Nepali Writers and Literature in Australia – My Vision, Plan, and Action: Journal 30

16 October – 15 November 2025 | Personal Journal 30

I welcome readers to the 30th edition of my monthly journal, dedicated to showcasing and promoting Australia-based Nepali literature and writers. This initiative aligned with my vision of fostering a vibrant and connected literary community. I warmly invited everyone to join me on this journey and share your invaluable insights to enrich our collective learning and creative endeavours.

Muktak Festival 2025 – Saturday, 18 October 2025

The International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) – NSW Chapter successfully organised the Muktak Festival 2025 in Blacktown, Sydney to celebrate the 116th birth anniversary of Mahakavi Laxmi Prasad Devkota.

The event was held with enthusiasm and joy, featuring nearly two dozen poets along with respected special guests including Dhruba Hari Adhikary, Gargi Sharma, Gyanu Walkar Paudyal, Raju Manandhar, Jeev Raj Ghimire, Mukti Ram Pokhrel, Santosh Sharma Timilsina, Kedar Pokhrel, Tripura Paudyal, Jitendra Malla, Sanu Prem Jyotsna, Pratigya Adhikari, Richa Gautam, Saurav Kiran Shrestha, Daya Ram Simkhada, Prabhav Dhakal, Komal Khatiwada, Nagendra Bhattarai, Pralhad Dhakal, and others.

The event was conducted under the chairmanship of Dr. Prakash Paudel and was emceed by General Secretary Bhabana Parajuli. I expressed heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the organizers and all participating poets for their lively Muktak recitations.

Sharada Monthly ‘Australia Edition’ – Saturday, 18 October 2025

After four months of continuous effort, I finally felt a huge sense of relief and accomplishment when the Australia Special Edition of Sharada Magazine was published and officially released in Nepal. This milestone became even more meaningful because it showcased the literary strength of Nepali-speaking communities across Australia.

More than 55 writers and poets who spoke Nepali as their mother tongue in Australia, contributed their creations for this special edition. Their poems, stories, essays, and reflections filled the magazine with richness and diversity. I felt deeply grateful to all of them, as their contributions made this publication not only successful but truly inspiring. It clearly showed how beautifully Nepali literature flourished within the Australian multicultural communities.

This issue became historic for another reason as well—it expanded beyond the regular 60–70 pages and was published as a 132-page extended edition for the first time. Coordinating this special issue was a challenging yet fulfilling experience, and I felt honoured to play this role.

I expressed my heartfelt thanks to Editor Bimal Bhaukaji, whose trust and guidance made this publication possible. I also acknowledged Sanu Prem Jyotsana and Ram Koirala for their unconditional support throughout the process. Their encouragement helped me complete this project with confidence.

As the issue entered the market in Nepal under the publication and editing of Bimal Bhaukajee, I proudly saw the works of writers from across Sydney and other parts of Australia come together in one place. This edition helped readers understand the strong presence and growing capability of Nepali literary creators living in Australia.

This issue of Sharada included the works of the following writers and poets who had been residing in Australia:

Surendra Dawadi	Prakash Panthi	Manoj Regmi
Manoj Regmi	Nagendra Sharma Bhattarai	Santosh Sharma
Sima Roshi	Rahul Aryal	Suman Pandey
Bharat Rai	Rajesh Bhusal	Janaki (Rimal) Paudel
Dr. Prakash Paudel	Keeming Rajbhandari	Mamata Mishra
Keshav Sharma	Muktiram Pokhel	Pushpa Lal Acharya
Pragya Paneru	Dr. Jivanath Lamsal	Ganesh Ghimire
Anjana Karki	Chaturbhuj Kharel ‘Sabibya’	Prabin Tandon
Komal Khatiwada	Mamata Tiwari	Roshni Khadka
Nimesh Bhandari	Shreya Paudel	Krishna Niraula
Asmita Regmi	Mahendra Paudel	Jenisha Gautam
Jitendra Malla	Kumar Giri	Shweta Mainali
Dr. Isha Sharma Koirala	Sanu Ghimire ‘Jyotsna’	Laxman Sanjyal
Sujata Basnet	Ramesh Adhikari	Nisprabh Saji
Padam Kafle ‘Mukti’	Binayak Adhikari	Dev Prasad Pathak
Ramprasad Koirala	Samu Upreti	Shubhechha Kadel
Niru Tripathi	Mumal Shrestha	Prakash Subedi
Richa Gautam	Mahata Ghimire Chapagain	Dr. Raju Manandhar
Deepak Subedi	Aayam Ghimire	Bhabana Parajuli

I looked forward with excitement to holding the physical copies of the magazine and sharing the joy with other writers—a moment I had eagerly awaited.

पुस्तक चर्चा 

1. Shadbapath,साहित्यिक समाचारप्रधान अनलाइन पत्रिका, प्रधान सम्पादक किशोर पहाडी   Facebook

2. प्रवासको प्रशंसनीय प्रयास by Dhurva Hari Adhikari, Himal Press.com - 15 November 2025

प्रवासको प्रशंसनीय प्रयास – Himal Press

Meeting with Suman Thapa Sangam – Sunday, 2 November 2025

I had the pleasure of meeting poet Suman Thapa Sangam at the Max Webber Library in Blacktown. I received her book ‘Abhyudaya’ along with poet Umesh Akinchan’s work ‘Shayad Kinaraharu’ as a collection for the book donation to the library.

During the short meeting, I shared my vision and ongoing efforts to promote Nepali language and literature, and to introduce Nepali writers to broader platforms. I also explained the role of Blacktown Library and the support it had been providing to community languages, including Nepali. I sincerely wished her continued success in her literary and poetic journey.

Book Donation – Wednesday, 5 November 2025

A new addition of 16 books was made to the Nepali collection at Max Webber Library, Blacktown. I facilitated a small but meaningful book donation event. The books were received by Ms Joy Bourke, Manager, Blacktown City Library Services.

I thanked all the writers and authors who could not attend but generously donated their books, showcasing the richness of Nepali literature and the growing cultural enthusiasm within Australia. I offered special thanks to Sanu Prem Jyotsana and Ram Koirala for consistently supporting this cause, and heartfelt appreciation to Blacktown Library for supporting multiculturalism and providing space for writers and their work from diverse backgrounds.

Rendezvous with Senior Nepali Authors – Monday, 10 November 2025

I spent blissful moments with veteran Nepali writers and authors—Gargi Sharma, Dhruba Adhikary, Gyanu Walker Poudyal, Tripura Poudyal, and Shanti Sharma—at Norwest.

The meeting with these inspirational literary figures was arranged by Ram Koirala. We also briefly discussed the book Colossal Love: My Life's Journey by Ram Prasad Koirala, which he dedicated to his grandmother, mother, daughter, and granddaughter—in fact, to all the women in his life who shaped him meaningfully.

I had the opportunity to share the joy of publishing a special edition of Sharada Monthly magazine dedicated to Nepali-speaking writers living in Australia, who continued to passionately contribute to Nepali-Australian literature. 

Like in previous months, I actively promoted Nepali literature in Australia this month. I recited three Muktaks at the Muktak Festival 2025 in Blacktown alongside many talented poets. I coordinated the publication of the Australia Special Edition of Sharada Magazine, featuring works from 56 Nepali-speaking writers living across Australia, highlighting the richness of our literary community abroad. I also met poet Suman Thapa Sangam and facilitated book donations to Max Webber Library, further spreading Nepali literature to wider audiences.

Reflecting on these experiences, I felt proud and inspired, reaffirming the importance of connecting writers, promoting Nepali literature, and nurturing our creative community in Australia.

Nepali Writers and Literature in Australia – My Vision, Plan, and Action: Journal 29

 16 September – 15 October 2025 | Personal Journal 29

Welcome to the 29th edition of my monthly journal, dedicated to showcasing and promoting Australia-based Nepali literature and writers. This initiative aligns with my vision of fostering a vibrant and connected literary community. I warmly invite everyone to join me on this journey and share their invaluable insights to enrich our collective learning and creative endeavours.

Nava Durga Literary Program – Saturday, 20 September 2025

After months of planning and preparation, the Women’s Creative Group successfully organized a special cultural presentation featuring poetry recitations on the theme “The Different Dimensions of Nava Durga” to mark the occasion of Bijaya Dashami. The event took place on Saturday, 20 September 2025, at SydWest Multicultural Services Hall, Blacktown.

The program began with a heartfelt tribute to the youths who lost their lives in Nepal’s recent Gen Z Movement. A minute’s silence and a candlelight vigil were held in their honour.

The poetry segment opened with 12-year-old Mumal Shrestha, representing the second-generation Nepali community in Australia, who recited her poem “In the Light of Navadurga.” She was followed by nine distinguished women poets, each paying poetic tribute to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga:

Mahata Ghimire Chapagain – Devi Shailaputri

Bhabana Parajuli – Devi Bramhacharini

Richa Gautam – Devi Chandraghanta

Mamata Mishra – Devi Kushmanda

Sweta Mainali – Devi Skandhamata

Sudhira Shah – Devi Katyayani

Pratigya Adhikari – Devi Kalratri

Pragya Paneru – Devi Mahagauri

Sanu Ghimire – Devi Siddhidatri

Dr. Raju Manandhar of Lukla TV Australia beautifully summarized the event, “It was a truly pioneering effort, as they not only showcased their poetic talents but also organized this groundbreaking event entirely on their own. Their collective creativity and organizational skills shone brightly, setting a new standard for our community.

The nine illustrious women poets’ verses captured the essence of the divine feminine, paying homage to Navadurga’s mythology and its relevance in modern times—especially in relation to Nepal’s youth movement. Their poetry explored profound themes of femininity, empowerment, and spirituality, guiding audiences on a journey of self-discovery. The literary fraternity and attendees alike were deeply moved by their compelling and impactful performance. May such passion and commitment to literature continue to inspire and uplift others.”

The event was organized in collaboration with INLS Australia, Association of Bhutanese in Australia (ABA), and the Blacktown Nepalese Community (BNC). Heartfelt thanks to the women’s group from ABA for their divine mantra chanting, which filled the hall with spiritual energy.

I am proud to have been part of the organizing committee and the Feedback Committee, alongside Prabha Bhattarai and Surendra Dawadi. The event was emceed by Dibya Shree Acharya (ABA) and sponsored by Expert Education & Visa Services.

Once again, congratulations to all nine poets for their exceptional performances and for setting such a high standard. The cherry on top was that all ten poems were later published in The Sahitya Post online magazine during the Dashain festival.

Dashain Gathering – Monday, 29 September 2025

Following the Nava Durga event, we hosted a small Dashain gathering with Richa Gautam, Pragya Paneru, Sanu Ghimire, and Pratigya Adhikari in attendance. The occasion also provided a wonderful opportunity to introduce my brother, Pralad Dhakal—himself a poet and lyricist—who was visiting Sydney from Nepal.

Together with Mumal and Anita, we shared a delightful time filled with vegetarian food, spiritual discussions, and poetry readings. It was a memorable and meaningful way to celebrate Dashain in a literary spirit.

Muktak Writing Session – Sunday, 12 October 2025

The International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) – NSW Chapter organized a special Muktak Writing Session at the NRNA Australia Office, Merrylands.

The session, led by renowned literary figure Gyanu Walker Poudyal, aimed to promote and preserve the art of muktak—a beloved short poetic form in Nepali literature—through hands-on guidance and inspiration for emerging poets.

Participants included Janaki Rimal Paudel, Nagendra Bhattarai, Indra Sitaula, Daya Ram Simkhada, Saurav Kiran Shrestha, and Pralad Dhakal. Special thanks to Prakash Paudel and Bhabana Parajuli from INLS Sydney for organizing this enriching session, which serves as a prelude to the upcoming Muktak Festival 2025, scheduled for 18 October 2025 at Blacktown.

Curriculum and Textbook Development – October 2025

During this period, I completed two new lesson books for Shabdamala Nepali Language School:

My Nepali Lesson – Level 3 (Term 4)

My Nepali Lesson – Level 4 (Term 4)

These books have now been implemented in the Shabdamala classrooms, supporting continued growth in Nepali language education.

Feedback Sessions – September 2025

As usual, I conducted several one-on-one feedback sessions with writers this month, reviewing poetry collections and providing editorial insights. It is always a pleasure to engage with both emerging and established writers in their creative journeys, helping nurture their literary expression and growth.

The 29th edition of my journal celebrates vibrant literary and cultural activities within the Australia-based Nepali community. The Nava Durga Literary Program, led by nine women poets, powerfully explored themes of divinity, empowerment, and spirituality. Follow-up gatherings, including the Dashain celebration and Muktak Writing Session, further strengthened creative bonds among poets and writers. I also completed new Nepali language textbooks for Shabdamala School and continued feedback sessions with emerging authors. Reflecting on these efforts, I feel deeply inspired by the community’s collective creativity, dedication, and unity in promoting Nepali literature and culture across generations and continents.