Culture expert, historian and littérateur Satya Mohan Joshi passed away at KIST Medical College Hospital, Lalitpur at 7:09 am today morning.

Joshi, who died at the age of 103, was the longest-surviving littérateur from Nepal. Joshi was undergoing treatment for prostate, chest and heart issues since September 23. He was also infected with dengue recently.

Although Joshi’s health condition looked like improving in the initial few days of his hospitalization, it deteriorated later on.

Born in 1919 in Patan, Joshi is celebrated for his achievements in the field of literature, history, and culture while he has written more than 60 books on music, drama, culture, and history of Nepal. He is also honoured with the title of “Litterateur of the century” or  ‘Shatabdi Purush’.

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. He also founded the Rashtriya Nach Ghar as part of his effort to keep Nepali culture and art alive.