Bhupal Rai

Bhupal Rai (भूपाल राई) is a poet, lyricist, writer and editor. He is currently chancellor of Nepal Academy. He has voiced for the rights of the marginalized people through his writings. His writings carry the organic essence of the Kirati people and their culture. His writings carry the blend of Marxist philosophy and socio-cultural pragmatism of the indigenous people.

About his life and career
Poet Bhupal Rai was born in Bastim Village of Bhojpur (also known as Maajh Kirat), the eastern hilly district of Nepal.

After his high school education, he moved to Kathmandu for higher studies. His literary journey started with the publication of his first poem in "Chhahara" monthly magazine around 1977. The magazine was published by his elder brother Gopal Chhanchha. Bhupal later became a regular columnist in the "Chhahara" monthly magazine, with a satirical column called "Bela ko boli".

He indulged himself in songwriting and musical composition in the 1980s. He also recorded a number of songs as a "Radio Nepal" singer during that decade. But after the 1990s, he quit singing to focus on writing. He believes not only in his poems but also in his songs, he has written about racial discrimination, class struggles and Kirat culture and values.

He has made euro tour and visited Hong Kong in September 2016, via an invitation from "Critics Society".

Published Books
He has authored 6 books and compiled and edited numerous books and magazines.


 * Sumnima ko Tasvir (1996)
 * Dajai kavita gaau mai chha (2000)
 * Pahilo Haraf Sirbandi (1999)
 *  Simanta Soundarya (2010)
 * Bhumigat Prashna Haru (2012)
 * Aago le Janmotsav Manaudaina (2015)

Awards

 * Best Lyricist in Radio Nepal (1992)
 * 1st Runner UP in the "Nepal Academy National Poem" competition (1993)
 * Best Lyricist "NEFEJ Song" competition (1994)
 * Curriculum Song Award by "Curriculum Development Center" (1995)
 * Nepali Pratibha Pratisthan Award UK (2015)