Pokhara, August 4, 2006

Lok Kabi Ali Miyan was today laid to rest at Jayakot in Kaski in accordance with the Muslim tradition. Thousands of well wishers took part in the funeral procession. Born at Kundahar in Pokhara, he died at the age of 89 yesterday evening.

Before the funeral procession began, locals of Pokhara paid their last respects to the late poet by offering bouquets to his dead body, which was kept at the Ali Miyan literature academy at Miyanpatan. Ali Miyan had been bed-ridden for the past two years and spent his last days in solitude. His songs and music won the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people.

The well wishers in the funeral procession were all praises for him. According to them, the late poet penned popular folk poems that were liked by people of every section of the society. Iitterateur Saru Bhakta today said an era of Nepali literature has ended with Ali Miyan’s death.

Poet Tirtha Shrestha said the entire country is mourning the death of the folk poet. Folk singer Hari Devi Koirala said Ali Miyan’s death has made the Pokhara literature society an orphan.

Late poet’s published works include Biraktalahari (1949 AD), Nepali Jhyaure Geet Sangraha (1954), Nyauni ko Pukara (date of publication not clear), Pahad ko Suskera, Seti ko Suskera (1972), Ujyalo Bhaisakyo (1982), Samjhana ko Diyo (1994) and Ali Miyan ko Awaz (2001).

The late Ali Miyan was hounoured with the following awards for his immortal works: Indra Rajya Laxmi Pragya Puraskar (1991), Shiromani Puraskar (1994), Kumudini Kala Tatha Sahitya Puraskar (1995) Narayan Gopal Sangeet Puraskar (2001) Jagadamba Sri Puraskar (2003).

TT hopes to repeat history

 “History moves in circle” and national table tennis squad of Nepal is hoping to prove the saying when they take part in the 10th South Asian Games (SAG) slated for Colombo, Sri Lanka from August 18.

Nepal’s best run in the discipline came in the fifth South Asian Federation (SAF) Games (now SAG) in Sri Lanka when the players brought home a gold and two bronze medals. A team of Sijarin Shah, Gita Chhetri, Puja Thapa and Neelam Tuladhar gave Nepal a rare gold in 1991. Shooter Anita Shrestha was the only other gold medallist in that edition.

With the likes of India and Pakistan at the centre stage, Nepal’s hopes of repeating the history depend on the draw. “I am aware of the strength of India and Pakistan. We can make to the finals if the draw favoured us and in final anything can happen,” said coach Shankar Gautam.

Gautam, however, was realistic of the fact that Nepal was way behind in singles events. “Our chances are in doubles, not in the singles,” he said. “We are optimistic for silver medals in doubles while we are eying two bronze medals in men and women’s team event along with a bronze in mixed doubles.”