Parijat and Her Legacy BearersSmita Magar
Kathmandu, May 11
The three awards named after the famous Nepalese writer Parijat, were given to three prominent Nepalese: Gazal writer Bund Rana Magar, youth leader Ram Kumari Jhakri Magar and artist Kiran Manandhar.
The special event was organized by Parijat Memorial Center on the 14th Parijat Memorial Day.
Bund Rana Magar received the Parijat Creation Award (Parijat Srijanshil Puraskar), Kiran Manandhar received the Parijat Art Award (Parijat Kala Puraskar) and Ram Kumari Jhakri Magar received the Parijat Struggles for Women Award (Parijat Sangharsashil Nari Puraskar) in recognition of their outstanding contributions.
Ram Kumari Jhakri noted that Parijat lead and inspired our youth through her strong and powerful contributions in literature and in the cultural/political scene.
Thanking organizers for the honor, Jhakri said “I am receiving this award on behalf of all Nepali youth who want to create a better Nepal”.
Artist Kiran Manandhar shared his beautiful memories with Parijat. “We artists and writers have the power to change the world using only pen, brush and color. Therefore, like Parijat, we must join hands to build a New Nepal”.
Gazal writer Bund Rana recited his one of the best gazals and announced that he will use his award to publish more of his writings.
Katyayeni, a famous Indian Progressive writer described Parijat’s writings as absurdum and existential crisis as well as describing the political, social and cultural issues of country.
Maoist leader and culture expert Mohan Baidhya “Chaitanya” said “Parijat is a foundation of Nepal’s cultural and literary movement. She has given birth to characters who have fought for more than a decade in the Maoists People’s War, and have emerged victorious.”
Sukanya Waiwa, Parijat’s sister, said it was the happiest and the saddest day for her. “Saddest in that she is no longer with us, happiest in that she continues to live through her writings and her deeds.”
Nepalese poets Sudha Tripathi and Mahesh Maskey also spoke about Parijat.
Each awardee received Rs.10, 000 cash and a Tamrapatra.
Parijat was born in 1937 in Darjeeling, India and arrived in Kathmandu in 1954. She completed high school at Padma Kanya School, Kathmandu and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. At age 26 she became paralyzed and was supported for the rest of her life by her sister Sukanya Waiba Tamang.
She published three poetry collections, many short stories and ten novels. Her first short story "Mailey Najanmayeko Choro" became an all time favourite. She is best known as a novelist. “ Siris ko Ful” gained the national and international popularity. She was awarded Madan Puraskar for the novel in 1965. She received many other literary awards for her writing and dedication to Nepalese literature.
Parijat was a part of the Ralfa literature movement and played a pivotal role in the establishment of Pragati Sil Lekhan Sangh. She was active in Akhil Nepal Mahila Manch, Bandi Sahayata Niyog, and Nepal Manav Adhikar Sangathan.
Parijat remained unmarried and continued to suffer the pain and struggle against her disabilities. She never gave up. She inspired everyone. She died in 1993. She lives today in the heart of the Nepalese people as one of their heroes.
(Source: http://www.usnepalonline.com/)
