Kathmandu: The government has decided to grant a one-day public holiday to mourn the demise of historian and cultural expert Satya Mohan Joshi.
Issuing a notice on Monday, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced to grant the holiday on Tuesday to mourn Joshi’s demise.
Joshi, 103, who died in the course of treatment at the Kathmandu-based Kist Hospital on Sunday, was suffering from a urine infection, and chest and heart issues.
Likewise, the government has also decided to fly the national flag at half-mast on Tuesday to mourn Joshi’s death.
“The government has decided to grant holiday to all government offices, public institutions, and Nepal’s diplomatic missions abroad,” the notice reads.
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.
Joshi 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 honored with an honorary Doctor of Literature degree by Kathmandu University.
He set up the Araniko White Dagoba Gallery in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, using historical artifacts 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.
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