Creator and Creation — Discussion and Interaction (Srasta ra Sirjana–Charcha ra Paricharcha) on the Works of Lyricist Gopal Prasad Thapaliya

Kathmandu — The "Creator and Creation (Srasta ra Sirjana–Charcha ra Paricharcha)" program, featuring the works of lyricist Gopal Prasad Thapaliya, was organized by the Lyricists’ Association of Nepal.

The event, dedicated to Thapaliya’s creations, was chaired by the association’s president, Basanta Bityasi Thapa, with former Chancellor of the Nepal Academy, Ganga Prasad Upreti, serving as the chief guest.

Distinguished guests included senior poet and lyricist S.P. Koirala, a senior advisor to the association; former president and senior lyricist Chudamani Devkota; editor and critic of Himalaya Times Purushottam Dahal; social worker and the creator’s life partner Sushila Devi Thapaliya; his son Gaurav Prasad Thapaliya; and his brother Balananda Thapaliya. Other family members of the creator, along with notable personalities from the fields of music, literature, and media, were also present.

Speaking as the keynote speaker on "The Creator and His Works," former member-secretary of the Nepal Academy, Prof. Jagat Prasad Upadhyaya, described Thapaliya as a strong fighter who, while advocating for a democratic republic, had even been injured in the process. He explained that, disillusioned with politics, Thapaliya turned to songwriting, embedding in his lyrics themes of the people’s suffering under corruption, oppression, and feudal traditions.

Distinguished guest Purushottam Dahal reflected on Thapaliya’s contributions, noting his prominence in journalism and his close witness to Nepal’s political changes. Disheartened by anarchic activities, Thapaliya left politics, channeling the realities of unemployment and political turmoil into his songs. Dahal remarked that Thapaliya’s works carried a bold, transformative voice, and he criticized bad politics for the country’s hardships.

Senior journalist and lyricist Thapaliya himself stated that his contributions to the country’s transformation had been forgotten in recent political developments. He accused political parties of steering Nepal toward ruin under foreign influence and affirmed that his creations stood for change and against corruption.

Chief guest Ganga Prasad Upreti praised Thapaliya’s achievements both in journalism and in songwriting, noting that despite his significant role in the nation’s transformation, the government neglected him. Upreti said that Thapaliya’s decision to leave journalism and focus on literature had given the literary field a transformative creator.

Having begun his journalism career in 1969 (2026 B.S.), Thapaliya is regarded as the "Bhishma Pitamah" of Nepali journalism. He has written more than 150 songs, over 25 of which have been recorded, many centered on patriotism, awakening, and social awareness. The event also featured the audio-visual presentation of 12 of his songs. The program was conducted by the association’s vice president, Ramesh Koirala.

In his closing remarks, association president Basanta Bityasi Thapa expressed his continued commitment to advocating for creators’ rights and for positive social change. He also wished Thapaliya good health and a long life, praising his active creative work even in the later stage of life.