Kathmandu, August 27: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said that folk singer late Juth Bahadur Khadgi, popularly known as JB Tuhure, was the hero of revolutionary movement and people’s popular singer. Launching a book named ‘Janabolika Abishranta Gayak’, which is penned on the late singer, amid a programme organized in memory of Tuhure on Sunday, PM Dahal said that the incumbent government conferred the title of ‘Janagayak’ (People’s Singer) on Tuhure in recognition to his contribution to the nation through his songs and music. It may be noted that a cabinet meeting held recently had decided to award the title of Janagayak to Tuhure.
PM Dahal reiterated that Tuhure had special contribution to leftist democratic movement, political movements and music fraternity. He lauded, “Tuhure’s songs spoke volume on citizen’ plight. His songs would motivate to raise voices against injustice, inspire women to struggle for their liberation. That is why he is established as an immortal singer among the justice-seeker community.” According to him, Tuhure was wholly dedicated for the cause of country and people and his whole life was filled with energy to drive positive changes and progress. Stating that Tuhure was a versatile personality of Nepal’s leftist movement, the Head of the Government recalled that late Tuhure’s main genre was progressive literary cultural movement and movements aimed at social transformation.
Dahal recalled, “When we were active in political movement and tried to awaken people, it was very difficult to bring together the mass on the same page through random thoughts. But whenever there were performances from litterateurs and musicians, it filled people with a special kind affection and attraction.” On the occasion, PM Dahal awarded litterateur Anil Paudel with ‘Sahityik Sadhak’ award, carrying a purse of Rs 100,000. The newly unveiled book contains thoughts and sentiments of senior politicians, writers, litterateurs and intellectuals and friends who worked closely with late JB Tuhure. Born in 1943 in Morang district, JB Tuhure penned hundreds of progressive songs and books until he breathed his last in 2021 at the age of 78. Present in the book launch were former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Narayankaji Shrestha, Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Ashok Rai, among others.
