Renowned Nepali writer Lil Bahadur Chhetri has passed away. He died at his home in Marikhali, Guwahati, India, at 10:10 PM on March 13 (Fagun 29), as confirmed by his family member Rudra Baral.
Born on March 1, 1933, in Tokobari, Guwahati, he was 92 years old.
Chhetri entered the world of Nepali literature at the age of 16 with his first published poem, Shivstuti. His debut novel, Basai, was published in 1957 (B.S. 2014) by Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya. The novel became a milestone in his writing career. Later, when Sajha Prakashan published it, it became one of the best-selling Nepali novels. Basai has been translated into English and other languages and adapted into a movie.
He later wrote other novels, including Atript, Brahmaputrika Cheuchau, and Pratidhwaniharu Bismritika.
Apart from novels, Chhetri also contributed to fiction with works like Teen Dashak Bees Abhivyakti, Lil Bahadurka Kathaharu, and Chheriyeko Biskun. He also wrote plays such as Dobato, Maag, and Shuruko Shuru.
In non-fiction, he authored books like Asamma Nepali Bhasako Saho-Gahro, Purbanchal Bharatiya Nepali Katha-Sahitya Ra Patrakaritako Itibrit, Jhyaure Partyma Lagda, Purvottar Bharatiya Nepali Sahitya Ra Samajko Aitihasik Digdarshan, Simalko Bhua, and Atitka Ainamama Bibidh Jhankiharu.
Recently, all his novels were compiled and published as Samagra Upanyas.
Throughout his life, Chhetri received several prestigious awards and honors from Nepal and India. These include the Madan Smarak Vyakhyanmala Samman, Bednidhi Puraskar, Agam Smriti Puraskar, Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha Puraskar, Nai Derunikh International Award, Purvanchal Sahitya Shiromani Puraskar, Haribhakta Katuwal Smriti Puraskar, Jagadambashree Puraskar, and Basundharashree Puraskar.
In 2020, he was honored with India’s prestigious Padma Shri award by the President of India.
