Bal Krishna Pokharel


Bal Krishna Pokharel was a Nepalese writer, linguist, historian, and literary critic. He was one of the key person behind the publishing of Nepali Brihat Sabdakosh, a comprehensive Nepali dictionary. Alongside Nepali language, he also wrote in Sanskrit and Magar languages. He wrote multiple fiction, non-fiction and poetry books and was awarded with Madan Puraskar in 1963 for his book Nepali Bhasa Ra Sahitya.

Early life

He was born on 28 August 1933 on the day of Krishna Janmashtami in Chisapani Gadhi, Makwanpur, Nepal to father 'Subba' Sharada Pokhrel and mother Chhaya Devi Pokhrel. He began his formal education from Tri-Juddha High English School, Biratnagar, Nepal in 1946. He also learnt Magar language, an indigenous Nepalese language, in around 1950.
He obtained a Matriculation certificate from Banaras Hindu University of India in 1952. He received a master's degree in comparative linguistics from Kolkata University. He obtained an M.A. in Nepali literature with the First class first position and gold medal from Tribhuvan University, Nepal in 1973.

Literary career

After completing his education, he started teaching at Tribhuvan University from 2019 BS and at Morang College subsequently. He retired from teaching in 2046 BS.
In 1963, Pokharel was awarded the Madan Puraskar, Nepal's highest literary honour for his book Nepali Bhasa Ra Sahitya.
In 2017, he was awarded the Lekhnath Literary Award.

Notable works

Non-fictions

Nepali Bhasa ko Katha Nepal Ra Chetriya Bhasaharu ko Sambandha Panch Saya Barsha Nepali Bhasa Ra Sahitya Rastrabhasa Dhoni Prakriya ra Dhoni Siddhanta College Starko Nibandhai Nibandha Ek Man Saat Chintan Pachhis Barsa ka Bhashik Charcha Tesro Ekmukhe Rudrakshako Khoji Nepali Nirwachan – Volume 1 Nepali Nirwachan –Volume 2 Khas Jaati ko Itihaas Nepali Byakaran Sharada – Volume 1 Man ka Tareliharu
  • ''Ma Ajhai Hajir Chhu''

Poetry collections

Shanti Sena Ukus Mukus Sauri Atreyo Balakrishnoham Kanung Laam
  • ''Astha Anastha Astha''

Story collections

Kalo Bhoot Birachana Ek Tapari Bhat Sodhai ra Jawaph Kane Khusi
  • ''Ma Gayal Chhaina''

Novels

Mahamanav ko Sapana
  • ''Napi Poora Hudaina Kyare''

Dictionary and thesaurus

Nepali Brihat Sabdakosh Jharro Sabdawali
  • ''Pokharel ko Brihat Nepali–Angrezi–Nepali Kosh''

Play

  • ''Hastakshar Huna Napaundai''

Death

Pokharel died on 24 February 2019 in Biratnagar. His body was cremated at Paropakarghat. He is survived by a son and two daughters.