Bhanu Jayanti: Speaker lauds role of Bhanubhakta in raising literary consciousness

Kathmandu, July 13

Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has said Bhanubhakta Acharya, the pioneer poet of the Nepali language, literature and culture, was not just a poet but a voice of the Nepali soul. During his address to a programme organised by the Bhanu Pratishthan at Nepal Academy today, marking the 213th birth anniversary of the legendary poet, the Speaker called Bhanubhakta a national luminary, a symbol of Nepali literary consciousness and a prominent representative of the people.

He said the Adikavi (Pioneer Poet) laid the foundation of Nepali literary consciousness and played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of the Nepali language. “He proved that literature is not merely the concern of the intellectual community, but something that lies in the hearts of the people,” the Speaker said.

According to him, Bhanubhakta introduced the public to religion, philosophy, policies and ideology by translating the Ramayana into the Nepali language. “The writings of the pioneer poet brought the Nepali language into every household, raised awareness among the people, and strengthened our cultural unity,” he added. The Nepali language has served as a unifying force not only within Nepal but also among all Nepalis living abroad.

Bhanubhakta gave us the Ramayana, and through it, Nepali literature gained an epic that continues to inspire generations to this day,” he said. The Speaker stressed the need for everyone to commit themselves to further enriching the Nepali language and literature in recognition of the immense contribution of Bhanubhakta. The path of simplicity, clarity, and closeness to the people pioneered by Bhanubhakta remains equally relevant today, he said, emphasising that the younger generation should be encouraged to develop a passion for the Nepali language and literature, creativity and innovation.

He was of the view that Bhanubhakta’s ideology should be adopted according to the needs of the time and adopted in our lives accordingly. On the occasion, litterateurs Maheshwar Sharma and Dr Anna M. Stir were honoured by being given a chariot ride for their contribution to the field of Nepali literature.