"Poet Kulmani Devkota"


Poet Kulmani Devkota was born in Palpa, Nepal about 74 year ago. Born in an educated family, he did his Master (MA) in Nepalese Literature, Bachelor’s (BA) in English and finished his degree in Sanskrit from Banaras, India. He had been in education field for very long time. He taught Nepali in various colleges affiliated with Tribhuwan University. His poem “Hungry for Knowledge” was part of School Living Certificate (SLC) curriculum. He worked for “Radio Beijing” in China as a Translator for three and half years. He had competed in many poetry symposiums organized by Royal Nepalese Academy and secured first place. He was fluent in many languages and written poems in English, Sanskrit, Bengali and Urdu as well. He had travelled to China, India and Hong Kong.

 He is best known as a satirist / humorist poet. He had written many literary books and poems. Just to name a few, ‘Chhariyeko Phool”, “Gaijatra”, “Mudduli bajai”, “Kulmanika Kabita”, “Hamro geet collection”, Palpali Geet Sangraha, Putaliko Phool (Kids poem collection)”, “Sakchheratako Prasad”. He had also translated Bhanubakta’s Ramayan and a book “Pheri Ushaiko Lagi” by Late King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev in Sanskrit. 

He had received many literary awards both in home and abroad. He was awarded with “Gorkha Dakshin Bhahu III” for his relentless contribution to Nepalese Literature. He also received “Noor-Ganga Literary Award”, “Bhawani Bhikchhu Award” and also decorated with “Saraswati Sodha Samman”. In India, he was awarded with “Kharsang Bhanu Bhakta Literary Award.” 

Poet Devkota had been suffering with brain hemorrhage and his health condition had been deteriorating ever since. He had been lying in the bed and in the medical care for last four Years. Last Sunday, June 23, 2002, he passed away.  He is survived by wife, two daughter and two sons. During his life time, he had contributed a great deal to promote Nepalese Literature.   

His Youngest Son Madhukar Devkota is good friend of Paradesh.com team. We give our condolences and prayers to him and his family during this difficult time.