'Alokmaya Surya' released

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 20: Transworld Publications has brought out an anthology on the personality and creative legacy of Panauti–based litterateur Suryaprasad Lakoju in Nepali.

Senior culture expert Hariram Joshi made the book public amid a crowded presence of literay figures organised by the Society of Suryodaya Ex-Students in Panauti, Kavre district recently.

Joshi opined that Lakoju is a selfless servant of letters. "His work serves as an inspiration for those who claim to have no time," he added.

Critic Govindaraj Bhattarai remarked that Lakoju’s literary journey shines as brightly as the sun itself while another culture expert Purushottam Lochan Shrestha described him as “the person who has built a unique identity and spread rays of knowledge.” 

Critic Gyanu Adhikari stated that the book sheds significant light on the personality and creative legacy of Lakoju. 

Lakoju himself professed that he had never pursued the literary path with any expectation of return.

Essayist Sri Om Shrestha Rodan observed that true seniority is measured not by age but by deeds. "Lakoju is a senior in virtue of his work and contributions," Rodan noted.

Also speaking at the ceremony were Ramsharan Bhandari, Mayor of Panauti Municipality; senior litterateurs Mohan Duwal, Biyogi Budhathoki, Gyananistha Gyawali; editors of the book Bhim Prasad Kafle and Ramsundar Deuja; as well as Sameer Khadka, Prabha Karmacharya, among others.

The editors emphasised that Lakoju is not only a writer but also a pioneering figure in literary journalism, education, social service, and culture. According to them, the book stands as the culmination of his lifelong devotion to the written word. 

Published by Transworld Publication, the book is divided into fourteen sections.