About the Trust

Preserving the Art, Culture, and Literature of Nepa:

Dedicated to the service of Nepal Bhasa, Engineer Mohan Krishna Dangol, despite being a professional engineer, had a profound passion for the advancement of Nepal Bhasa literature. His unique plays such as Manu Mhasiki and Nhugu Samaj left a significant impact on the public by addressing social issues. A major part of his life was spent in government service, but after retirement, he remained actively engaged in social work, particularly focusing on what could be done to uplift Nepal Bhasa literature. Not only did he write extensively, but he also encouraged new writers in the field of Nepal Bhasa, providing them with inspiration and opportunities. In recognition of his contributions, with the inspiration of the linguist Prem Bahadur Kasa, the Prem Mohan Sirapa was established in Nepal Sambat 1113 (2070 BS). Through this, he prioritized dramas and novels, instituting awards for them biennially. Even after his passing, his family has continued the legacy of the Sirapa. Unfortunately, on Nepal Sambat 1143 Dillathwa Saptami (10 Asar 2080 BS, Sunday), the co-founder of the Sirapa, Gita Dangol, also passed away. After her passing, the trust members decided to include Gita Dangol’s name, renaming it the “Prem Mohan Gita Sirapa” starting this year.

Mission of the Trust:

Despite being a rich language of the indigenous Newar community, Nepal Bhasa is currently in crisis due to state policies. Even after the establishment of democracy in Nepal, the state’s monolingual policy has not been fully addressed.

Objectives of the Trust:

• Encourage new writers in the genres of drama and novels in Nepal Bhasa.
• Recognize veteran writers in the genres of drama and novels in Nepal Bhasa.
• Organize various programs to promote the drama and novel genres in Nepal Bhasa.
• Conduct seminars and workshops to promote Nepal Bhasa literature (especially drama and novels).
• Extend the scope of the Sirapa to international levels.

Goals of the Trust:

Drama is a genre that connects writers with the masses and reflects daily life. Even those who cannot read can gain knowledge by watching plays. The Newar community has a distinct tradition of stage plays, but in the changing times, this tradition is fading. However, the lively performance of stage plays (dabu pyakhan) cannot be replaced. This is why institutions showcasing various stage plays are being established in the Kathmandu Valley today. This situation demands that Nepal Bhasa stage plays be utilized to their fullest potential.

Similarly, novels are literary works read by intellectuals. They not only depict society and characters but also provide guidance to society through their narrative style. Recognizing this, the founder, Engineer Mohan Krishna Dangol, prioritized dramas and novels when establishing the Prem Mohan Sirapa.

Now, to expand the scope of the Sirapa, awards are not only given biennially to outstanding individuals but also to new writers to encourage them. In memory of the trust’s manager Renuka Basukala’s husband, Vidur Basukala, the ‘Vidur Hapa Sirapa’ has been established. The donors for this Sirapa are Renuka Basukala and Vibhas Basukala.