London, 13 July 2026 – The Literary Committee of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) International Coordination Council (ICC) celebrated Bhanu Jayanti, honouring Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya as a symbol of unity for the Nepali people.
The event paid tribute to both Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya and the legendary Ghansi, whose encouragement inspired Bhanu Bhakta to compose literary works. At the beginning of the programme, Prof. Dr. Kumar Koirala delivered a presentation on the essential elements required in narrative writing. This was followed by a one-minute silence, after which writer Kedar Sunuwar ‘Sanket’ presented on the lives and contributions of Bhanu Bhakta and Ghansi.
Several participating writers then recited literary works dedicated to Bhanu Bhakta and Ghansi. Among those presenting were Goma Rana, Dr. Lekhnath Kafle, Sita Devi Pradhan, Sagar Shrestha, Rajen Duwadi, Shila Ghamal, and Dinesh Rai ‘Miljai’, among others.
The programme was attended by NRNA ICC Spokesperson Som Sapkota, Europe Coordinator Robert Limbu, Binay Shah, Pawan Kumar Budhathoki, Denzam Sampang, Naresh Kangmang Rai, Tek Bahadur Thapa Khas, and many other distinguished participants.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Govinda Raj Bhattarai explained that, following a request from the SAARC Secretariat for each SAARC member country to publish its oldest literary work, he had prepared and submitted an English manuscript on Bhanu Bhakta. However, he noted that the publication has yet to take place.
Following his remarks, Binay Shah, representing NRNA Hong Kong, announced a contribution of NPR 200,000 towards the publication of the book. Rita Devi Pradhan, based in San Francisco, USA, pledged an additional NPR 50,000. Hikmat Thapa, an advisor to the Literary Committee based in Nigeria, also expressed his willingness to provide further financial support should additional funds be required.
Committee advisor Govinda Gautam suggested that the Literary Committee should also organise an international literary conference in the future.
The programme was moderated by Amit Thebe, a member of the Literary Committee, and was chaired by Biswasdip Tigela, Coordinator of the NRNA ICC Literary Committee and Vice President of the NRNA International Coordination Council (ICC).
