Laxmi Prasad Devkota (1909-1959) was a prominent Nepali poet, playwright, and essayist. He is considered to be one of the most influential literary figures in Nepal, and is known for his contributions to Nepali literature, particularly his poetry.
Devkota was born on December 12, 1909, in the village of Devkota in the Dolakha district of Nepal. He was the eldest son of his family and received his early education at home. He later went to Kathmandu for higher education, where he studied at Durbar High School and Tri Chandra College.
Devkota began writing poetry at a young age and his first poem was published in a local magazine when he was just 14 years old. He went on to publish several collections of poetry and plays, including “Muna Madan” which is one of his most famous work and considered as a classic in Nepali literature.
In addition to his literary contributions, Devkota also played a significant role in Nepal’s political and cultural history. He was an active member of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, and he played a key role in the drafting of Nepal’s first democratic constitution.
Despite his successes, Devkota’s life was plagued by personal tragedy. He was an alcoholic and suffered from chronic health problems. He died on September 14, 1959, at the age of 49.
Devkota’s legacy lives on through his writing. He is celebrated as one of Nepal’s greatest poets and his work has been translated into many languages. Many of his work is still studied in schools, colleges and universities across Nepal. His works are considered as a representation of Nepali culture and the way of living. He is remembered for his powerful imagery and the way he addressed social and political issues in his writing.
In conclusion, Laxmi Prasad Devkota was a pioneering literary figure in Nepal. He was a poet, playwright, and essayist of great significance, whose contributions to Nepali literature continue to be celebrated and studied to this day. He was also a political figure whose work helped shape Nepal’s modern democratic identity.
