Film on Bhagat Sarbajit Bishwokarma to be made

 By Phadindra Adhikari,Lekhnath, July 8: A film based on the biography of Bhagat Sarbajit Bishwokarma, the founding leader of the oppressed Dalit free movement in Nepal, is going to be produced. 

The Gandaki Provincial government has allocated Rs. 1 million in next year’s budget for this film.

Bhagat was born in 1893 in Ward Number -7 of Baglung Municipality. 

Man Kumar Shrestha, member secretary of the Gandaki Pragya Pratisthan, stated that the budget, allocated under the Gandaki Pragya Pratisthan, would fund the production of the film ‘Sarbajit’, for which the auspicious time was conducted in 2022.

Bhagat, known for his rebellious nature since childhood, moved to India to live with his father, who was employed there, and completed his Acharya degree.

 Govinda Bahadur Nepali, a member of the Gandaki Provincial Assembly, noted that Sarbajit Bhagat was the founder of the Dalit movement in Nepal.

 Nepali, also a human rights activist, added, "We proposed 2.5 million in aid to the Ministry of Social Development. The film's production has faced delays that must be resolved."

The film, produced by Dalit Mahila Kendra, was ceremonially initiated on June 4, 2022, at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwater.

 Director Dinesh DC confirmed that pre-production tasks such as location scouting and casting were completed, with shooting scheduled to commence next Baisakh (April).

 The film’s budget has been estimated at Rs. 12.5 million. “We have already selected shooting locations and cast members,” Director DC mentioned, emphasising the film's potential to combat caste discrimination and untouchability.

The movie will be shot in Baglung, Palpa, Pokhara, Kathmandu and Varanasi, India, featuring mostly new stage actors.

 The script was written by Rabin Acharya. 

Government support for the film has been delayed, despite initial commitments. Former Minister Prem Ale even donated five months’ salary to the project. 

Damayanti Ruchal Bhagat, a member of the Gandaki Provincial Assembly and rights activist, emphasised the importance of overcoming financial shortages and production delays for this historically significant biographical film.

Sarbajit Bhagat initiated the organised Dalit movement by establishing Bhiswo Sarvajan Sangh in 1940.

 Under his leadership, they demanded cash instead of customary offerings, opposed caste-based restrictions on various professions, and organised strikes.

 He established Bishwokarma, Primary School in his village in 1950.

 Bhagat, who faced imprisonment multiple times, passed away in 1955 while in exile in India at the age of 62. 

In honour of his contributions, various institutions have been established in Kathmandu, Baglung and Surkhet. 

The Bhagat Sarbajit Bishwokarma Foundation in Baglung, his birthplace, continues to commemorate his legacy through publications and artwork.