MOHAN PRADHAN "NEERAJ"- FOUNDER BASIBIYALO

It would not be wrong to mention that Mohan Pradhan ‘Neeraj’s Basibiyalo has been off lately the face of Sikkim’s literature and culture hub. He is the sole person behind the major success of Basibiyalo in Singtam since last 20 years.

Meet Mohan Pradhan ‘Neeraj’, an international acclaimed Nepali literature writer, an excellent presentator and a school teacher by profession. ‘Neeraj’ among his literary field and more popular as ‘Mohan Sir’ among his social circle, he had been able to hold on both the responsibility at ease.

Born to Late Punyalal Pradhan and Late Mankumari Pradhan, Mohan Pradhan ‘Neeraj’ is the youngest of the eleven siblings. Mohan Pradhan ‘Neeraj’ is presently working as the Head Master at Sawaney Primary School, East Sikkim.

Mohan Pradhan ‘Neeraj’  ‘s first foray into nepali writing started with his first poem ‘Sansar yestai rahecha’ published in Naupath Magazine, Gangtok in  late 70s. Since then he had been associated with numerous nepali literary organizations around and beyond the state of Sikkim.

He had been the editor of several literary works that includes his own publication work in Sanjiwani (Literary magazine), Hatar (Satire nepali literary magazine), Sadbhawana and Prerna, while he also worked as the Regional Editor of Kalikaal, Siliguri and Darjeeling Journal, Darjeeling.

He had been in different positions of literary organizations that include: Nepali Sampadan Samiti, Tribhuwan Vishwa Vidhyalaya, Nepal – Advisor, Bhanu Ratna Sahitya Parisad Guthi – General Secretary, Samkalin Srijana, Gangtok – Vice President, All India Editor Guild- Sikkim Representative.

Mohan Pradhan ‘Neeraj’ had been recently elected as a President of Singtam Newar Kalyan Sangathan. He is also the Civil Defence, Singtam – Sector Officer, SPARK  NGO- Patron, Sadhbhawana Samiti (Singtam- former President).

Mohan Pradhan ‘Neeraj’, these days is working on the publication of this three books viz. Pratibha ko khoji (interview & personality introduction), Chaalharu (poetry), Ushalai…(Story)

‘Neeraj’ is his literary career also had won accolades and presentations from different organization in and across the state. Those awards include: Bhanu Ratna Sahitya Puraskar (1995), SAARC Antarashtriya Samman, Nepal (2012), Damodar Purasahani Antarastriya Samman, Nepal (2012), Antarashtriya Samman Nepal Chapter, Nepal (2012), Sarjak Samman, Nepal (2012), Antarashtriya Samman, Tribhuwan Vishwa Vidhyalaya, Nepal (2012), Bhanu Jayanti, Timi South Sikkim (2013), Badhaichha Creation, Singtam (2013), Pratibha Manch, Rhenock (2011), Lee Aal Turung, (2011), Kalikaal Samman, Combine Creation, Siliguri (2010), Teen jurre Sahitya Prakashan, Khamdong, (2010), Yuva Sahitya pratisthan, Sikkim (2003), Sikkim Mahila Patrkar Sangh, Gangtok (2004), Kinar Prakashan, Gangtok (2004), Deorali Mayalmu Sangh, Gangtok (2006).

Shri Mohan Pradhan "Neeraj" felicitated at Temi Tarku, South Sikkim in Bhanu Jayanti Celebration 2013

Basibiyalo remains the major contribution of Mohan Pradhan ‘Neeraj’s towards the society. A monthly literary and cultural meet held at Singtam since January 1^st 1993 has over the last two decades gained popularity beyond the state of Sikkim. International representatives along with representatives from different parts of India have participated in the meet. The platform of Basibiyalo had witnessed distinguished personalities from different fields presenting their talents on the stage. Some of the guests includes: Kapil Thapa (Indian Idol finalist), Banaika Pradhan (Himalayan Idol winner), Bijeyeta Baraily, Uma Baby (actresses), Uttam Pradhan, Bishal Chamling (actors), Sanu Lama, Dr. Rajendra Bhandari, Rudra Poudhyal, Chunnilal Ghemere, Bijay Kumar Subba (Literary figures), CP Giri (former Home Secretary, Nagaland) and others.

[Note: Contents asked by Suresh K. Lama and mail received in  sureshlama@yahoo.com] Published in 10th August.2013 Sikkim Mail Daily.