In Memoriam: Kamal Mani Dixit

On 29 December 2016, the world lost a great man. Kamal Mani Dixit, known as Dada Ji by the Rato Bangala community,  was an author and great supporter of the literary arts in Nepal. Ranjan Pudaisani writes more on Dada Ji's life and legacy below. 

by Ranjan Pudaisani

I still remember the day in grade six when I first met Mr. Kamal Mani Dixit. I don’t remember why he came nor what he did in class but after two weeks, I had found out so much about him that I could only marvel at his genius with that brain. Born on September 2, 1929 in Gairidhara, Kathmandu few would have imagined him to leave such huge mark in Nepali history.

He started his school in 1990 BS and completed his B.A. from Banaras Hindu University in 2006 BS. While still in school he was sad that he could not buy books and because of that he saved his money and bought books.  That collection was later turned into a library that has since become the largest Nepali library anywhere in Nepal. He married Anju Poudel and along with his children opened Rato Bangala School in 2048 BS. He also established the Madan Puraskar Guthi in 2012 BS. He also featured in “Adhikabi Bhanubhakta” the movie alongside his wife in 2056 BS.

Not only was he a novelist, his Madan Puraskar awarded writers who made contribution to Nepali literature and also set the stage for aspiring writers to hone their skills. He also deserves credits for developing the Nepali Unicode that allows instantaneous communication in Nepali language. This invention started a revolution in Nepali communications. His book “Dhumdham ko ghumgham” has been so popular that it has been in Pakistan’s curriculum.

He was also a vital cog in the Rato Bangala School’s management. At times he would serve as the link between the students, teachers and the school management. His role was not limited to just being the patron but would be seen frequently roaming the school and teaching the students with their poems. He also taught the Nepali teachers about “chhanda”and how a poem is written.

“His family read a lot”, says Santa Dixit, the director of Rato Bangala School and Kamal Mani Dixit’s daughter-in-law. “That inspired him  to read a lot as well. He believed that wealth was temporary and did not pursue it. His ideology was that ups and downs do happen in life and because of that one should not be scared if they are in trouble.”

He felt that he was rewarded enough in life and therefore would not accept any awards that were given to him.  He took Lekhnath Paudel’s “ma kasto hu” seriously and tried to live his life like a satyabadi. As a result he became a social worker and even in that field he set a brilliant example for the generations to come.

He built the Madan Dhara where there was a scarcity of water and also established the Jagadamba Aushadhalaya so that the public could enjoy cheaper access to health care. He also built the Jagadamba Athiti Bhawan, which was bombed during the Maoist insurgency, he had it rebuilt after the monarchy was abolished.

“He is a great example for the kids and the younger generation especially”, continues  Dixit. “He has worked tirelessly for the advancement of Nepali literature and his dedication is there for all to see. From the Unicode to Sangranti to Madan Pustakalaya he has done a really good job and leaves behind a brilliant legacy for the country”. 

Even though his loss will be felt deeply, it is finally time for us, the younger generation, to pick up from where he left off.