Amber Gurung, composer of Nepali National Anthem, passes away

Amber Gurung, the legendary Nepali musician and composer of the country's national anthem, died on 7 June 2016. He was 78.

He was suffering from diabetes and Parkinson's disease.

He was cremated in Kathmandu with full state honours, which was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Bhim Rawal. A contingent of the Nepal Army offered a final salute.

Amber Gurung

• Born and raised in Darjeeling, Gurung, composed more than 1000 songs including many era-defining numbers during his long career spanning four decades.

• Gurung composed the Nepali national anthem (in 2007) 'Sayau Thunga phoolkaa haamee', which was written by Byakul Maila.

• He served the musical sector for more than four decades after shifting to Nepal in 1969 at the invitation of King Mahendra.

• He was invited to Nepal to lead the music department at the Nepal Academy of Arts and Literature.

• Some of his composition along with the National Anthem of Nepal includes Nau Lakhe Tara and Rato Ra Chandra Surya.

• Gurung, who was also a lyricist and singer, also authored three books of lyrics and memoirs--Samaalera Raakha (1969), Akcharkaa Awajharu (2003), and an anthology of essays and memoirs, Kahaa Gae Ti Dinharu (2006).

Awards felicitated on him include

• Hon. Colonel of Nepal Army for composing "Rato ra chandra Surya" (2011)

• Uttam Shanti Shahitya Puraskar (2007)

• Kantipur FM Lifetime Achievement Award (2006)

• Hits FM Lifetime Achievement Award (2001)

• Madhurima Phulkumar Mahato Puraskar, Kathmandu (2000)

• Jagadamba Shree, Kathmandu (1998)

• Giri Puraskar, Darjeeling, India (1994)

• Golden Flute Award (CEDOS), Sikkim, India (1993)

• Indra Rajya Laxmi Pragya Puraskar, Kathmandu (1987)

• Chinalata Puraskar, Kathmandu (1983)

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