Dr. Banira Giri: Biography, Education, Major Works and Contributions

Dr. Banira Giri was a Nepali poet, novelist, essayist, and university professor. She is recognized as the first Nepali woman to earn a Ph.D. from Tribhuvan University. Through her poetry, novels, essays, and travel writing, she contributed to modern Nepali literature.

Born in Kurseong in the Darjeeling district of India, Giri pursued higher education in Nepal. She taught Nepali literature for many years at Padmakanya Campus under Tribhuvan University. In 2042 BS, she earned her Ph.D. through research on the poetry of Gopal Prasad Rimal.

Her major literary works include Euta Euta Jiundo Jung Bahadur, Jeevan Thaymaru, Mero Avishkar, Karagar, Nirbandha, and Shabdatit Shantanu. She received the Sajha Puraskar for her novel Shabdatit Shantanu, published in 2056 BS. She was the first woman writer to receive this literary award.

Giri's literary works explore human existence, women's experiences and consciousness, social relationships, the passage of time, and symbolic expression. Her involvement in academic research and university teaching alongside creative writing was another significant aspect of her career.

Banira Giri: Quick Facts

Differences in Records of Her Birth Date

Available records do not agree on Banira Giri's date of birth.

The United States Library of Congress records her birth date as April 11, 1946. An obituary published by The Annapurna Express in 2021 also gives the same date.

However, a biography written by Narendra Raj Prasai and published by the Banira Foundation and Nai Academy records her birth date as Baisakh 13, 2001 BS.

Since these dates do not correspond, it is important to identify the source when mentioning her date of birth. The sources agree that she was born in Kurseong, Darjeeling.

Birth, Family, and Childhood

Banira Giri was born in Kurseong in the Darjeeling district of India. Her father was Indra Raj Giri, and her mother was Janaki Devi Giri.

According to a biography written by Narendra Raj Prasai, she was the youngest of six children in her family. Her naming-ceremony name was Satyadevi.

Giri spent her childhood in the Nepali-speaking cultural setting of Kurseong. From an early age, she was interested in education, poetry, and literary activities.

She received her early education at Scott Mission School in Kurseong, where she studied up to Grade 6. She subsequently enrolled at St. Joseph's School.

According to Prasai's biography, her mother, Janaki Devi, died when Giri was seven years old. After her mother's death, her father played an important role in her upbringing and education.

Following her father's wishes, she continued her studies in science. However, her father died before she could take the final examination for her Intermediate of Science (I.Sc.) qualification. Despite family and financial difficulties, she continued her education.

Later, while pursuing her bachelor's degree, she taught at a school and also provided additional lessons to students.

By continuing her studies alongside teaching, she was able to pursue higher education.

Education and Higher Studies

Banira Giri completed her school education and bachelor's degree in India. She subsequently moved to Nepal to pursue postgraduate studies in Nepali literature.

School and Bachelor's Education in India

Giri received her formal schooling in Kurseong. After completing school, she pursued Intermediate of Science studies.

She later shifted to the humanities and continued her education at the bachelor's level. In 2022 BS, she graduated from the University of North Bengal.

In addition to her formal education, she was interested in literary writing. During her school years, she participated in poetry competitions and edited a wall magazine titled Mutu.

Arrival in Nepal and Postgraduate Studies

In 2022 BS, Giri visited Kathmandu to participate in a poetry festival organized by the then Royal Nepal Academy.

According to the biography published by Nai Academy, she secured second place in the festival.

While receiving her award, she expressed her wish to pursue a master's degree in Nepali literature to the then King Mahendra.

A scholarship was subsequently arranged, allowing her to study Nepali at the postgraduate level at Tribhuvan University.

After completing her M.A. in Nepali literature, she entered university teaching. She later earned a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree from Tribhuvan University.

Ph.D. and Academic Achievements

Banira Giri earned her Ph.D. in Nepali literature from Tribhuvan University in 2042 BS.

Her doctoral dissertation was titled Gopal Prasad Rimalka Kavyama Swachchhandatavad (Romanticism in the Poetry of Gopal Prasad Rimal).

In this research, she examined the poetic characteristics of Gopal Prasad Rimal, a poet and playwright associated with modern Nepali literature.

With the completion of her doctorate, Giri became the first Nepali woman to receive a Ph.D. from Tribhuvan University.

This academic achievement is also documented in the United States Library of Congress records and Michael J. Hutt's Himalayan Voices: An Introduction to Modern Nepali Literature.

Her doctorate represents a significant achievement in the history of women's participation in advanced literary studies and academic research in Nepal.

Teaching Career and Educational Contributions

Banira Giri spent a substantial part of her professional life teaching Nepali literature at the university level.

According to the biography published by Nai Academy, she began teaching at Padmakanya Campus in Kathmandu in 2025 BS.

She also taught at Lalit Kala Campus for some time.

While working as a university teacher, she completed her postgraduate studies in education and doctoral research in Nepali literature.

Alongside her teaching responsibilities, she continued writing poetry, novels, and essays.

Her ability to pursue creative writing and academic research simultaneously was an important characteristic of her professional life.

Beginning of Her Literary Career

Banira Giri's literary career began during her school years.

She wrote poetry and participated in literary competitions from an early age. While studying at school, she also edited a literary wall magazine.

According to the biography published by Nai Academy, her poem Mero Sathi Bhanchha was published in 2020 BS in Diyo, a literary magazine published from Darjeeling.

Following this publication, her writings began appearing in literary magazines and periodicals in Nepal and India.

Her first book, Euta Euta Jiundo Jung Bahadur, was published in 2031 BS.

She subsequently continued writing across several literary genres, including poetry, novels, essays, and travel writing.

Major Poetry Works of Banira Giri

Poetry occupies an important place in Banira Giri's literary career. Her poems explore human life, time, history, social relationships, and women's experiences.

1. Euta Euta Jiundo Jung Bahadur (2031 BS)

Euta Euta Jiundo Jung Bahadur (एउटा एउटा जिउँदो जङ्गबहादुर) was Giri's first poetry collection. It was published in 2031 BS.

The title refers to Jung Bahadur Rana, a historical figure in Nepal.

The collection's title poem can be examined as a symbolic expression of power, dominance, and authoritarian tendencies within society.

This collection marked the beginning of Giri's career as a published book author.

2. Jeevan Thaymaru (2034 BS)

Jeevan Thaymaru (जीवन थाय्मरु) is a poetry collection published in 2034 BS.

Its poems address human life, existence, and social experiences.

Poems from this collection are included in the Library of Congress's South Asian Literary Recordings Project.

Records maintained by the Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya also confirm that the first edition was published by Sajha Prakashan in 2034 BS.

3. Mero Avishkar (2041 BS)

Mero Avishkar (मेरो आविष्कार) is a poetic work published in 2041 BS.

Giri preferred to describe this work as atmakavya, or autobiographical poetry.

The work presents personal experiences, reflections on life, and questions of human existence through poetic expression.

In Himalayan Voices, Michael J. Hutt describes the work as a structure of poetic sections based on subjective experience.

An English edition titled My Discovery has also been published.

4. Kathmandu Kathmandu (2068 BS)

Kathmandu Kathmandu (काठमाडौँ काठमाडौँ) is a poetry collection published in 2068 BS.

Kathmandu's social setting and experiences of urban life are among the subjects reflected in Giri's poetry.

Michael J. Hutt also observes that her poems about Kathmandu express both an attraction to the city and a critical perspective on it.

Her poems concerning Kathmandu can be studied in relation to urban life, social change, and human experiences.

Major Novels of Banira Giri

Banira Giri also contributed to Nepali fiction. Her three major novels are Karagar, Nirbandha, and Shabdatit Shantanu.

1. Karagar (2035 BS)

Karagar (कारागार) is a novel by Giri published in 2035 BS.

The novel explores women's social circumstances, personal relationships, the desire for freedom, and psychological conflict.

The tension between established social expectations and individual aspirations is an important aspect of the novel's literary interpretation.

In his critical study titled Karagar Upanyasma Nari Chetana (Women's Consciousness in the Novel Karagar), Santosh Kumar Kafle examines the work through women's social circumstances, resistance, identity, and patriarchal relationships.

According to the Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya records, the first edition of Karagar was published by Sajha Prakashan in 2035 BS.

2. Nirbandha (2042 BS)

Nirbandha (निर्बन्ध) is a novel published in 2042 BS.

The novel explores women's independent existence, family relationships, and established social norms.

Both Karagar and Nirbandha can be studied comparatively through the psychology of female characters and their social relationships.

The conflict between individual freedom and social structures is an important subject of literary analysis in these works.

3. Shabdatit Shantanu (2056 BS)

Shabdatit Shantanu (शब्दातीत शान्तनु) is a novel by Giri published in 2056 BS.

The work employs poetic language and a narrative style.

The Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya classifies it as a novel. According to its records, the first edition was published by Sajha Prakashan.

Giri received the Sajha Puraskar for this novel in 2056 BS.

She became the first woman writer to receive the Sajha Puraskar.

Essay and Travel Writing

In addition to poetry and novels, Banira Giri published works in the genres of essays and travel writing.

Parvatko Arko Naun Parvati (2067 BS)

Parvatko Arko Naun Parvati (पर्वतको अर्को नाउँ पार्वती) is an essay collection published in 2067 BS.

The collection represents one aspect of her prose writing.

Jangal Jangal (2069 BS)

Jangal Jangal (जङ्गल जङ्गल) is an essay collection published in 2069 BS.

It is among the prose works associated with the later phase of her literary career.

Rokinele Aakar Dina Sakdaina (2071 BS)

Rokinele Aakar Dina Sakdaina (रोकिनेले आकार दिन सक्तैन) is a work of travel writing published in 2071 BS.

According to the Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya records, its first edition was published by Ratna Pustak Bhandar in Jestha 2071 BS.

The library classifies this work under the travel-writing genre.

List of Major Published Works by Banira Giri

Based on available records from the Banira Foundation, Nai Academy, and Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya, her major Nepali-language publications include the following works.

Apart from these books, her individual poems, essays, and other writings appeared in various literary journals, magazines, and collections.

Works Published in English

Banira Giri's literary works reached readers of English and other languages.

The Banira Foundation's bibliography lists the following books with English titles.

According to the United States Library of Congress, Giri's poems were also included in literary anthologies in Hindi, Urdu, English, Japanese, and other languages.

Participation in International Literary Events

Banira Giri participated in international literary conferences and programs as a representative of Nepali literature.

Afro-Asian Young Writers' Conference

Giri represented Nepal at the Afro-Asian Young Writers' Conference held in Tashkent in the former Soviet Union.

According to the biography published by Nai Academy, she led the Nepali delegation at the conference.

Michael J. Hutt's Himalayan Voices also mentions her participation in the young writers' conference in Tashkent and other international literary events.

Recognition in Japan

In 1997, the Japan Foundation Asia Center presented Giri with the Takeshi Kaiko Memorial Award.

According to the United States Library of Congress, she received this recognition in connection with solo poetry readings organized in three major Japanese cities.

Awards and Honors

Banira Giri received various awards and honors for her literary writing, research, and academic contributions.

The biography published by Nai Academy mentions several recognitions, including the Sajha Puraskar, Mahendra Vidya Bhushan, Gorkha Dakshina Bahu, Ratnashree Gold Medal, Lokpriya Devi Award, Bhanubhakta Award, Mahakavi Devkota Award, and Madhuparka Award.

Among these honors, she received the Sajha Puraskar in 2056 BS for her novel Shabdatit Shantanu.

Vishwanari Ratna of Nepali Literature

In 2071 BS, Giri was honored with the title Nepali Sahityaka Vishwanari Ratna (World Woman Jewel of Nepali Literature).

The honor was presented by the then Prime Minister Sushil Koirala at a program organized by Trimurti Niketan in coordination with Nai Academy.

A ceremonial chariot procession was also held in her honor on the occasion.

The recognition acknowledged her contributions to literature and academic scholarship.

Banira Giri's Contributions to Nepali Literature

Banira Giri's contributions extend across poetry, novels, essays, academic research, and university teaching.

Her literary works explore human existence, social relationships, women's experiences, and the use of cultural symbols.

Contribution to Modern Nepali Poetry

Giri's poetry employs intellectual expression, symbolism, imagery, and social consciousness.

In Himalayan Voices, Michael J. Hutt analyzes her poetic style as intellectual and symbolic.

Her poems frequently draw on time, history, and mythological references.

In particular, Hutt's study discusses the symbolic presentation of time and the transience of human life in poems such as Samaya Timi Sadhainko Vijeta (Time, You Are Always the Victor).

Women's Consciousness and Social Relationships

Giri's literary works raise questions about women's social circumstances, personal identity, and freedom.

Her novels Karagar and Nirbandha can be studied through the psychology of female characters and their relationships with society.

Her poetry also incorporates experiences and imagery associated with women's lives.

Hutt observes that a feminist perspective is clearly expressed in some of her poems.

Symbolism and Experimental Writing

Banira Giri's writing is characterized by its use of historical and mythological references in relation to contemporary social experiences.

Her poems present questions concerning time, history, society, and human life through symbolic expression.

The relationship between ideas and emotions, along with her use of language, is among the distinguishing features of her poetry.

Academic Research and Teaching

Alongside creative writing, Giri contributed to the formal study and research of Nepali literature.

She completed doctoral research focusing on the poetry of Gopal Prasad Rimal.

Becoming the first Nepali woman to earn a Ph.D. from Tribhuvan University was a historical achievement in her academic career.

Her teaching at Padmakanya Campus and other educational institutions was another important aspect of her literary and educational contributions.

Banira Foundation and Museum

The Banira Foundation was established to preserve and support the study of Banira Giri's life, literary works, and related records.

According to the foundation's official records, the organization was registered at the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, on Jestha 23, 2076 BS.

The foundation was established through the initiative and patronage of her husband, Engineer Shankar Giri.

Its objectives include literary studies, research, publications, preservation of records, and recognition of creative contributors in different fields.

Banira Museum

The Banira Foundation's building and museum were established in the Minbhawan area of Kathmandu.

The building and museum were inaugurated on Baisakh 20, 2079 BS. A life-size statue of Banira Giri was also unveiled on the same occasion.

The museum preserves her literary works, records, and materials associated with her life.

Literary Awards Established by the Foundation

The Banira Foundation has established various awards to recognize contributions to literary writing, research, and other fields.

The foundation's official website lists the following awards:

• Banira Prajna Puraskar

• Banira Shankar Puraskar

• Banira Puraskar

• Banira Shodh Puraskar

• Banira Kriti Puraskar

• Banira Kirti Puraskar

These awards are associated with recognizing contributions in different fields and supporting literary studies and research.

Personal Life and Death

Banira Giri was married to Engineer Shankar Giri. The couple had one son and one daughter.

Biographical sources mention that her husband supported her literary and academic career.

In the later years of her life, Giri was affected by Alzheimer's disease.

She died in Kathmandu on the night of Sunday, Jestha 9, 2078 BS (May 23, 2021).

According to contemporary news reports, she was taken to Civil Service Hospital following a suspected heart attack. She had also previously tested positive for COVID-19.

A report published by Kantipur on May 24, 2021, stated that she died on Sunday night. An obituary published by The Annapurna Express also recorded her date of death as May 23, 2021.

Literary Legacy of Banira Giri

Banira Giri's literary legacy is preserved through her published works, academic research, teaching career, and literary records.

Her poems and novels provide material for studying human existence, women's consciousness, social relationships, and symbolic expression in modern Nepali literature.

She pursued creative writing and formal academic research alongside each other.

Her recognition as the first Nepali woman to earn a Ph.D. from Tribhuvan University and the first woman writer to receive the Sajha Puraskar connects her achievements with the history of Nepali literature.

The publication of her writings in different languages, participation in international literary events, and establishment of a literary foundation and museum in her name provide a basis for the continued preservation and study of her works.

References

1. Library of Congress. Banira Giri – The South Asian Literary Recordings Project.

2. Banira Foundation. Biography of Banira Giri. Written by Narendra Raj Prasai.

3. Banira Foundation. Literary Works of Banira Giri.

4. Nai Academy. Banira Giri: Biography and Literary Contributions. Written by Narendra Raj Prasai.

5. Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya. Shabdatit Shantanu: Book Record.

6. Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya. Karagar: Book Record.

7. Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya. Jeevan Thaymaru: Book Record.

8. Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya. Rokinele Aakar Dina Sakdaina: Book Record.

9. Hutt, Michael J. (Ed.). Himalayan Voices: An Introduction to Modern Nepali Literature. University of California Press, 1991.

10. Kafle, Santosh Kumar. Women's Consciousness in the Novel Karagar. Samakalin Sahitya, 2020.

11. Kantipur. Writer Banira Giri Passes Away. May 24, 2021.

12. The Annapurna Express. Obituary: Banira Giri — Blazing a Poetic Trail from Kurseong to Kathmandu. May 25, 2021.

13. Banira Foundation. Establishment of the Banira Foundation.

14. Banira Foundation. Awards Established by the Banira Foundation.

15. Gorkhapatra. Banira Prajna Puraskar Awarded to Kali Prasad Rijal. Baisakh 2079 BS.