During an event organised to celebrate the 100th birth commemoration of poet Ali Miya, it was announced that a park, library, museum and a statue would be constructed to memoralise the venerated poet’s contribution to the field of Nepali literature. During the event, held in Pokhara on Tuesday, Ali Miya Wangmaya Pratisthan announced that the organisation has already received a commitment from the city officials to fund the monuments.

Speaking at the event, Mayor of Pokhara Lekhnath Metropolitan City Man Bahadur GC, who was the chief guest, said, “Given the fact that poet Ali Miya is a figure of historical and cultural importance, the City will use all available resources to preserve his legacy.” He also brought to attention that 100 ropanies of land has already been allocated to commemorate martyrs and other personalities of historical importance: “The poet’s statue will also be a part of that project.”

The event also felicitated educationist and social worker Ganesh Man Singh, who, after receiving the honour, reflected on the times when he first met poet Ali Miya in the early ‘70s. “Ali Miya is one of the brightest stars of Nepal’s literary arena,” Gurung said, “He will always be a hero in my heart.”

Several other attendees reflected on the contribution made by the poet, and recited some of his famous verses. Also speaking at the event, Darshan Lama, ward chairman of Lekhnath-13, said that the plan to install a statue in Ali Miya’s birthplace is unlikely to happen because of the City’s policy to locate all the statues in a single park. “So we have started appealing to the authorities to start the construction of the park promptly,” Lama said.

The Ali Miya Wangmaya Pratisthan also announced that a year-long celebration would follow to mark the centenary of the poet’s 100th birth anniversary.