64th Birat Nepal Bhasa Sahitya Sammelan Concludes in Ram Mandir, Bhaktapur
The Birat Nepal Bhasa Sahitya Sammelan Guthi successfully held the 64th Birat Nepal Bhasa Sahitya Sammelan at Ram Mandir, Bhaktapur. The annual literary event, traditionally organized on the day of Dwadashi, honored Birat Poorn Vaidya Sirpa recipient Motilaxmi Shakya with a cash prize of one lakh rupees, presented by Prof. Chunda Vajracharya.
Book Launch and Commemorative Publication
During the event, “Mhuchingu Lha” (A Clenched Fist) — a short story collection by Shyam Asha — and a memorial book dedicated to the late scholar, educationist, and Buddhist intellectual Tri Ratna Shakya were jointly launched. The books were unveiled by Prof. Vajracharya, Guthi Chairperson Mahendra Gopal Karmaacharya, award recipient Shakya, donor Mira Shakya Vaidya, and other dignitaries.
Recalling history, Prof. Vajracharya mentioned that since the Panchayat era, when linguistic suppression began, the Birat Guthi had been actively defending the rights and identity of the Newar community.
Literary and Musical Presentations
Around twenty writers from the Kathmandu Valley participated in the literary competition. Senior singers Satyanarayan Manandhar, Harisundar Lakhe, and Pradeep Shakya performed musical presentations during the program.
The first, second, and third winners of the literary competition were awarded certificates of honor along with cash prizes.
Student Recognition and Guthi’s Commitment
As in previous years, the award for the student securing the highest marks in the Nepal Bhasa subject in the SEE examinations will be presented to Fida Khatun of Jagatsundar Bwonekuthi.
On the occasion, Chairperson Mahendra Gopal Karmaacharya emphasized that the Birat Guthi continues to advocate vigilance to ensure that the linguistic and cultural rights already achieved are not curtailed under the name of change.
Bhaktapur