SATV, Kathmandu, Oct. 4: The Nepal Academy organised the ‘Moti-Laya’ programme to mark the 161st birth anniversary of pioneer ghazal poet Motiram Bhatta, bringing together ghazal poets, artists, musicians and theatre performers.

Twenty-one ghazal poets from all seven provinces and 10 senior ghazal poets recited ghazals at the programme. The event also featured a drama on Motiram’s life performed by artists from Shilpi Theatre, followed by live painting by 11 artists. The programme opened with a sarod performance by Suresh Raj Bajracharya, which added a musical dimension to the event.

Academy Chancellor Kumar Nagarkoti said a decision had been taken to observe Kuse Aunshi every year as National Ghazal Day. He also recited lines from a ghazal before formally addressing the gathering.

Programme coordinator and head of the Poetry, Culture and Digitalisation Department, Deepak Sapkota, said efforts would be made to have the government formally declare National Ghazal Day through a Cabinet decision.

“A person is remembered not by the numbers and years of their life, but by their contribution,” said Sapkota, describing Motiram’s contribution to Nepali literature as enduring.

Ghazal campaigner and member of the ‘Moti-Laya’ main organising committee, Ghanendra Ojha, said Motiram was not only a pioneer of ghazal writing but also a publisher, editor, biographer and critic, as well as an artist, musician and singer. He said the programme brought together four of Motiram’s major areas of interest including drama, painting, music and ghazal, creating a convergence of different art forms.

Programme co-coordinator and head of the Dalit, Youth and Digitalisation Department, Nabin Abhilashi, said Nepali ghazal had gained wider recognition and official honour.