Darjeeling forgets to mark “Giri Jayanti”

Darjeeling: Late Agam Singh Giri, a poet whose remarkable contribution towards Nepali literature made him regarded as a national poet, who was born in 27 December 1927 and died on 1971 in Darjeeling. The 80th birthday anniversary, to mark the occasion, this year, various programmes were organised in different parts of Darjeeling hills except Darjeeling. The programme was organised in Kalimpong, Giri’s poems were recited, and distinguished literary personalities were present in the occasion. At Kurseong, Mr. Sanu Lama, a writer and a contemporary of Giri, laid the foundation of “Agam Singh Giri” statue inside the premises of Bhanu Udhyan, which is expected to be completed by the next anniversary. On the occasion, several renowned Nepali literary figures of the regions and others participated. The department of information and culture of the DGHC started celebrating December 27, as Giri Jayanti since 1994 at Lewis Jubilee Complex, Darjeeling. DGHC also started conferring the “Giri Puraskar” every year for outstanding contribution in the field of literature and music. So far, 9 persons have received the awards. The Giri Puraskar comprised a gold medal and a sum of Rs 1 lakh. Till last year, DGHC organised a programme, where poems were recited and dances were performed. DGHC also erected a statue of the poet at Lewis Jubilee complex. However, this year things are not normal at DGHC. Only single garland witnessed in the statue at Lewis Jubilee and completely silent all around. Even the “Giri Puraskar” was not conferred this year to Navin Khadka, an exponent of traditional Nepali dances from Nepal, despite Mr. Ghisingh had announced the winner, during a festival organised by the DGHC on the banks of Teesta, in early January this year. Seniors officials of DGHC have failed to provide any explanation in this regard.