KATHMANDU: The 67th memorial day of Mahakabi Laxmi Prasad Devkota, one of the towering figures of Nepali literature, is being observed today with various programmes.
The Nepal Academy is observing Devkota’s memorial day for the first time, according to Academic Council member Nabin Abhilashi. He said a seminar on “Mahakavi Devkota: Myth and Reality” is being held this afternoon at the Mahakavi Devkota Museum in Maitidevi. During the programme, his son, Padma Devkota, will present a memorial paper, while Mahadev Awasthi will present a review paper.
Mahakavi Devkota was born on 27 Kartik 1966 BS, on Kartik Krishna Aunsi (Laxmi Puja), in Dillibazar, Kathmandu. He passed away on 29 Bhadra 2016 BS.
Devkota began writing poetry at the age of 10 and went on to produce a wide range of literary works, including epics, short stories, essays, plays, novels, songs, literary criticism, and occasional poems. He contributed more than a hundred works to Nepali literature and helped introduce Nepali literary creations to the international community.
His Muna Madan, which marked a significant development in modern epic writing in Nepali literature, remains one of the best-selling books published in the Nepali language.
A pioneer of the liberal-progressive tradition in Nepali literature, Devkota’s writings reflect humanism, love for nature, and revolutionary ideas. His works also demonstrate a synthesis of Eastern and Western philosophical traditions.
Comment