On Nepal 's Scholar

The book highlights historian and scholar Nayaraj Panta and his contribution

By A CORRESPONDENT

Although he died four years ago, the contributions given by Nepal 's renowned and greatest scholar late Nayaraj Panta is always with Nepali society. During his lifetime, late Panta discovered many important things to open new chapters of the history of Nepal .

As he found many new events, many confusions on Lichivi Period and contribution made by Lichivi Kings added in the books. His researched also helped to clarify many issues regarding the Shaha period particularly the period of Prththivi Naryan Shaha the great.

Honest with a strong personality, late Panta had never hesitated to speak truth as he publicly challenged a senior politician and historian claming as an expert of Licchivi period for allegedly copying his research.

Even in his last leg of life, late Panta continued his efforts to contribute important things to Nepalese society. This is the reason even after years of his death; all scholars of different walks of life remember late Panta.

In the history of Nepal , late Panta, a well-known scholar, has a special place. Despite his huge contributions, only a small effort has been made to respect his personality and his works. As all of us know that without late Panta's efforts Nepalese history particularly in the Licchivi Period remained incomplete as his research revealed many undisclosed events of the history of Nepal .

Unlike other scholars, Panta had never compromised with his views and he always stood for the cause of truth. Panta started the Gurukul system of education in Sanskrit and some of his students, though they don't have formal academic certificate, proved high-level efficiency and caliber.

As a life member of Royal Nepal Academy , late Panta spent almost all his life in research and scholarly works. Whatever the political systems or the government came to power, it did not make any difference to Panta's dedication. Thanks to the effort of editor Shesh Raj Shivakoti, couples of books have already been published highlighting his contribution tot the Nepalese history, language and culture.

Although this book is compilation of articles written by different personalities who try to explain and share their experiences with the great scholar late Panta, the articles included in the book also help to see different aspects of late Panta's life. Contributed by several prominent persons, the book is first of its kinds to have first hand information on late Panta and his works.

From prominent botanist Dr. Tirtha Bahadur Shrestha and Panta's student and historian Gyanmani Nepal to Dr. Jagdish Chandra Regmi, Dr.Hrikeshs Upadhyaya, Tejeshworbabu Gonga, Pushkar Lohani, Gopal Parajuli and Dr. Surendra K.C., all of them have written their memoirs and experiences of working with late Panta.

Whether it is in the area of history, culture, religion, language other areas, late Panta has contributed a lot but late Panta had hardly made any efforts to self praise his works.

Renowned botanists Dr.Tirthabahadur Shrestha in his article describe late Panta as a great teacher with all knowledge. According to Dr.Shrestha , late Panta was very strict and disciplined.

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