Kathmandu, May 9:

Ram Hari Sharma, popularly known as the living martyr, today released Sandarbha Shahid Dharma Bhakta Charcha Bhai Dhruba Bhakta, a book by Dr Baweshwor

Pangeni of the Central department of History, TU, amid a function here. The book is based on primary data and 144 hours of interview with Dharma Bhakta’s brother, Dhruba Bhakta Mathema.

The book, published by Martyr Dharma Bhakta Study Foundation (MDSF), is a biography of martyr Dharma Bhakta Mathema and provides an insightful record of his fight against the brutal Rana regime. It is based on interviews with his brother, Dhruba Bhakta, now 93, and other contemporaries of Dharma Bhakta. The book traces the life histories of two brothers while pro-democratic forces were waging a bitter battle against the Rana regime during the 1940s. The book contains material collected from over two dozen original documents.

“The book has been written to illuminate various aspects of the lives of those at the forefront of the democratic movement and whose lives have never been researched or analysed,” said Dr Pangeni.

The book also incorporates interviews with the founder member of the Nepal Praja Parishad (NPP), Ram Hari Sharma. Sharma, along with Tanka Prasad Acharya, were scheduled for execution by the Rana regime. Both were later spared for being Brahmins, though.

Dhruba Bhakta Mathema said he hoped the book would clarify the misunderstandings regarding rumours of Dharma Bhakta seeking forgiveness. “The book, which is backed by facts and figures, is an important testament of the times of Dharma Bhakta Mathema,” he said.

Sharma, the founder member of NPP, said, “The book is very useful for the new generation as it puts in perspective the lives of two brothers at the height of their struggle against the Rana regime. The book will also try to lay to rest the controversies regarding the time of execution of Dharma Bhakta.”