KATHMANDU: Senior politician and litterateur Rajeshwor Devkota has passed away 5:00 am this morning. He was 83.

Devkota died while undergoing treatment at Bansbari-based Neuro Hospital. He was reported to have been infected with pneumonia, according to Anil Yogi, Devkota's assistant.

Devkota is survived by his spouse, a son and two daughters. His mortal remains would be kept at the Nepal Academy at Kalamadi for the last tribute. His final rites would be performed at the Pashupati Aryaghat today itself.

Born at Pandit Gaun in Gorkha, Devkota was one of the leaders of the Jayam Sanskritam Aandolan, one of the first-of-its-kind students' movement of Nepal held in 1951.

Also the chairman of the Rastriya Panchayat, Devkota was the founder of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party too. He was also coordinator of the Rastrabadi Abhiyan, patriotic movement.

The former minister, Devkota was also well versed in literature, especially in the realm of fiction. He was awarded with Madan Purakshar in 1987 for his novel 'Utsarga Prem'. He was also awarded with different prestigious awards like Sanjha Puraskar, Bhanu Puraskar and Bednidhi Puraskar among others.