Calgary, Alberta, Canada | The Nepalese Literary Society of Calgary (NLSC) celebrated its 15th anniversary and the 213th birth anniversary of Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya (Bhanu Jayanti) with a grand literary and cultural program in Calgary, Alberta. The event brought together literary enthusiasts, community leaders, representatives of various Nepali organizations, artists, and members of the Nepali community to honor the legacy of the national poet and celebrate the organization’s achievements over the past fifteen years.

The program was emceed by Rudra Dahal, Secretary of NLSC, and chaired by Ramesh Lamichhane, the current President of NLSC. Kalpana Dhakal, a member of the Board of Directors, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the organization’s commitment to promoting the Nepali language, literature, and culture in Canada. The formal inauguration of the event was conducted by President Ramesh Lamichhane, followed by the singing of the national anthems of Nepal and Canada. Jamuna Dhakal, a senior life member of NLSC, offered a ceremonial garland to the portrait of Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya in tribute to his enduring contribution to Nepali literature.

A major highlight of the event was the official launch of the NLSC website, jointly inaugurated by current President and program chair Ramesh Lamichhane and the organization’s founder President Rajendra Prasai. The website, developed by NLSC member Nabin Poudel, is expected to serve as an important platform for sharing the organization’s activities, literary publications, membership information, and upcoming events with the Nepali diaspora worldwide.

The program also featured a variety of literary and cultural presentations. Musical performances by Arun Shrestha and Rewa Kayastha entertained the audience, while Nabin Subba, a member of the Board of Directors, presented an overview of the organization’s past achievements, current initiatives, and future vision. Founder President Rajendra Prasai delivered a presentation on the significance of celebrating Bhanu Jayanti and reflected on the invaluable contribution of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya to the development and unification of the Nepali language and literature. The literary segment included poetry recitations by several poets and writers, creating an engaging and inspiring atmosphere for the audience.

Representatives from several Nepali community organizations in Calgary extended their congratulations and best wishes to NLSC, recognizing the organization’s continued contribution to preserving and promoting Nepali language, literature, and culture in the diaspora. The event also received generous financial support from organizations and community members, including NRNA Canada, the Nepalese Sanatan Cultural Society, Easy Air Travels, tourism entrepreneur Ishwari Bhattarai, and realtor Jeewan Katuwal.

One of the most memorable moments of the celebration was the announcement by 15 individuals who voluntarily pledged to become Life Members of the Nepalese Literary Society of Calgary, demonstrating the community’s growing support and confidence in the organization’s mission.

The successful execution of the program was made possible through the dedication of NLSC members who volunteered in membership registration, technical support, and food distribution throughout the event. During the closing ceremony, Laxmi Lamsal Khanal, Vice President of NLSC, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all guests, speakers, performers, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters. The program concluded with closing remarks by Ramesh Lamichhane, who reaffirmed NLSC’s commitment to preserving and promoting Nepali language, literature, and culture while strengthening literary engagement among the Nepali community in Canada.
Photo credit: Laxmi Lamsal Khanal

The celebration of NLSC’s 15th anniversary and the 213th Bhanu Jayanti not only honored the remarkable literary legacy of Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya but also reinforced the organization’s important role in fostering Nepali language, literature, and cultural identity among the Nepali diaspora in Canada. The event reflected the community’s shared commitment to preserving its linguistic and cultural heritage for future generations.