Senior litterateur Prof Mohan Raj Sharma, who has made significant contribution to Nepali literature, passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday morning.

Sharma, who was suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure, died at Kalanki-based National Hospital, said the family. Born in Kathmandu in 1994 B.S., Sharma has authored various works of different genres ranging from drama, poetry, novel and story. He has also written textbooks in Nepali for higher school level.

His works include 'Nepali Sahityako Sanchhipta Itihas Samalochana (Samyukta)-A brief history of Nepali literary criticism (joint), 'Nepalka Kehi Adhunik Sahityakar' (Some modern litterateurs of Nepal), 'Kathako Bikas Prakriya' (Development process of story', 'Jemanta Ra Yama', 'Baikuntha Express', 'Korra: story collection', 'Puchharko Pato', 'Mi. Jhappu Singh', 'Chakhedharna', and 'Hasyabyanga: Nibanda Sangraha', A collection of satirical essays).

Sharma's mortal remains have been kept at Pashupati for condolence. Last rites of Sharma will be conducted on Friday as it will take some days for the deceased's son to arrive from abroad, said Prof Dr Laxman Prasad Gautam of the Central Department of Nepali at Tribhuvan University.

Prof Jagat Prasad Upadhyay, member secretary of the Nepal Academy, said the demise of Sharma has caused an irreparable loss to the Nepali literature.