Amber Gurung facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shree
Amber Gurung
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| Born | 26 February 1938 Darjeeling, India |
| Died | 7 June 2016 (aged 78) Grande Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Occupation | Composer, singer, lyricist |
| Language | Nepali language and Gurung |
| Nationality | Nepalese |
Shree Amber Gurung (Nepali: अम्बर गुरुङ) (26 February 1938 – 7 June 2016) was a famous Nepalese composer, singer, and lyricist. He is best known for creating Nepal's national anthem, "Sayaun Thunga Phulka". His music touched many hearts and helped shape Nepali culture.
Growing Up with Music
Amber Gurung was born on February 26, 1938, in Darjeeling, India. His father, Ujir Singh Gurung, was a former soldier. He later became a policeman from Gorkha district, Nepal.
Amber's mother encouraged him to sing and compose music from a young age. He taught himself to play many instruments. These included Nepali, Indian, and Western instruments. He studied at Turnbull School in Darjeeling. There, he discovered his love for music while singing Bible Hymns.
His Musical Journey
In the 1950s, Amber Gurung became friends with the Nepali poet Agam Singh Giri. He wrote over 100 songs during his career. He became the headmaster of Bhanu Bhakta School, which Giri founded. He also started the Art Academy of Music.
In the early 1960s, he recorded his most famous song, "Nau Lakh Tara". This song was about the struggles of Nepalese people living in India. Many talented musicians and singers were his students. These included Gopal Yonzon, Karma Yonzon, and Aruna Lama.
From 1962 to 1965, he worked as the Music Chief for the Folk Entertainment Unit. This was part of the Government of West Bengal in Darjeeling. He was not allowed to record songs outside this unit. Later, in 1969, he moved to Kathmandu, Nepal, and settled there.
On January 1, 2014, he received the title "Mahan Sangeetkar" (Great Musician). This honor came from the Himalayan Tones Music Academy in Hong Kong.
Composing the National Anthem
Amber Gurung composed Nepal’s new national anthem, Sayaun Thunga Phulka, in 2007. Nepal's King Mahendra had invited him to return to Nepal in 1968. The King wanted him to start and lead the music department. This was for the new Nepal Academy of Arts. Amber Gurung served as the Music Director there for almost 30 years. In 2010, he was named the first Chancellor of Nepal Academy of Music and Drama.
His Final Years
Amber Gurung passed away on June 7, 2016. He was 78 years old.
