KATHMANDU: Today marks the 42nd Memorial Day of BP Koirala, Nepal's first elected Prime Minister, with various events being held across the country in his honor. Born on Bhadra 24, 1971 BS, and passing away on Saun 6, 2039 BS, Koirala was the founder of the Nepali Congress and a key advocate of nationalism, democracy, socialism, and national reconciliation. In January 2016, he was elected as the country's first prime minister after the parliamentary elections held in 2015.
Being a pioneer of psychological realism, Koirala is also acknowledged for his important contributions to Nepali literature. Among his most well-known pieces are "Tin Ghumti," "Modi Ain," "Hitler and Jew," "Sumnima," and "Narendradai." During his tenure as Prime Minister, he advanced land reform policies aimed at abolishing the birta system and ensuring land ownership for the tillers.
Following the overthrow of the popularly elected government by the king on 1st Poush 2017, Koirala and other leaders were imprisoned first in Singha Darbar and then in Sundarijal jail. For eight years Koirala stayed in exile in India following his release in 2025 BS due to health concerns. He returned to Nepal on 16 Poush 2033 BS, advocating for national unity and reconciliation. The Sundarijal Prison, where Koirala and other leaders were held, has since been transformed into the BP Museum, showcasing important artifacts from his life and historical events, such as the 2007 revolution tanker and the hijacked Nepal Airlines plane from 2029.
In celebration of BP Memorial Day, the Nepali Congress, its affiliated organizations, and the BP Museum Management Committee are organizing various events. Additionally, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation will distribute the BP Koirala National Award at the Prime Minister's Residence in Baluwatar later today, as announced by Krishna Prasad Paudel, Chief Secretary of the NC Office.
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