Kathmandu: The 116th birth anniversary of Mahakavi Laxmi Prasad Devkota, a monumental figure in Nepali literature, is being commemorated today through various events both domestically and internationally. Born in 1966 BS on the occasion of Krishna Aunsi, also known as Laxmi Puja, in Dillibazar, Kathmandu, Devkota is revered as a multi-faceted literary genius, celebrated for his profound contributions as a poet, playwright, scholar, and novelist.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Devkota, who holds the esteemed title of Mahakavi or ‘The Great Poet’ in Nepali literature, is renowned for his works such as “Muna Madan,” “Sulochana,” “Kunjini,” and “Shakuntala.” His remarkable ability to compose intricate literary pieces in a short span is well-documented, as evidenced by the creation of the epic “Shakuntala” in three months, “Sulochana” in ten days, and the long narrative poem “Kunjini” in a single day. Devkota’s literary journey began at the tender age of ten, and his prolific output includes over 100 li
terary works spanning various genres, from epics to essays and narratives.
Devkota is credited with pioneering modern epics in Nepali literature, with his magnum opus “Munamadan” holding the distinction of being the best-selling Nepali book to date. His writings, characterized by romanticism, humanism, and revolutionary ideas, showcase a unique blend of Eastern and Western philosophical influences. Fluent in over a dozen languages, including Nepali, Sanskrit, English, and Hindi, Devkota played a pivotal role in introducing Nepali literature to a global audience through translations and international engagements.
In 1997 BS, Devkota published “Prasiddha Prabandha Sangraha,” a collection of essays by 15 renowned foreign writers, translated into Nepali. His tenure as Education Minister in 2016 BS saw Nepali language becoming a mandatory subject in Nepal’s curricula, and he was instrumental in the establishment of the Nepal Academy. Despite his passing in September 2016 BS, Devkota’s legacy endures, with a week
-long programme organized to honor his birth anniversary, culminating in today’s nationwide celebrations.
Source: National News Agency Nepal