Linguist and senior litterateur Bal Krishna Pokharel died on Sunday. He was 86. He had been suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes.

Pokharel was rushed to the hospital after sudden deterioration in his health condition at around 1am. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

In the third week of January, Pokharel had suffered a stroke when he had gone to his daughter’s residence in Siliguri, a bordering town in India. After treatment in Siliguri for two days, he was taken to the Kathmandu-based Norvic Hospital. As his health showed no sign of improvement, Pokharel was taken to his residence in Biratnagar. Later, he was taken to Shree Hospital in Biratnagar as his condition deteriorated further.

He was discharged from the hospital a few days back, his son Munal Pokharel said.

Born in Chisapanigadi of Makwanpur district in 1990BS, Pokharel did his Masters in Linguistics from Kolkata University. He started teaching at Tribhuvan University from 2019BS. He taught Linguistics in Morang Campus also. He retired from teaching in 2046BS.

Pokharel also worked as a member of the then Royal Nepal Academy from 2036BS to 2041BS.

Nepali Brihat Sabdakosh (a Nepali dictionary) was published in 2040BS under Pokharel’s leadership. He has authored around four dozen books. Lately, he was working on an epic poem titled ‘Rupa Rani’. The book was due to be published both in English and Nepali languages. According to his student, poet and critic Hari Baral, his last work of literature had almost been completed.

A recipient of Madan Puraskar in 2021BS for his ‘Nepali Bhasa and Sahitya’, Pokharel was honoured with dozens of prizes. He is survived by a son and two daughters. His wife died four years ago.

His body was cremated at Paropakarghat, Biratnagar on Sunday afternoon.

Province 1 Social Development Minister Jeevan Ghimire honoured him by draping the national flag over his body.