KATHMANDU, Sept 11: The 161st birth anniversary of the national luminary Yubakavi (the Youth Poet) Motiram Bhatta is being observed by organizing several literary events today.
Bhatta was born on this day, Kushe Aunsi (National Father's Day), in 1923 BS (1866 AD) and died on the same day in 1953 BS (1896 AD).
He lived a short life of 30 years but is ever remembered for his substantial contribution to the world of Nepali literature, especially for immortalizing Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya by making his biography public.
Moti Jayanti being observed today
Further, Bhatta was also credited with introducing the printing press in Nepal for the first time. He was the one who introduced Ghazals in Nepali literature. He also published the Ramayana of Bhanubhakta in 1941 BS.
He further developed the Nepali language and made it a beautiful medium for literary expression.
Among the popular literary creations of Bhatta are 'Bhanubhaktako Jeewan Charitra', 'Priyadarshika' and 'Pikdut'.
It is through this press that journalism started in Nepal. Various literary organizations, including the Nepali Education Council and Nepal Academy, are organising programmes on the occasion of the day.
The Council is hosting a Poet Conference at 2.00 this afternoon where the 'Youth Poet Moti Award' will also be distributed, informed Chairperson Rama Sharma.
