BIDYAPATI DAHAL- SANSKRIT AND NEPALI SCHOLAR OF ASSAM

Bidyapati Dahal was born to Debanarayan Dahal and Bhima Devi on 10th April,1945 at Subhankhatta of the then Kamrup District of Assam and presently a part of Baksa District of Assam. Bidyapati Dahal lost his both parents at an early age. After losing his parents young Bidyapati had a difficult early life. In the meantime he found some young people of his locality going to the city of knowledge Kashi, Uttar Pradesh and he fled with them. After reaching Kashi ( Benaras) he was attracted towards education and as a small child he joined the Brahmananda Sanskrit Pathsala, Varanasi to receive his primary education. He soon became a favourite student of Pradhan Adhyapaka of the school, Pandit Krityananda Jha because of his eagerness and ability to learn Sanskrit at a great ease. After his primary education Bidyapati Dahal forgot all his hardships of life and concentrated in building his future career through Sanskrit education. He travelled to Porbandar, Gujarat and stayed in the Sringara Math, Vishram Dwarika ( Ashram)nearly 20 kilometres away from Porbandar as a student where he received free fooding, lodging ,clothing , text-books and examination fees to receive his Madhyamik education from 1958 to 1964 and completed Madhyama from Sri Raghuvar Vedanta Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Porbandar, Gujarat and came out with flying colours. Bidyapati Dahal, then joined the Sri Raghubar Ramananda Vedanta Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Ahmedabad, Gujarat under Varanasiya Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, Varanasi and completed his Ramananda Vedanta Shastri staying in the Koshalendra Math (Ashram) ,Palladi, Ahmedabad for two years. In this Ashram too he received free fooding, lodging, clothing, text-books and examination fees. He also completed the Vyakaran Shastri from the same college under Brihad Gujarat Sanskrit Parishad, Gujarat. As a student Bidyapati Dahal showed his talent in different literary competitions held in the College and won several awards, medals and also scholarships. He wrote several Sanskrit poems as a student of various educational institutions and won a great applaud from his teachers. The most distinguished awards and medals received by Dahal while being a student include the ‘Jatindrapadakam’ (Gold Medal), Ahmedabad, Gujarat -in the year 1969 and ‘Jatindrapadakam’ (Silver Medal), Ahmedabad, Gujarat in the year 1971. He also successfully completed the Sahitya Shastri from Bharatiya Bidya Bhavan, Bombay and completed his illustrious Sanskrit educational career with Acharya in Sankhyayoga from Sampurnananda Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, Varanasi. After successful completion of his career in Sanskrit education Bidyapati Dahal came back to his home state Assam was invited to serve the Adhyanath Jyotirbigyan Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Gondhia, Nalbari as a Lecturer of Sanskrit and served the College from 1970 to 1975. Bidyapati Dahal made a great contribution towards the socio-literary upliftment of the Gorkhas of Baksa district, particularly Nikashi area as he established ‘Gorkha Bani Pustakalaya’ at Bhutankhutti, Nikashi in 1971 taking the help of some of the educated youth of the villages after he came back after completion of his educational career. He also served as the President of Gorkha Yuvak Sangha, Bhutankhutti and carried out some awareness programmes on the necessity of education in the region. He then shifted to Udalguri in Darrang district and served as Adhyapaka in Sangaveda Viswa Shanti Vidyalaya from 1976 to 1982.

After the death of Pradhan Adhyapaka of the School, Pandit Sidhheswar Bhagawati in 1982,Bidyapati Dahal had to take the responsibility as Pradhan Adhyapaka of Sangaveda Viswa Shanti Vidyalaya,Udalguri and served in the same post till his retirement in 2003. Bidyapati Dahal was also highly interested in Nepali literature and amidst his busy life as a teacher he successfully completed Master of Arts in Nepali from Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal in 1987.

Bidyapati Dahal is also called ‘Shastri Ji’ by many of the people of Nalbari District, Baksa District and presently Udalguri and is also popularly known as ‘Guruji’ throughout Assam.

Bidyapati Dahal’s interest in literary activities while being a student flourished further and soon he began writing articles and other literary creations in various souvenirs, magazines, publications in Assamese, Hindi Nepali and Sanskrit. His ‘Panchabingshati Tatwa Bibachanam’ written in 1978 in Sanskrit is memorable for great metrical verses. Bidyapati Dahal has written 19 books and also has penned several write-ups and articles in periodicals, souvenirs and magazines published from Assam and various other parts of India and also from neighbouring countries Bhutan and Nepal. Dahal’s several poems have been aired by All India Radio, Guwahati and also has a Poetical Audio- Cassette ‘Kavi Kantha’ as a joint venture with poets Indra Kanta Karki, Gobinda Sandilya inaugurated at Sipajhar Conference of Assam Sahitya Sabha. Bidyapati Dahal authored ‘Sahitya Vimarsh’’ a systematic study of chronology in Nepali literature in 1998 under the banner of Dahal Prakashan, Udalguri .This book is included as a reference book in both Under-graduate and Post-Graduate Curriculum under Gauhati University, Gauhati; Sikkim University, Sikkim; North-Bengal University, West Bengal, Bodoland University, Kokrajhar, Assam; North-East Hill University(NEHU),Meghalaya etc,. He was awarded with ‘Haribhakta Katuwal Smriti Puraskar’ by Nepali Sahitya Kala-Niketan, Guwahati, Assam for this particular book in 2001. Bidyapati Dahal continued his literary journey with his ‘Kamya- Khandakavya’ a light epic in Nepali in 2001followed by his another light epic ‘Aama’ Khandakavya in 2004. On 5th September 2004, Bidyapati Dahal received the ‘National Awards for Teachers-2003’ awarded by Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India as a recognition of his notable contribution in the field of education from the Hon’ble President of India, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam. Dahal Guruji’s pen continued relentlessly after his retirement from his job as Pradhan Adhyapaka and after that he brought out admirable literary creations one after another. His book ‘Paschatya Samalochana Sidhhanta’ - a book of literary criticism and ‘Paschatya Samalochana ra Pramukh Baad’ – a book of literary criticism and its theories in Nepali language published in 2004 were first of its kind written by a Nepali author from the North-Eastern India which got great response from the student community as well as the Gorkha intellectual class. Both these books are part of curriculum in various Indian Universities as reference books. Bidyapati Dahal wrote both in Sanskrit and Nepali simultaneously and his ‘ Vivekananda Prasashti’ published in 2006 in Sanskrit is another achievement as a Sanskrit author. Dahal’s ‘Usha Haran Mahakavya’ published in 2006 was his first epic in Nepali language which was based on the historical legends of Anirudhha and Usha. It is one of the new epics written from the North-East India in Nepali language and has been included as a part of its curriculum in Under-graduate courses in the North-Bengal University. Dahal has authored several books and hymns in Sanskrit highlighting the role of various Hindu scriptures in Sanskrit in verse form. His books ‘ Tatwachintanam’(2007),Srimad Bhagawat Mahatwam’(2007) and Bhagawcharitamritam’ – a light epic in Sanskrit(2008) and ‘Srishti Navya Mahakavyam’ (2012) -an epic in Sanskrit are examples of his poetical creations written in various Sanskrit chhandas . Bidyapati Dahal’s literary creations was hindered for some time because of his acute illness in 2013. He was bed-ridden for almost eight months and after undergoing a periodic treatment in Patna, Bihar for his illness related to bone marrow he overcame his illness to re-start his life with a new zeal, endeavor and renewed vigour to serve the literary world. After getting rid of his illness he completed his unfinished work’ ‘Bharatiya Nepali Sahityako Itihaas’- a history of Indian Nepali literature in 2014. It is considered as first of its kind book wherein only the history of Indian Nepali literature has been focused upon. This particular book has become a part of syllabi in various Indian Universities. Bidyapati Dahal Guruji, since then has diverted his attention towards Sanskrit literature has authored several significant Mahakavyas or Epics. His ‘ Sankardeva Mahakavyam’(2016) is first epic in Sanskrit based upon the life, teachings and achievements of great Assamese Neo- Vaishnavite Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva. Dahal also has penned ‘ Bhanubhakta Mahakavyam’ ,recognized as first epic in Sanskrit based upon the life and achievements of Nepali Adi-Kavi Bhanubhakta Acharya. Dahal Guruji’s vibrant poetical achievements can be found in his another historical epic ‘ Sri Madhavdeva Mahakavyam’(2018) based upon the life and teachings of Mahapurush Madhav Deva as well as ‘Sri Damodardeva Mahakavyam’ an epic in Sanskrit based upon the life and teachings of Sri Damodar Deva published in 2018. As a recognition to his commendable service towards Sanskrit literature in Assam, Assam Sahitya Sabha, Nalbari District Committee conferred him with the ‘Mahamahopadhayaya Dhireswarcharya Smriti ‘ Navadweep Award’ in a ceremonial function held at Subhadra Choudhury Bhavan, Nalbari,Assam on 21st October,2018. Bidyapati Dahal has been continuously writing one after another historical creations and his ‘Swami Vivekananda Mahakavyam’ an epic in Sanskrit based upon the life, achievements and preaching of Swami Vivekananda was published in 2019. In the inaugural ceremony of ‘Swami Vivekananda Mahakavyam’ held in Udalguri at Udalguri Town Committee Conference Hall on 23rd April, 2019 under the aegis of Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha, Udalguri District Committee ,Sri Bidyapati Dahal Guruji was conferred with the title of ‘Mahakavi’ by the Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha,Udalguri District Committee and was attended as Chief Guest and Inaugurator by Dr. Khemraj Nepal ,member of Advisory Committee, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi. Shastriji or Bidyapati Dahal was awarded with the ‘ Pandit Taranath Sandilya Sahitya Samman-2016’ by Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha at Jagun, Tinsukia on 14th November,2016 in its 14th Triennial Conference. Dahal Guruji has many books in the form of manuscripts in the press which includes ‘Gurudeva Kalicharan Brahma Mahakavyam’ an epic in Sanskrit based upon the life and teachings of the founder of Brahma Dharma among the Bodo community of Assam and ‘Sanskrit Sahitye Itihaas’ a book on the growth and development of Sanskrit literature in Assam. Besides authoring a numerous books, Bidyapati Dahal also made a notable contribution towards the struggle for recognition of Nepali language in the Eighth Schedule of Indian Constitution which was finally included as one of the recognized languages on 20th August,1992. Dahal also served as a Member of the Assam Sanskrit Board for a long time and is a lifetime member of Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Assam which is presently known as Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha after its merger. He served as the President of Darrang District Committee of Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Assam a premiere literary organization of Assam recognized by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi for two consecutive terms. He is also a Life Member of the premiere literary organizations -Assam Sahitya Sabha and Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha. He also served in various capacities in different social, religious and literary organizations of Udalguri & Assam. He served the Vishwa Hindu Parishad at the most critical juncture as a president and has extended his service to the student organization of Gorkhas- All Assam Gorkha Students Union(AAGSU) and parent organization- Assam Gorkha Sammelan on various occasions as Advisor. Bidyapati Dahal was also an active member of ‘Kadambini Club’- a literary club associated with the Hindustan Times. Dahal has been felicitated by various literary and social organizations of Assam for his significant contribution towards socio-literary development time and again on various occasions. Dahal Guruji was felicitated by All Assam Gorkha Students Union, Udalguri District Committee; Assam Gorkha Sammelan ,Udalguri District Committee and Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha, Udalguri District Committee, Assam Sahitya Sabha, Udalguri District Committee. Moreover Dahal was felicitated by Acharya Balakrishna, ‘Patanjali Yogpeeth’ and Hamro Swabhiman, Assam on 10th November,2016.Guruji was also felicitated by Assam Kavi Samaj on 26th November,2016, and Sanskrit Pracharani Samiti, Assam. Doordarshan Kendra Guwahati under Prasar Bharati, Govt. of India felicitated Dahal Guruji on 18th December,2011 for his notable contribution towards socio-literary upliftment of the region. The Udalguri District Administration honoured Dahal Guruji as a mark of respect on 64th Republic Day Celebration of India on 26th January,2013 for his yeomen service to the people of Udalguri District in the field of Social service Bidyapati Dahal’s notable contribution towards language and literature was recognized by Government of Assam awarded as a Literary Pensioner in the year,2017.

Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University, Nalbari, Assam felicitated him for his notable contribution towards Sanskrit literature in the Sanskrit Divas Celebration in 2017.

Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha honoured him with ‘Bisista Sewa Samman’ on 24th February,2019 as a mark of respect for his distinguished contribution for the growth, development and upliftment of Nepali and Sanskrit literature.

Bidyapati Dahal’s life-partner Bhima Devi has been a silent but acute supporter in his growth as a literary figure and the volume of his achievements is  a proof of this. His two sons- Mukunda Dahal and Ramesh Dahal have served his cause by publishing all the books written by Dahal till date. His daughter Geeta Devi and son-in law Jiban Sharma has a significant role to play in his life. His daughter in laws- Bibha Devi and Purnima Devi and his four grandsons- Vikram Sarmah, Bishal Sarmah, Manish Dahal, Prayag Dahal and his only Grand-daughter Pratyusha Dahal adds solace to his life and encourages him to pen several more books.

‘ All Assam Damodardeva Sangha ‘ honoured him for his notable epic ‘ Sri Damodardeva Mahakavya’ and Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha, Nikashi, Baksa also felicitated Guruji in presence of notable personalities of the region on15th July,2019. It is really great to see that a retired teacher and a pensioner under Government of Assam, Bidyapati Dahal despite being an octogenarian writes and reads comfortably with naked eyes and leads a very simple life associating himself with various social and literary organisations and intellectual society of Udalguri. His close associates in Udalguri includes Sahitya Akademi Awardee Guruji Tarapati Upadhyaya, Puspadhar Sharma; Social Worker Chandra Mohan Chetri, National Awardee for Hindi literature and young writer Baidyanath Upadhyaya, Gayatri Bhattarai, Bishnu Sarmah, Laxman Adikari, Gautamjyoti Talukdar and many other young writers.

A Select Bibliography: i) Panchabingshati Tatwa Bibachanam-1978(Sanskrit) ii) Sahitya Bimarsha-1998(Nepali) iii) Kamya Khandakavya-2001(Nepali) iv) Aama Khandakavya-2004(Nepali) v) Paschatya Samalochana Siddhanta-2004 (Nepali) vi) Paschatya Samalochana ra Pramukh Baad-2004(Nepali) vii) Vivekananda Prasasti-2006(Sanskrit) viii) Ushaharan Mahakavya-2006( Nepali) ix) Tatwa Chintanam-2007( Sanskrit) x) Sri Mad Bhagawat Mahatwam-2007( Sanskrit) xi) BhagawatCharitamritam Khandakavyam-2008( Sanskrit) xii) Srishti Mahakavyam-2012 ( Sanskrit)

xiii) Bharatiya Nepali Sahitya Ko Itihaas( Nepali)

xiv) Sankardeva Mahakavya-2016,(Sanskrit) xv) Bhanubhakta Mahakavyam-2018 (Sanskrit) xvi)Sri Madhavdeva Mahakavyam-2018 (Sanskrit) xvii) Sri Damodardeva Mahakavyam, 2018(Sanskrit) xviii) Swami Vivekananda Mahakavyam,2019 ( Sanskrit) A Chronology:- 1945- Born at Subhankhatta, Kamrup,Assam 1970- Joined as Lecturer, Adhyanath Jyotirbigyan Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Nalbari, Assam 1976- Joined as Adhyapaka in Sangaveda Viswa Shanti Vidyalaya, Udalguri, Darrang 1982- Promoted to Pradhan Adhyapaka of Sangaveda Viswa Santi Vidyalaya, Udalguri, Darrang 1987- Completed MA in Nepali from Trivubhan University, Kathmandu, Nepal 2001- Haribhakta Katuwal Smriti Sahitya Puraskar, Nepali Kala Sahitya Niketan, Guwahati 2003- Retired from his service as Pradhan Adhaypaka 2004- Awarded with National Award for Teachers,2003 by Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India 2016- Awarded with ‘Pandit Taranath Sandilya Smriti Samman’, Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha at Jagun, Tinsukia. 2018- Awarded with ‘MahaMahopadhyaya Dhireshwarcharya Smriti Navadweep Award’ 2018 from Nalbari District 2024- Damodar Dev Puraskar, Guwahati

References

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