Kathmandu, May 16- Today, a function was organized here at Bar Association hall to commemorate 75th birth anniversary of late great leader of Dalit movement and literary figure T.R Vishwakarma. The programme was organized by TR Vishwakarma Memorial Foundation. The programme was chaired by the noted literary figure and chairman of the foundation Krishnaprasad Parajuli, and Mr. Amik Sherchan, Chairman of National Interest Committee of Constituent Assembly was the chief guest. The programme was jointly declared opened Mr. Parajuli and Sherchan, the former lighting the lamp and the latter offering garland to the portrait of late Vishwakarma. Mr. Sarojdilu Vishwakarma was felicitated with a certificate, souvenir and cash prize of rupees five thousand one hundred and one for his tireless effort to bring out a book on TR in which he has been able to bring out many incidents of historical importance that were unfamiliar even to the family members. A book on collection of stories written by TR was also declared open by the chief guest.

Those who remembered TR Vishwakarma includes noted literary figure of Dalits and leftist leader and member of TR Memorial Foundation Mr. Ranendra Baraily and stated that he is the disciple of him and late Ruplal Vishwakarma, another leftist leader. Mr. Laxman Bashyal brought out the report and activities of the foundation and Mr. Motilal Nepali, noted Dalit activist and recipient of TR award highlighted the contribution he made on the Dalit movement and said “he was a true hero and revolutionary as he continuously fought against the reactionary forces of the time”. One of the story writers was supposed to review the story collection but he rather briefed the audience what the stories are, therefore, it became a summarization rather a proper review. The grand daughter Kavya Vishwakarma also shared her views and paid her homage though she never saw him.

Mr. Hira Viswhakarma, one of the members of the foundation addressed the programme too and he remembered TR by telling the memories of the incident that he had. He stated that about 35 years ago in Tansen he ate on same plate with Suke Gaine to eliminate the internal discrimination within Dalit. He also told the simple life that he had as along with other participants in Delhi in 1986 he slept on the floor and produced a beautiful poem. He further stated that a memorial day of this type of such a great leader of Dalit movement should not be celebrated by his family by investing their own money, rather by the state. He demanded for provisions to be created in the govt supported institutions such as National Dalit Commission and Dalit Development Committee.

Mrs. Mithai Devi Vishwakarma, the patron of the foundation and wife of late TR thanked all the distinguished guests and participants. Mr. Amik Sherchan, the chief guest of the programme paid high regards and tribute to TR. He said though he was eight years older than him, he was a true friend and comrade; he cannot be the inspiration and leader of Dalit movement only but for whole country. Speaking on the occasion the chairman of the programme Krishnaprasad Parajuli said “TR was his best friend and he appreciated a story written by Parajuli sometime in 1956/57 in which he showed a true brotherly and sisterly love between a Brahmin man and Dalit woman where they accepted each other as brother and sister by taking Bhai Tika of Tihar festival despite the several hurdles created by the society. He also complained that all the politicians get advantage and privileges from the state coffer but the state hardly cares for the artists and literary figures who make selfless contribution to the society and the country.

The master of the ceremony Ms. Kamala Hemchuri, a noted Dalit woman activist also remembered TR by expressing her views and incidents that she had with him. She remembered him for the inspiration that he gave during 2044 to raise fund for the Dalit scholarship.

Report by:
Hira Vishwakarma