Nepal’s beloved Rastrakavi Madhav Prasad Ghimire turned 101 on Tuesday.

Ghimire’s 101st birthday was marked by a programme organised by the Marshyangdi Wangmaya Academy at the Rastriya Naach Ghar in Jamal. At 101, the Rastrakavi appears to be going strong. Flanked by his wife and a number of dignitaries, he cut a large cake and stood in attendance to receive felicitations.

Ghimire is best known for his literary works like Gauri, Malati Mangale, Rajeshwari, and Shakuntala. He is currently working on his next book, Ritambhara.

Born in Putsun in Lamjung district, Ghimire moved to Durdedada village in Bhimphedi to pursue further studies in Sanskrit. As a child, he was very studious. He was only 14 when his work Gyanpusa was published in Gorkhapatra.

Before celebrating his 100th birthday last year, Ghimire, upon receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Kantipur FM Awards had said, “I always wanted to get into classical music, but it is disappointing that I could never contribute anything to that field.” In the same speech, he also mentioned the country’s changing media landscape. “I have seen the role of media change and I couldn’t be happier than this by receiving an award from this organisation,” he said.

“Living to celebrate your hundredth birthday isn’t the biggest feat. If you live that long, you also have to be able to give back to society—only then can you die in peace,” he said at thhe event last year, at Lainchaur Banquet Hall in Lazimpat.