Bhim Birahi Rai’s poem awarded at the National Poetry festival

By Nisha Rai, Dharan, Nov. 6: Bhim Birahi Rai of Sunsari won first place at the 32nd National Poetry Festival 2023 and the Kavi Bimal Gurung Kriti Puraskar 2022 ceremony organised by the Bimal Gurung Memorial Library in Dharan.

His poem ‘Phila Ma Maru Ya Mero Desh’ which he penned while reminiscing about his love for the country during his time in the military, earned him the top position in the competition.

 Elisa Eklas of Kathmandu secured the second position with her poem ‘Bewarise Prashna’ and Sandhya Singhjango Subba of Darjeeling claimed the third spot with ‘Antim Ladai.

Jasraj Kirati, a senior poet and writer, awarded them with a cash prize of Rs. 21,000, Rs. 18,000, and Rs.15, 000 receptively, along with certificates. 

Out of the 74 submitted poems for the competition, 10 poems made it to the final round.  The event commemorated the 52nd birth anniversary of poet Bimal Gurung from Dharan. Among the 74 poems received for the National Poetry Competition, the best 10 poems were selected. 

Likewise, the ‘Kavi Bimal Gurung Kriti Award’ worth Rs. 200,000  granted by the Kavi Bimal Gurung Library, was jointly conferred as the ‘Bimal Gurung Kriti Puraskar 2079’ on the two notable works: Kavi Chandra Gurung’s poetry collection titled ‘Jaba Yeuta Manchhe Harauchha’ and Bijay Bantwa's prose collection ‘Mityangsa’. These accomplished writers were honoured by senior poet and author Jasraj Kirati, who presented them with certificates, and cash prize.

In response to the call for submissions for the Bimal Kriti Award, a total of 101 works were received from Nepali-speaking writers, both within the country and abroad. 

After a thorough evaluation, the selection committee identified the top 21 works, among which these two exceptional pieces were chosen for the prestigious award, it was informed in the programme.