Noted musician and writer Ganesh Rasik passes way

By Prem Adhikari,Ilam, June 2: Senior literary figure Ganesh Rasik passed away on Sunday while undergoing treatment.

 He had been receiving treatment for prostate cancer at Nepal Cancer Hospital in Harisiddhi, Lalitpur. He breathed his last at 11 am on Sunday.  He was 78. 

His mortal remains have been kept at the  TU Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu. 

According to Bhuwan Raj Dhungana, District Coordinator of the Ganesh Rasik Foundation, the final rites will be performed only after the arrival of his daughter, Nirja Rasik, from the United Kingdom. 

Rasik’s wife, Mira Rasik, and son, Nimesh Rasik, passed away earlier.

Rasik was born to father Narottam Rai and mother Ratna Maya Rai in Chhinamakhu,Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality-2, Bhojpur, on September 20, 1947.

In 1995,  he moved to Ilam and had been living permanently in Ramephok, Suryodaya Municipality-9. 

In 2007, he established Radio Fikkal under his leadership, intending to develop communication in the region. 

Jay Rai, the station manager of the radio, expressed deep sorrow over Rasik’s demise, stating that it is a great loss to Fikkal FM and everyone connected to it. The radio is still in operation, with Rasik remaining its chairman until his death.

After the death of his wife Mira, Rasik, disheartened, moved to Kathmandu five years ago. 

He used to say, “Born in Bhojpur, worked in Kathmandu, settled in Suryodaya, wherever I went, the question of return would arise. I belong nowhere.”

Rasik began his musical journey nearly five decades ago. He made his mark as a lyricist, singer, composer, poet, writer, essayist, and travelogue author. 

His notable publications include Sarangibitra Katha Sangraha, Ganesh Rasikka Geet, Aakash Gangako Otmuni, Dashgajama Ubhiayer, and Jaba Sisnoharu Tekdai Hide, among others, spanning stories, poems, essays, and travelogues.

Some of his popular songs include patriotic and folk numbers like Hatne Hoina Dati Ladne Nepali Ko Bani Huncha, Tarai Hera Kati Ramro Hariyo Ban Hunale, Mero Tauko Sano Chha, Yo Tauko Bishal Desh Chha, and Rato Bhale . Some of his creations have also been included in school curricula.

During his lifetime, Rasik held prestigious roles including Chairperson and General Manager of Ratna Recording Sasthan and Sajha Publications, General Manager of the Sanskritik Sansthan, and Member Secretary of the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama.

 He also founded the Ganesh Rasik Foundation in Ilam and served as its founding chairperson.

District Coordinator Bhuwanraj Dhungana said that Ilam is in mourning due to Rasik’s passing and said that efforts will be made to continue the foundation’s work in consultation with his daughter Nirja.

Ran Bahadur Rai, Mayor of Suryodaya Municipality, expressed his condolences, saying that Rasik’s demise is a great loss not only to Suryodaya but to the entire nation.