At a time when the performance of the government is more than dismal or even suffocating at times, events like the celebration of the anniversary of luminaries such as Bhanubhakta certainly provides the much-needed breather. Consequently, the 212th anniversary was observed last week not only in Nepal but with more fanfare customarily in India and now many places abroad where the Nepali diaspora lives.

After all, Bhanubhakta was a poetic genius who not only brought about lingual integration among the Nepali people of diverse ethnicity and language but also created a spell among the countrymen through his simple but deep meaningliterary composition. His illustrious predecessor, Gautam Buddha, had created an integration of peace and compassion in then troubled Nepali and Indian society. Likewise, another of his renowned predecessors, King Prithvi Narayan Shah, had established the political integration of ever squabbling minnow states, triggering the emergence of a single country, Nepal. Poet Bhanubhakta, in turn, created a bridge among diverse lingual and ethnic groups of Nepal.

The story of a 72-year-old lady who studied the Nepali alphabet only to recite Bhanubhakta's Ramayan amply reflects the attraction of the epic. Written in classical meters using simple colloquial language, it is understood by the commons as well as connoisseurs alike.

Born in Ramgha Chundi of Tanahu district, Bhanubhakta received inspiration from a female grass cutter who had dug wells and constructed sheds for the thirsty and tired travellers by selling animal feed. Consequently, he not only composed the Ramayan, a voluminous epic, but also short poems that reflect the social and cultural reality of the time. His poem about late decision in the courts provides information about the bureaucracy of that time, which, however,has not changed much given the bureaucratic delay existing even now.

Bhanubhakta Acharya, revered as the Adi Kabi (First Poet) of Nepal, has yet to receive a truly fitting memorial in his homeland. While statues of him are found throughout the country – most notably the one in front of Ranipokhari in Kathmandu – there is still no comprehensive memorial that properly honours his legacy. This stands in contrast to poets like Caedmon, considered the first English poet and a contemporary of Nepal's Licchavi King Narendra Dev in the 7th century, who has a statue in the churchyard of St. Mary's in Whitby. Likewise, William Wordsworth is commemorated with a full-fledged memorial in England's Lake District.

However, a promising step has finally been taken. The Bhanu Literature Park (Bhanu Sahitya Udhyan) is under development in Bhanubhakta's birthplace, Ramgha. This initiative, guided by a masterplan and spearheaded by President Ramchandra Poudel, marks the beginning of a long-overdue effort to properly honour the nation's literary pioneer. For President Poudel, who is nearing the twilight of his distinguished political career, this project fulfills a lifelong aspiration

According to the masterplan, significant progress has been made in building essential infrastructure, including roads and a water supply system. The memorial complex features a newly-built temple at the site of the original ethnic temple dedicated to Lord Ram. A grand sitting statue of Bhanubhakta, which is visible from afar, has been installed atop an elaborate hall. The complex also includes pavilions dedicated to the eight chapters of the Ramayan, as well as the restoration of traditional settlements from the Bhanu era, preserving the cultural and architectural heritage of the time.

Added to these is the Bhanu Shahitya Udhyan, where all the statues of the first poets of the different languages of Nepal will be showcased. Besides, there will also be a saptadham to display the seven pilgrimages of Nepal. It has been done to ensure that all the ethnic and lingual groups experience a feeling of ownership after entering the poetic sanctuary.

This aspect was brought very clearly during the celebration of the poet's anniversary in the President's palace on Saturday during a gala function organised by the Nepal Academy in collaboration with Bhanu Sahitya Udhyan. The programme was chaired by the Chancellor of the Nepal Academy, Bhupal Kirati, and graced by President Paudel as the chief guest and Minister for Culture Badri Pandey as a special guest. Among the audience were people from various walks of life. The former Chancellor of the Academy, Bairagi Kaila, delivered a memorable note focusing on the overall contribution of the poet.

The programme began with a short but sweet welcome address by the Vice Chairman Bidhan Acharya, a senior researcher. He revealed how Bhanubhakta was the first loktantrabadi by duly reciting the first line of the Ramayan: 'ek din narada satya lok pugi gaya lokko garon hit bhani'. It was followed by the highlights of the Memorial Complex by the Secretary, Prof. Dr. Brata Raj Acharya,like the allocation of Rs 200 million by the government this year. Recitation of heart-soothing poems by noted poets of Nepal added flavour and frolic to the programme.

There were often complaints in the past that Bhanubhakta had been forgotten in the place of his own birth and more remembered outside Nepal, for example, in Darjeeling, Sikkim and the like. But the steadfast dedication of President Paudel followed by the allocation of a substantial budget for the construction of the memorial has shown how Nepal has woken from a deep slumber. The completion of the memorial spread over more than 25 hectares of hilly land marked by the breath- taking size and grandeur will not only be a fitting tribute to one of the noble sons of Nepal but also strengthen his love for loktantra forever.