metropolitan respectively. Education Biratnagar is the center of education in eastern Nepal. Home to the Purbanchal University, Biratnagar has a number of colleges and educational institutes including medical and engineering institutes. There are two medical colleges in Biratnagar, the first one to open was Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital and second one was Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital.The medium of teaching is English in all the private schools, colleges and universities whereas Nepali is the medium of instruction in government schools up to secondary level. There are more than 80 schools, over 20 colleges and 21 hospitals in Biratnagar, the most after Kathmandu. Art and literature Biratnagar has been the ground for many prominent literary personalities like, Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, Tarini Prasad Koirala, Dev Kumari Thapa, Bal Krishna Pokharel, Parashu Pradhan, Krishna Bhooshan Bal, Suman Pokhrel, Bhola Rijal, Bhuwan Dhungana and others. Some of the prominent books in Nepali literature have emerged from Biratnagar. Landmark books in Nepali poetry, Bholi Basne Bihan by Krishna Bhooshan Bal and Jeevanko Chheubaata by Suman Pokhrel were first published in this city. There is a popular culture of poetry recitation in regular sessions in various locations of Biratnagar. Biratnagar is the birthplace of the theater group, Aarohan Gurukul. The theater group was founded and registered with District Administration Office, Morang here in Biratnagar in 1982. The group has expanded its activities to Kathmandu and aboard. This theatre group has produced dozens of theatrical plays including Agniko Katha and Yajnaseni and has got them performed across the countries. At present day, Aarohan Gurukul is considered as one of the major places of public attraction in Biratnagar. Sports Cricket and association football are the most popular sports in Biratnagar. Biratnagar City F.C. is one of the heart beats of the footballing culture of the city. Sahid Rangsala with a capacity of 10,000+ spectators is the largest football stadium in the city. Sahid Maidan is the home stadium of Morang Football Club. The Mahendra Gold Cup, now Birat Gold Cup, is held in the stadium along with district divisional league matches. There is a covered hall nearby Sahid Maidan where indoor events can be organized. A cricket stadium is being constructed in Baijanathpur on the outskirts of Biratnagar with the objective of organizing local and national-level cricket tournaments. Other facilities in the city include lawn tennis and basketball courts Television and radio Makalu TV Hipamat TV HD