88th 'Krantikari Kavi' Hari Bhakta Katuwal Jayanti observed in Cotton University, Guwahati
'Krantikari Kavi' Hari Bhakta Katuwal, one of the brightest gems in the history of Gorkha Bhasa literature was born on July 2, 1935 in a small village called Bogibeel in Dibrugarh, Assam. He read and wrote poems in Gorkha Bhasa, English, Hindi and Assamese. Hari Bhakta Katuwal received his formal early education in an Assamese medium school and as a result Assamese poetry had a deep influence on him but the fact that he was also the loudest voice in the realm of Gorkha Bhasa poetry during the 60s and 70s from the northeast region is not an exaggeration. It was in Digboi during the late 50s when Katuwal was teaching in A.O.C. Nepali M.E. School that he attained a new glory in the spheres of Nepali literature and culture. This was a period of literary and cultural renaissance in Digboi as there started the circulation of reputed Nepali journals and newspapers from literary hotspots of the time like Darjeeling, Banaras, Dehradoon and Kathmandu. In fact the then literary works and writers from Darjeeling inspired him a lot.
'Cottonian Gorkha Unit organised the birth anniversary of poet, philosopher, writer, composer and lyricist Hari Bhakta Katuwal at AGRC Hall, Cotton University in Guwahati on Saturday 2nd July 2022 where Dr. Dr. Khagen Sarmah, Assistant Professor, Department of MIL and Literary Studies, Gauhati University attended as Chief Guest.' said Shiksha Basnet, General Secretary of Cottonian Gorkha Unit.
It is for the first time such an intellectual interactive session was organised in Cotton University. The students of Post Graduate Diploma in Nepali language along with students of various department also attended the event which was anchored by Milan Bhattarai. Dr. Srijana Sharma, Assistant Professor, Centre for Language Culture & Art (CLCA), Cotton University and Dhakaram Kafley, Guest faculty of Nepali language at CLCA Cotton University attended as Guests. Speaking at the event Dr. Khagen Sarmah emphasized on recognizing Katuwal with a 'Title' by the Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha (ANSS)- the only literary body of Gorkhas in Assam. He also felt that atleast thirty of the best of his poems and lyrics should be translated into other languages and compile a book of his Patriotic Poems and lyrics that caused revolution that's why youth called him Krantikari Kavi. He requested Cotton University students the epicenter of students and youths empowerment to initiate this movement.
'Yo Desh ko Mato ley Bhancha
Yo Desh ko Dhoonga ley Bhancha
Haamro pani Raati Ragat yehi bogeko cha
Haamro pani Taato pasins yehai Khaseko cha' is the most read, recited and heard poem by the Krantikari Kavi.
Elaborating this ita Devi Dewan an advocate in Golaghat who recently wrote about Hari Bhakta Katuwal said, 'This patriotic poem is one of the cause of Gorkha renaissance in Assam. It's a poem filled with patriotism with a message of supreme sacrifice at any time for the nation where he sweat and blood.' Katuwal's life was influenced due to his friendship with Bhupen Hazarika since they were born and brought up in Eastern Assam . Some author has shared anecdotes between them that they were friends as cattle rearers and learning to consume home made beverages.
'I was interested to explore 'Krantikari Kavi' for his relations with Jajabor Bahrat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. It is widely believed and accepted that it was Hari Bhakta Katuwal who had crowned Bhupen Hazarika with the Gorkhali Bhadgawley Topi (particular cap worn by Bhupen Hazarika ) and it remained with the legend maestro till his death and still kept at Bhupendra Sangrahalay in Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra and jajabor's Jalukbari museum. This made me write an extensive article on Hari Bhakta Katuwal with his life sketch and work.'
Katuwal wrote his poems with great revolutionary zeal and the subject matter largely revolved around patriotism, sacrifice of the Gorkhas in nation building, cause and sufferings of the Gorkhas, Racial consciousness, nationalism, rights needed to be asserted for the safeguarding of the Gorkhas and so on. He was awarded by the Royal Academy for his poem 'AKASHKA TARA KE TARA'. It was in the year 1973 that he came out with what his now dim literary prowess still finds a flame of reassurance - his collection of poems, 'YO JINDAGI KHAI KE JINDAGI'. It is one of his most significant works and a landmark contribution in the history of Nepali literature.
Mean while the Bharatiya Gorkha Yuva Parisangh observed 88th birth anniversary of the great poet philosopher song writer, lyricist and composer Hari Bhakta Katuwal virtually and adopted a resolution to second the proposal to award pen name 'Krantikari Kavi'. Former chief spokesperson of Gorkha Autonomous Council Demand Committee (GACDC) and author of the book 'Haami Gorkha - Haami Bharatiya' Late Purna Chetri had proposed the title 'Krantikari Kavi' at Katuwal janma jayanti held at Gorkha Thakurbari AAGSU office premises in Guwahati organised by the Guwahati City Gorkha Students Union in last decade. Since than youths and students of Assam use pen name ' Krantikari Kavi' Hari Bhakta Katuwal.
Kabita Katuwal elder daughter of Late Hari Bhakta Katuwal expressed hapiness to see her father being given 'Krantikari Kavi' pen name or title by Bharatiya Gorkha Yuva Parisangh that was proposed almost a decade ago. ' My father Hari Bhakta Katuwal was keen interest in painting is also discernible in the poet. His paintings were highly admired by the people. He was unequivocally a great poet but he was a lyricist of equal merit. His ''Malai Nasodha Kahaan Dukcha Ghaaw'' and ''Pokhiyera Ghaamka Jhulka Bhari Sangharaima'' are still the favourites among the youths of 21st century. he great poet spent even his last days (late 70s) in forging something new for Nepali literature. In its aim of attacking the varied ills of society and the blows and counterblows of life , his poetry has touched the reader's pain. Thus, his poetry has become the poetry of a common man.', added Kavita Katuwal.
Similar events were held across Assam at Rongbong and Kohra in Golaghat, Margherita in Tunsukia by Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha (ANSS) and at Rowta in Udalguri, Tezpur in Sonitpur by AAGSU on Saturday and Sunday.
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