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BOOK REVIEW |
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BOOK REVIEW |
Shapes Of Scholarship The life and times of a
pre-eminent scholar are chronicled by people who knew him By A CORRESPONDENT People die but their contributions to their society live on to inspire succeeding generations. The late Naya Raj Panta dedicated his life to reveal important aspects of Nepalese history. Because of his hard work and deep commitment, Nepalese have been able to understand valuable recorded and unrecorded events that have shaped the country's destiny. Panta's personality was diverse as well as scholarly. In his long career as a teacher, researcher and writer, among others, Panta probed the Nepalese past with an abiding quest to understand the present and extrapolate the future. By revealing many important facets of Licchivi rule, Panta enriched our understanding of the period. Panta, who died at the age of 91 a few months ago, always stood firmly for his cause and commitment. Being a scholar of Sanskrit, he possessed vast knowledge and experience flowing from the ancient language. Whether during the autocratic Panchayat period or the new democratic era, Panta never compromised with his stand. Many of Panta's works were stolen and translated into English, but he remained steadfast in his desire to delve deeper into the Nepalese consciousness. Edited by Shesh Raj Shivakoti, "Swavimanka Sagarmatha" consists of 34 articles written by various scholars and intellectuals. Some of the contributors were students of Panta's while others were associates. Thanks to the efforts of Shivakoti, the general readers have an opportunity to know more about the personality and contributions of a true legend. Panta was always respected by the scholars, irrespective of political ideology. In his professional dealings, Panta treated students and colleagues equally with respect. Politician Shree Bhadra Sharma Khanal, renowned writer Madanmani Dixit and scholar Dr. Jagdish Chandra Regmi and politician/writer Rajeshwor Devota, among others, met Panta and obtained knowledge. Former principal secretary to the King Rewatiraman Khanal, Dr, Chabilal Gajurel and Dr.Surendra K.C, too, were personally affiliated with Panta. In his article, "My Guru Naya Raj Panta", Sharma remembers the days when he arrived in Kathmandu to learn Sanskrit. "Nayaraj Panta inspired me to do good works and backed me whenever I was in trouble. Guruji was well-read, scholarly and very human."
In "The Highest Personality of the Century", Dixit, a former vice-chancellor of Royal Nepal Academy, describes Panta's contributions in Nepalese literature, history and other areas. Although Dixit has written a one-page tribute, he casts new light on Panta's scholarship and dedication. "Nayaraj Panta had his own personality and contributions to Nepalese society. He does not need any comparison with any scholars of the world," writes Dixit. People like Dr. Gajurel, Bharat Raj Panta, Gyanmani Pokharel and Prakash A. Raj have been inspired by the ideals of Panta, who always stood for personal dignity. The contents of this volume explain why Panta will be remembered by posterity as one of the tallest personalities of Nepal. Swavimanka Sagarmatha: Nayaraj
Panta |
Send your feedback to the
editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
