Centenarian culture expert Joshi no more

Noted litterateur and culture expert Satya Mohan Joshi passed away at KIST Medical College Hospital at Gwarko, Lalitpur this morning. He was 103.

The ‘Bangmaya Shatabdi Purush’, Joshi, was suffering from a urine infection, and chest and heart issues. He was also infected with dengue of late. He was admitted to hospital on September 23.

The centenarian died at 7.9 this morning, said Dr Suraj Bajracharya who is involved in Joshi’s treatment.

Although Joshi’s health condition looked like it was improving in the initial few days of his hospitalization, it deteriorated later on. KIST Medical College had been providing Joshi and his spouse free medical treatment.

Born in 1919 in Patan, Joshi is celebrated for his achievements in the field of literature, history, and culture with more than 60 books on music, drama, culture, and history to his credit. Some of his prominent publications include Hamro Lok Sanskriti (Madan Puraskar in 1956); Nepali Rastriya Mudra (Madan Puraskar of 1960); Karnali Lok Sanskriti (a research collection); Charumati, Sunkeshari , Majipha Lakhe, Bagh Bhairab (dramas)

Joshi is a three-time recipient of the Madan Puraskar for his work on folk studies, Nepali numismatics and the traditions of the Karnali region, Joshi is a name among Nepalis that elicits respect, honour and reverence. He is an institution in himself.

Joshi’s contribution to Nepali culture, art and history are huge. He founded the Rashtriya NachGhar as part of his effort to keep Nepali culture and art alive. He has been honoured with an honorary Doctor of Literature degree by the Kathmandu University.

He set up the Araniko White Dagoba Gallery in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, using historical artefacts related to Araniko, a Nepali sculptor and architect of ancient Nepal who built the White Pagoda in China.

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) issued three new coins of denominations Rs 100, Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,500 in September 2019, featuring Joshi’s portrait, to commemorate his 100th birthday. On 17 November 2021, Joshi became the first person to receive Nepal’s electronic passport. Joshi was working as the chancellor of the Nepal Bhasa Academy.