Platinium Jubilee of Basibiyalo Celebrated with Enthusiasm Galaxy of Nepali Literary Figures in Kalimpong

BY HIRA CHETTRI

Kalimpong 17 March : It was a memorable day in the history of Nepali literature on 14th of March, 2009 when the literary figures of Sikkim, Darjeeling, Dooars, Kurseong, Siliguri and Eastern Nepal thronged to Kalimpong and enjoyed the celebration of 75th episode of Basibiyalo, a monthly get-together of Nepali writers. On the occasion the renowned figures like C.K.Shrestha, who also happens to be the founder of this programme, Nar Bahadur Dahal, Mohan Thakuri, Sanker Deo Dhakal, BhawaniPrasad Sharma, Pradyumna Shrestha, Kedar Gurung, Upman Basnet, Sanker Pradhan and many others were present to grace the ceremony and share their literary works among the audiences which included the higher students of local educational institutions.

The programme was started with the reading of code of conduct (Aachar Samhita) of the Basibiyalo by one of the reputed writer of younger generation Sarita Samdarshi and followed by welcome address by Dr. Harka Bahadur Chhetri, Co-host of the programme. In his brief address Dr. Chhetri, who also happens to be a regular attendant of the programme, said that organisation of such programmes in a regular interval works like a refresher course for cross sections of the society. He termed the platform of Basibiyalo as the correctional home of the politicians as it reminds their duties and responsibilities when the politicians change their directions. C.K. Shrestha said that the Basibiyalo is not an organisation but a platform of the thoughts and feelings. He also suggested the future generation to keep themselves in readiness to hold the batton of the programme from present organisers.

In the programme Rageshri Kala Niketan, a local music institution, presented opening song penned by Samsher Ali, Chief Co-ordinator of the function. Madhusudan Lama, a versatile musician, presented his latest composed fold song while Madan Bhujel and Smt. Leela Joshi took part in a melodrama from Muna Madan. Mahendra Bagdas shared different humourous presentation on the occasion while P.C. Pradhan and Nirmala Pradhan sang the famous lyrics of Mahakavi Devkota “Ishwar Taile Rachera Pheri” and eight years old kid Yachna Chhetri recited the verse of late Dr. Parasmani Pradhan.

Main attraction of the function was felicitation of Nar Bahadur Dahal with the title of Gaun Bura (Village head) and Smt. Sanumati Rai by the organisers. Dahal and Rai also released one English and one Nepali book on the occasion.

The programme was jointly conducted by Subha Pradhan and Hira Chhetri which concluded at around 5 PM with the vote of thanks by Samsher Ali. The programme was televised live by Kalimpong Television (KTv) through local cable. Whole programme was dedicated to Mahakavi Laxmi Prasad Devkota on his birth centenary and it was attended among others by the representatives of various educational institutions, social organisations and Nepali literature lovers.

Next programme of Basibiyalo would be organised in a simple manner at Sub-divisional library as usual on the second Saturday which would be hosted by P.C. Pradhan.

Rongli my birthplace

BY SHITAL PRADHAN A small hamlet in an eastern side Silent raush on its way, The old silk route, More older it look Upon which I stay, Hey that’s Rongli, Rongli my birthplace Years went by, years dried up, Yet the small village is as it was, Silent, peaceful and introvert Today’s picture of Rongli, Houses as station bogie, Looks a cradle, from Chujachen, Upon which the blue sky, As if I can touch thee, Roaring River, As the legend we hear, Still watch with glee, The terror of 1890 somewhat forgotten, Yet another terrorizing moment, 68 was the year… 1968, When sky too wasn’t pleased. That was Rongli, Rongli of the past. Playing along the Baar-Pepal tree, Hiding in the Shivalaya, Watching videos and aloft Is a decent memory, now? Sweet time in treasure, Yet when I am in Rongli, I am happy, in whither sweet. Rongli my birthplace !

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