On the 13th day of the mourning of the death of IB Rai, a towering figure of Nepali literature, a condolence ceremony was organised in Damak, Jhapa last weekend. More than three dozen Indian and Nepali writers were present at the event to offer their condolences. Speaking at the event organised by Unplug Nepal literary group, the Madan Puraskar-winning author Rajan Mukarung said that Rai’s contributions will help lead future endeavours in the field of Nepali literature. He added that despite Rai’s warm demeanour, he had a very critical voice. Similarly, litterateur Muna Raj Sharma added that Rai’s literary movements—namely, Tesro Aayam and Lila Lekhan—helped chart the direction of Nepali literature.

Also speaking at the event, Prakash Budathoki, the president of the literary group, announced that a statue commemorating Rai’s contributions will be constructed in Damak soon.

IB Rai, who despite writing such noted novels as Aaja Ramita Chha also helped provide a literary dimension to the Gorkhaland movement, died, aged 90, on March 6 in his hometown of Darjeeling. For his literary contributions, Rai was awarded India’s highest literary award, the Sahitya Akademi Award, along with a host of other recognitions and awards.

Unplug Nepal’s 14th poetry reading session started after all the writers offered their condolences. Poet Mahendra Syanbo of Darjeeling, poet Kamala Tamang from Mirik, along with Poet Shiva Regmi ‘Pradat’, a native of Damak,  were present on stage to read out 18 poems. The reading session took the format of Open Mic, where several other poets from Jhapa, Morang and Ilam read out their poems.