Kathmandu: The 43rd Memorial Day of BP Koirala, Nepal’s first elected Prime Minister, is being observed today with a series of programs reflecting on his significant contributions to the nation’s political, literary, and social landscapes.
According to National News Agency Nepal, BP Koirala, born on Bhadra 24, 1971 BS, passed away on Saun 6, 2039 BS. He was a pivotal figure in the founding of the Nepali Congress and was known for advocating the principles of ‘nationality, democracy, and socialism’ as well as ‘national reconciliation.’ Koirala became Nepal’s first elected Prime Minister in Jestha 2016 BS following the parliamentary elections of 2015 BS.
Apart from his political legacy, Koirala left a lasting impact on Nepali literature. As a pioneer of psychological realism, he authored over a dozen works, including well-known titles like ‘Tin Ghumti,’ ‘Modi Aayin,’ ‘Hitler Ra Yehudi,’ ‘Sumnima,’ and ‘Narendradai.’
During his tenure, Koirala initiated land reforms aimed at abolishing the birta system and ad
vocated for land ownership by the tillers. However, his government was overthrown on 1 Poush, 2017 BS, leading to his imprisonment alongside other leaders at Singhadarbar and later at Sundarijal jail.
Released for health reasons in 2025 BS, Koirala spent eight years in exile in India. He returned to Nepal on 16 Poush, 2033 BS with a policy of national unity and reconciliation, recognizing the weakening of nationality during his time in exile.
The Sundarijal Prison, which once held the Prime Minister and other government officials, has since been converted into the BP Museum, showcasing significant artifacts from Koirala’s life. The museum also houses a tanker used in the 2007 BS revolution and a plane from Nepal Airlines Corporation hijacked by the Nepali Congress in 2029 to fundraise for the revolution.
In commemoration of BP Memorial Day, various programs are being organized by the Nepali Congress, its sister organizations, and the BP Museum Management Committee, as stated by Krishna Prasad Paudel, Chief
Secretary of the NC Central Office, to the RSS. Additionally, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has arranged a program to award the BP Koirala National Prize, according to BP Museum’s Archeological Officer Bhisma Baskota.