Shyamdas Vaishnav
It can be discerned that the world of Nepali speaking people regards Yugkavi Siddhicharan Shrestha as the symbol of national consciousness. Everyone can see that the poet’s work has given a validation to his name.
We can notice that right from the beginning, the poet had been trumpeting the bugle of consciousness against Darkness. His verse, ‘A Nepali I am, gifted to mount scary mountain tops,’ introduces the degree of his self-confidence. The poet took special interest in ensuring the upliftment of the oppressed and the downtrodden. The same is authenticated in Vijaya Malla’s play Bahula Kajiko Sapana. Additionally, his commitment to the service of literature and the society, and his nature of leading a life of simplicity can be taken as the justification of the maxim, ‘The world reciprocates a good soul.’
It is known to many of us that Poet Shrestha wrote both in Newari and Nepali – two of the languages mostly spoken by general Nepali people. He also deserves credit for launching a new movement in information and communication as the editor-in-chief of Aawaj, the first daily of Nepal. At Nepal Academy, he ensured the stability of the literary magazine Kavita and established an award in his own name to encourage literary production. His national song titled ‘Mountain décor, fragrance-adorned Glory, Mother Nepal!’ appears to be pioneering the thought of universal coexistence.
The birth centenary of such a distinguished poet was observed everywhere, starting from May 23, 2011. Since he is an icon of good will, we expect that a myriad of programmes attesting his immortality will be organized at various regions even in the days to come. I believe that arrangements will been made to ensure effective organization of various events at the government, organization and civic level. We expect that this shall initiate a bright and novel tradition.
[Vaishnav, a prolific writer and poet, if the former Chairman of Yugkavi Siddhicharan Foundation and life member of Nepal Academy]