to language and literary scene in Nepal is very inspiring.” After receiving the award, Pokheral said, “We still need a lot of hard work and honesty in the field of Nepali language and literature.” Previous recipients of the award include Basudev Tripathi, Madan Mani Dixit, Dharma Raj Thapa, and Mukunda Sharan Upadhaya.
Sukra Raj Adhikari, coordinator of funds at Lekhnath Literary Academy, said, “It is an honour for the committee to confer this award to Pokharel, whose tireless contribution to Nepali language and literature is immeasurable.” Pokharel is the author of works such as a Nepali dictionary, Khas-Arya’s history, as well as poems in Magar language.
The ceremony which took place after the establishment of Lekhnath’s statue at Arghau Chowk also saw the inauguration of Tarun Tapaswi Park at Archale by Upreti and Pokharel.
The Birthplace Development Committee has constructed a park, museum and conference hall at the site. Literary figures present at the award ceremony also paid tribute to the poet by visiting the newly-insurrected museum that houses materials related to the poet’s life.
Meanwhile, at the event, the Lekhnath Journalism Committee awarded its first Journalism award to Meghraj Acharya. The ceremony also awarded many students with scholarships.