Biography of late poet Bimal Gurung released

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 8: Poet Chandra Gurung has come up with a book titled 'Kabi Bimal Gurung, Mirmirema Jhareko Tara.' The book is a biography of the late poet Bimal Gurung.

The book was released on the occasion of the poet’s 54th birth anniversary in Dharan. 

Bimal Gurung was an emerging voice in Nepali poetry who died in a bus accident at the age of 20, on Baisakh 24, BS 2048, at Jukepani in Dhading, while returning to Dharan from Kathmandu. Though he died at a young age, his creative spirit impressed all.

Gurung had composed around 300 poems, many of which explore themes of struggle, society and social awakening. His work reflected a deep sensitivity to the lives of ordinary people and a growing political awareness rooted in the leftist movements of his time. 

His three poetry collections were published posthumously by his father, Purna Bahadur Gurung, a retired British Army serviceman. Through these publications, the family sought to preserve and share the poetic brilliance of a son whose words might otherwise have been lost to time. 

The newly released biography presents an intimate portrait of the poet’s short yet inspiring life. It traces Bimal’s birth in the British Military Hospital in Hong Kong, his childhood at Secondary Boarding School in Dharan, and his youthful days filled with reading, writing, and companionship. 

The book also recounts the founding of the Bimal Gurung Memorial Library, established by the poet’s family in 2048 BS. Located at Budha Chowk, Dharan-18, the library has served for decades as a meeting point for poets, readers, and literary enthusiasts who continue to celebrate the poet’s enduring legacy.

The library organises a national poetry competition that invites submissions from poets across Nepal every year. The final event is held annually on Kartik 19, commemorating the poet’s birthday, when writers gather to celebrate the enduring power of Nepali poetry and to remember Bimal’s contribution to it. 

The cover design of the biography was created by artist Bhim Rasaili Bishwokarma. 

Author Chandra Gurung has two poetry collections to his credit. He is also known for his translation of an anthology of Palestinian poems into Nepali, which has been praised for its emotional depth and cross-cultural resonance.