Senior writer Bhattarai feted

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, Sept. 3: The Nepalgunj-based Mahendra Library celebrated its 18th annual convention by honouring and awarding authors, and releasing a book.

During the programme, Madhuri-Badribikram Sewa Guthi feted Govinda Raj Bhattarai with 'Madhuri-Badribikram Memorial Literary Honour' along with a cash prize.

Bhattarai, who is a novelist, essayist, literary critic, linguist and translation consultant, has penned several works of fiction. He is also a retired professor of English.

Bhattarai was feted by Sanat Kumar Regmi, senior playwright and a former member-secretary of the Nepal Academy.

Bhattarai also released 'Vangmaya Jagat (Literary World)', the mouthpiece of Mahendra Library in the programme. He further gave a presentation on 'The role of literature in establishing social harmony'.

"Literature is the mirror of society. It plays an important role in maintaining harmony," said Bhattarai.

The convention was also attended by Lumbini Province's Agriculture Minister Bhandari Lal Yadav, Nepal Academy member Shashiram Karki and treasurer of Madhuri-Badribikram Sewa Guthi Kiran Thapa among others.

Mahendra Library's secretary Mani Aryal also presented an action plan regarding the library's operations in the programme.