Birth: 20 July 1934, Lalitpur
Death: 20 November 2021, Lalitpur

Prof Dr Janak Lal Vaidya was a scholar dedicated to preserving Nepali heritage by lighting up the depths of the Nepal Bhasha. Born and raised in Lalitpur, Vaidya earned his Master’s degree in Nepali in 1961. Then, in 1984, he became the first person to complete a PhD in Nepal Bhasha Kavya from Tribhuvan University.

Vaidya penned numerous books during his career. He authored Newar Language History, Newar Language Literature, and Nepali Culture Research Study. He also published Satyavati Bibechana, a criticism of Poet Siddhidas Amatya’s short epic (1967), Nepal Bhasha Prachin Kavya Sirjana Prabriti (1986), and then Asha Saphu Kuthiya Abhilekh Granthaya Varnanatmak Dhalah’ in Nepal Bhasha (1991).

Vaidya wrote stories and plays too, including Kalyani (1967), a full-act play and Swoya Chongu Mikha while (1982).

A lover of literature and history, Vaidya researched literary works of Malla kings and queens. He devoted his research to exploring the importance of Nepal Bhasha, digging through significant periods of Nepali history.

Also read: Vijay Bajimaya obituary: Legendary litterateur from lake-city 

He also had quite an appetite for Newari poetry and songs, and hence his fame as the ‘dev’ of modern poetry in Nepal Bhasha. An important figure of the forgotten Newari poetry culture in the modern world, Vaidya cleverly incorporated humor and satire in his works published in numerous journals and newspapers through the years.

His love for Nepal Bhasha didn’t end there. To pass on the rich artistry of the language, Vaidya started teaching in different schools and colleges. He later joined government service as a lecturer at Durbar College, Tahachal in 1962. In 1963, he transferred to teach Nepal Bhasha at Tri Chandra College.

Throughout his life, he won several awards for his contributions to Nepal Bhasha: the Honourable C Class medal (1975), the Dirgha Sewa Padak (1996), Maya Devi Prajna Puraskar (1996), and Pragya Puraskar (1998).

Among the inspirations of this inspiring figure in himself were celebrated literary figures like Dharmaditya Dharmacharya, Chittadhar Hridaya, Prem Bahadur Kasa, Dr Kamal Prakash Malla and Swayambhu Lal Shrestha.

Vaidya became the editor of Bahubhasik Sayamatri around 2000 with the purpose of disseminating the invaluable Nepali heritage to the world through Nepal Bhasha.

Vaidya passed away on 20 November 2021 at the age of 87.