Kathmandu: The Modern Kanya Multiple College, Kathmandu, today organized a program marking the 117th birth anniversary of veteran poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota, revered as the Mahakavi (Great Poet) in Nepali literature. Highlighting the personality of the late Devkota, the speakers at the program described him as an extraordinary literary figure, not only in Nepali but also in global literature.
According to National News Agency Nepal, senior litterateur Rochak Ghimire, who attended the program as the chief guest, stated, “Devkota’s creations deeply reflect the essence and presence of humanity, love for nature, and revolution. His works have played an instrumental role in enriching the Nepali literary firmament on the international stage.” Literary figures Dr. Ram Prasad Dahal, Dinesh Raj Panta, and Ramesh Mohan Bhattarai discussed various dimensions of Devkota’s oeuvres, which include poetry, essays, epic, and critique.
Students of the college participated by reciting some of the Mahakavi’s famous poems, such as “Pagal” and “Muna Madan.” Devkota was born on the day of Laxmi Puja at Dillibazar, Kathmandu, in 1966 BS, and began writing poetry at the age of 10. He is credited with making a substantial contribution to the global promotion of the Nepali language and literature by translating Nepali works into foreign languages and representing Nepal at various international forums.
In 1997 BS, he published the “Prasiddha Prabandha Sangraha” (Collection of Well-Known Essays), featuring the works of fifteen prose writers of English literature, including Francis Bacon and Charles Lamb.