Senior journalist Bhairav Risal passed away. He passed away on Sunday night at the age of 97. His brother Puru Risal informed that journalist Risal, who was undergoing treatment for heart and lung diseases, died during treatment at the Frontline Hospital in Baneshwar. He was born on 29th of July 1985 in Tatli of Bhaktapur. Journalist Risal had already announced that his body would be given to Patan Hospital for postmortem.
Journalist Risal served as the Chief Correspondent in the National News Committee (RASS). He conducted the radio series 'Uhile Bajeka Palama' on Radio Sagarmatha for a long time. Risal, a journalist who has been dedicated to journalism and social service for a long time, worked in the statistics department before working in RAS.
Risal, a left-wing thinker, was a candidate from Bhaktapur on behalf of the Nepal Workers' Farmers Party in the 2048 general elections. Journalist Risal has received Jagdamba Shri, human rights and environmental protection awards.
Initiatives taken by Risal for environmental protection are also memorable. In the 1950s, a group of environmental journalists held a program in the district to explain the importance of environmental protection to local political activists. Its creator was Risal. At Risal's request, geographer Hark Gurung visited different districts. Risal was also active in guiding the locals towards modern and advanced agricultural systems. He is also credited with inspiring the farmers of Ilam Jasbire, who are limited to potato cultivation, to use new agricultural techniques and produce products like tea and milk.
Journalist and writer Mohan Mainali Risal said that the society has lost an active journalist, environmentalist and social worker. "As far as I know, he was considered an influential journalist despite his limitations while working in Rasas," Mainali says. Even great scholars and experts could not say no to him.
Mainali says that Risal has been leading the way from building a road to Jasbire in Ilam to opening a milk collection center. "In the past, potatoes were hardly produced, but now tea and milk are known for their cash transactions. In a way, Bhairavadai has a role to play in changing the face of Jasbire. Now the whole of Jasbire must be in mourning,” said Mainali.
Risal is also remembered as an activist for providing services to remote citizens by mobilizing resources through public appeals. In the 50's under his leadership, campaigns like radio to Chepang in Dhading and Chitwan, dictionary in public schools in Bajura and Karnali Orudat were conducted. He made a public call to raise resources for those campaigns. "Current crowd funding was practiced by Bhairavadai in the 50s," recalls Mainali. Dr. Risal was actively involved in spreading the Swavalamban campaign headed by Devendra Raj Pandey in Palpa, Gorkha and other districts.
Even when he celebrated his 96th birthday last year, Risal, who was active in writing and social service, was inactive for the last one year due to health reasons. "He was not active for only one year, he never remained silent for the rest of his life, he always remained active to contribute something to the society," said Mainali. He was a source of inspiration for all involved in information work. Risal's books include 'Sadhulai Suli' (Jail Diary), 'Logneswasni', 'Kehi Mitraka Chithi' and 'Bhairavadai'. He has a wife, two sons and two daughters.
