Tenth National Tharu Literature Conference Concludes, Issues Seven-Point Declaration

Parsa. The Tenth National Tharu Literature Conference concluded by issuing a seven-point declaration. The conference, organized by the Tharu Writers' Association Nepal and the Tharu Guest Service Committee, concluded in Belwa, Pateswargouli Rural Municipality-2, Parsa, after issuing the seven-point declaration.

Dr. Krishnaraj Sarbahari, Central Chairman of the Tharu Writers' Association Nepal, stated that the national conference issued a declaration for Tharu literary organizations, language lovers, writers, publishers, and editors to unite and collaborate for the advancement of Tharu language, literature, and culture.

“We will honor the ancestors knowledgeable in Tharu folklore and award prizes through competitions in one of the various genres of Tharu literature,” he said. “The declaration mentions increasing the corpus fund for honoring creators who make significant contributions to Tharu language and literature established by the Tharu Writers' Association Nepal.”

The conference took place from Magh 15 to 17 in Belwa, Pateswargouli Rural Municipality, Parsa. Bimal Nibha, Vice-Chancellor of the Nepal Academy, stated that it is the duty and responsibility of the state to conserve and promote all languages and literature. “The state needs to take ownership of language and literature conservation,” he said. “The Academy has made a good start by publishing magazines in many languages.”

Dr. Sarbahari, Central Chairman of the Tharu Writers' Association Nepal, emphasized that since there is a lack of readable material for Tharu children, local municipalities should develop curricula and produce materials, and writers should create more children's literature.

During the conference, the Tharu Literature Award, established by the Tharu Writers' Association with a prize of NPR 60,000, was presented to poet Hridayanarayan Chaudhary of Bara, and the Tharu Women's Talent Award of NPR 30,000 was presented to singer Samiksha Chaudhary of Kailali.

In the poetry competition held on the occasion of the Tenth National Tharu Literature Conference, Satyanaarayan Dahit (Kailali) secured first place, Bhimesh Chaudhary (Dang Deukhuri) second, and Prakriti Puja (Kanchanpur) third, with Vice-Chancellor Nibha presenting the prizes. Additionally, Niraj Chaudhary of Bara, who completed his PhD from Delhi University this year, was honored.

Furthermore, several works were jointly launched by the chief guest and other guests: “Tituli” (Tharu-Nepali Children's Poetry Collection) by Madhusudan Chaudhary, “Ghughen Mama Ghughen” (Tharu Children's Song Collection) by Chandramani Mahato, “Itihanso Mithiyas Bheesai Mohanprasad Tharu, Siksha Satak” (Poetry Collection) and “Lorhal Sirohal Khissa Partokh” (Story Collection) by Hridayanarayan Chaudhary, “Mat Baitha Chup” (Poetry Collection) by Rita Chaudhary Tharu, and “101 Herbs Found in the Terai” by Manis, Rohan, and Pritam Chaudhary Tharu.

Dinesh Kumar Chaudhary, Chairman of Pateswargouli Rural Municipality, stated that the municipality is committed to the conservation and promotion of Tharu tradition and culture. Ramchandra Dahit, Chairman of the Tharu Guest Service Committee, said that Tharu art, culture, and customs must be kept alive. Six panel discussions on various topics were held during the program.

In this session, Hridayanarayan Chaudhary, Mohandas Tharu, Dinesh Chaudhary, and Bholaram Chaudhary spoke about the status of Tharu language and literature in Bara, Parsa, and Rautahat, with Udayaraj Bhattarai facilitating. On the topic of the importance of Tharu literature and awards, Ramasagar Chaudhary, Shekhar Dahit, Buddhasen Chaudhary, and Shatrughan Chaudhary were speakers, with Bhimesh Chaudhary as the facilitator.

Similarly, on the status of children's literature in Tharu literature, Shanti Chaudhary, CM Apil Chitoune, and Chhabilal Kopila were speakers, and Dr. Krishnaraj Sarbahari facilitated. Sanjay Suman, Anilprasad Raut Tharu, Rita Chaudhary, and Jit Translane shared their views on the teaching profession and creative writing, with Manoj Agnyat facilitating. On the topic of the Gen Z generation and Tharu society, Arnab Chaudhary, Bhumika Tharu, Sureshprasad Das, and Kavita Kavya shared their thoughts, with Krishna Samarpan as the facilitator.

Poetry recitation and Tharu dance performances were presented during the program. Association Chairman Dr. Sarbahari informed that the Eleventh National Tharu Literature Conference will be held in Chitwan in Magh 2083.

He stated that the conference concluded by issuing a seven-point declaration, including pressuring local, provincial, and federal governments to allocate budget for the conservation and promotion of Tharu language, literature, and culture.