Kathmandu: On this day, Nepal commemorates the 160th birth anniversary of the venerated literary figure, Yubakavi Motiram Bhatta. Though his life was tragically brief, spanning just 30 years from his birth on Kushe Aunsi in 1866 AD to his passing on the very same day in 1896 AD, his contributions have left an indelible mark on the landscape of Nepali literature.

A true pioneer, Bhatta’s efforts were pivotal in shaping the literary consciousness of his era. He is credited with several groundbreaking achievements that profoundly influenced the development of the Nepali language as a graceful medium for artistic expression. His most significant act was the monumental task of reviving the legacy of Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya. Bhatta meticulously researched and compiled a biography of Acharya, a work titled ‘Bhanubhaktako Jeewan Charitra,’ effectively immortalizing the poet for future generations. This singular effort ensured that the works of Nepal’s first great poet would not be lost to time.

Innovations in literature and journalism

Beyond his role as a biographer, Bhatta was a visionary who introduced a series of innovations to Nepali letters. He is revered as the first to introduce the art form of Ghazals to Nepali literature, enriching its poetic traditions with a new style of romantic and reflective verse.

Furthermore, Bhatta’s entrepreneurial spirit led to a revolution in publishing. He is widely credited with introducing the printing press to Nepal for the first time. This technological advancement was not merely a commercial venture but a catalyst for change, enabling the widespread dissemination of literary works and laying the foundational stone for journalism in the country. It was through this very press that Bhatta published Bhanubhakta’s epic ‘Ramayana’ in 1884 AD, a testament to his dedication to making literature accessible to the masses.

Literary organisations, including the Nepal Education Council and the Nepal Academy, are commemorating the day with a series of events and literary discussions, celebrating the life and enduring influence of a figure who, in a remarkably short time, transformed the very fabric of Nepali literary expression.