Conference on Nepali language

KATHMANDU: The first International Nepali Language-Literature Conference was inaugurated today amid a gathering of national and international writers and litterateurs. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court inaugurated the conference.

The five-day conference from March 18 to March 22 is being organised during the Great Poet Devkota Century Festival.

According to the Laxmi Prasad Devkota 100-year-jubilee Celebrating Committee (1966BS-2066BS), some 70 writers and creators from 13 countries are taking part in the conference.

According to Narendra Raj Prasai, member-secretary of the jubilee celebrating committee, Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala donated Rs 300,000, Bhadra Kumari Ghale Rs 300,000, Khanaprude 'Rambabu' Rs 200,000 and Prof Dr Gargi Sharma Rs 200,000 to build life-size statues of Prem Rajeshwori Thapa, Goma and Parijat.

Personalities including those who completed a Doctorate Degree on Devkota, served Nepali language and literature from abroad were honoured on the occasion.

Communication and literary organisations including Annapurna Post daily, Gorkhapatra daily, BBC Nepali Sewa, Radio Nepal, Nepal Academy, Nepal Cultural Corporation, Sajha Publication and Department of Information were also felicitated.

Twelve papers on the Diaspora and Non-Resident Nepalis were presented in the programme.