A high-level delegation from Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters, gathered in Gangtok on July 15, 2025, to pay tribute to the late Padmashri Sanu Lama, a prominent Nepali litterateur who passed away just days prior on July 12. The somber ceremony took place at his residence, attended by family members, fans, and fellow members of the literary community, who came together to honor the celebrated author.
Leading the delegation was K. Shreenewas Rao, Secretary of Sahitya Akademi, alongside Shanker Deo Dhakal, convenor of the Nepali Advisory Board of the Akademi, and Dr. Devendra Kumar Devesh, the Akademi’s Deputy Secretary. The team shared heartfelt condolences with Sanu Lama’s family and conveyed fond memories of the writer’s extensive contributions to literature.
Born in 1941, Sanu Lama is regarded as a towering figure in contemporary Nepali literature. His works, deeply infused with human emotion and cultural essence, have significantly impacted countless readers and writers, not only in Sikkim and the Eastern Himalayan region but throughout the Nepali-speaking world. His literary contributions, spanning fiction, essays, and translations, have left an indelible mark.
During the ceremony, K. Shreenewas Rao cherished Sanu Lama’s lasting legacy, stating, “Sanu Lama was a literary pillar whose contributions enriched Indian literature immensely. His voice resonated far beyond regional boundaries. Today, we are here not just as representatives of Sahitya Akademi, but as fellow writers and readers who were moved by his words.” Shanker Deo Dhakal echoed this sentiment, describing Lama as “an institution in himself” whose life exemplified a commitment to language, culture, and identity; he noted that the entire Nepali literary fraternity mourns his loss profoundly.
The Sahitya Akademi delegation emphasized that Lama’s legacy will continue to thrive through future publications, discussions, and potential archival efforts. His works, reflecting the socio-cultural landscape of Sikkim and the broader Gorkha identity, have been recognized nationally, even earning accolades from the Sahitya Akademi itself.
This visit underscores not only a national acknowledgment of Sanu Lama’s monumental contributions but also a renewed dedication to nurturing and preserving the literary traditions he cherished.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/sahitya-akademi-delegation-pays-heartfelt-tribute-to-late-sanu-lama
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