Kathmandu: The 43rd memorial day of Bishweshwor Prasad Koirala (BP), Nepal’s first democratically elected Prime Minister, is being observed today (Shrawan 6) with events and tributes across the country. Revered both as a champion of democracy and a pioneer in Nepali literature, BP Koirala passed away on this day in 2039 BS.

Champion of Democracy and National Reconciliation
Born on 24 Bhadra 1971 BS, BP Koirala became Prime Minister following Nepal’s first parliamentary elections in 2015 BS and took office in Jestha 2016 BS. During his tenure, he initiated land reform programs that aimed to end the Birta system and promote the idea that “land should belong to the tiller.”

His government was overthrown in 1 Poush 2017 BS by the Royal Nepal Army. He, along with key political leaders including Krishna Prasad Bhattarai and Ganeshman Singh, was imprisoned—first in Singha Durbar, then transferred to Sundarijal Prison. After his release in 2025 BS for medical reasons, BP lived in exile in India for eight years.

Despite facing eight murder charges, BP returned to Nepal on 16 Poush 2033 BS with the bold message of national unity and reconciliation, believing democracy could not be restored from abroad. His policy of reconciliation is still considered a guiding principle in Nepali politics.

Literary Legacy: Founder of Psychological Realism
A master of psychological realism in Nepali literature, BP Koirala authored more than 15 literary works, including:

Novels: Tin Ghumti, Modi Ain, Sumnima, Narendradai, Babu, Aama ra Chhora, Hitler ra Jew

Short stories: Shwet Bhairavi, Doshi Chashma

Memoirs and Diaries: Autobiography (via Ganesh Raj Sharma), Jealousy Journal, Pheri Sundarijal

Essays: His article Progressiveness in Literature was featured in Sisar magazine.

His writing explored inner psychology, freedom, identity, and social transformation—blending political conviction with literary craft.

BP Museum: A Tribute to Democratic Struggle
The Sundarijal Prison, where BP and his cabinet were once detained, was converted into the BP Museum on 24 Bhadra 2061 BS. The museum, damaged in the 2015 earthquake (12 Baisakh 2072 BS), has since been reconstructed and displays historic items such as:

A water tanker used during the 2007 revolution

The Nepal Airlines plane hijacked in 2029 BS by the Nepali Congress to fund the democratic movement

Nationwide Programs and Honors
On this occasion, the Nepali Congress, its sister organizations, and the BP Museum Committee are organizing programs nationwide, said Krishna Prasad Poudel, Chief Secretary of the party’s central office.

Additionally, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation will present the BP Koirala National Award at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, informed Bhishma Baskota, officer at the Department of Archaeology.

BP Koirala remains a towering figure in Nepal's political and literary history, and his legacy continues to inspire generations in the ongoing journey toward democracy, justice, and national unity.