Devkota, Lermontov remembered

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Oct. 20: A poetic evening was held on the occasion of the 116th birth anniversary of one of the most revered poets of Nepal, Laxmi Prasad Devkota and the 211th birth anniversary of the renowned Russian poet and novelist Mikhail Lermontov. 

In the evening, jointly organised by the Nepal–Russia Literary Society and the Russian House in Kathmandu, President of the Nepali Writers’ Association, Biyogi Budhathoki, recalled his youthful days when he used to buy and read the works of Pushkin and Gorky at Ratna Park. Budhathoki praised the Nepal–Russia Literary Society for its continued literary initiatives.

Anastasia Khokhlova, Director of the Russian Centre in Kathmandu, expressed her admiration for the creativity of both Lermontov and Devkota. "Though they belonged to different centuries and continents, both were great poets who represented the spirit of their respective eras through their literary works," she said. She also recited one of Lermontov’s famous poems.

Bhawana Neupane from the Russian Cultural Centre Library presented brief introductions to both Devkota and Lermontov. During the Devkota segment of the poetry evening, poets Amodmani Dixit, Yuvaraj DC, TP Barakoti, Kiran Darnal, Kiran Pankhi, Shakuntala Joshi, Deepak Chaulagain, and Sajan Subedi recited Nepali poems, while Keshar Raj Bista spoke about the significance of commemorating Devkota and Lermontov.

Similarly, in the Lermontov segment, poet JN Pandey Janpali recited poems by the Russian poet in both Russian and Nepali. President of the Society, Bishnu Bahadur Singh, and general secretary, Rambindu Shrestha, discussed the multifaceted aspects of Lermontov's life and literary contributions.

Mikhail Lermontov is celebrated as one of the leading poets and novelists of the Romantic era in Russia. He is regarded as the literary successor of Pushkin and is best known for his psychological novel 'A Hero of Our Time,' a remarkable portrayal of his age. His powerful poems embraced themes of rebellion, freedom, and individual emotion, reflecting the struggles and ideals of his own life. Likewise, Devkota is regarded as the most revered literary figure in Nepal.

A special photo exhibition showcasing the lives and literary works of both Devkota and Lermontov added charm to the event.