Nepalese Writer and Literature in Australia- My Vision and Plan: Journal 2

15 May - 14 June 2023:

This journal covers my activities over the month to promote Nepalese literature and writers (AB) and to hold myself accountable for my promise. I hope you enjoy reading it, and I welcome constructive comments and suggestions that add value to my learning and initiatives.

YouTube Venture: 18 May 2023

Friend Maheshwar Sharma, whom I recently met, sent me a surprise via WhatsApp. It seemed like a voice message, but it wasn't. It was his narration of a story from my book "Ma ra Buddha" (Buddha and I) - part 1, published in 2017 by Kathalaya Inc. His soothing voice really inspired me to work on it. I exported the recorded voice in PowerDirector, a video editing software, and added background music and some visual elements. It took almost 8 hours of work to make it ready for a YouTube post. I am not a professional, but my previous interest in social and multimedia made my task easier.

Thanks to Sharma, who encouraged me to log in to my YouTube account once again and post the story on YouTube. The story "Siddhartha ki Ama" (Siddharth's Mother) is the second story. If you are interested in listening to the stories, please click the link: Siddhrathaki Ama - Ma Ra Buddha 1 - YouTube

"Ma ra Buddha" retold Siddharth Gautam Buddha's life journey from a third person's perspective. There are a total of 13 stories, each with different central characters whose stories are associated with Buddha's life journey. Each story is independent but connected to all, providing an understanding of Buddha's life from birth to death. The book adopts the style of both a short story collection and a novel. Because the book is also suitable for children and written in simple language, the Nepalese Society for Children's Literature - NESCHIL (Nepalese Section of IBBY) awarded the book as the NESCHIL Children's Book of the Year 2018 for children aged 8 and above.

For English readers, the good news is that I am currently working on its translation.

 

Meet and Greet

I met the following writers as part of my Meet and Greet activities to build rapport and network:

1. Meeting with WestWords Alumni - Friday, 19 May 2023

I attended the Meet and Greet program held at WestWords Centre for Writing in Parramatta. It was a delightful evening filled with music by James Roy, and I had the privilege of meeting a diverse group of authors and writers who were previous members of the WestWords Academy. We welcomed the participants of WestWords Academy 2023. It was a pleasure to meet aspiring writers such as Libby Hyett, Joanne Macias, Artelle Lenthall, Michela Kotevski, Michael Grenfell, and Lana Graham.

WestWords is an organization dedicated to creating and sharing the stories of the people, places, and cultures that comprise the heart of Western Sydney. The WestWords Centre for Writing is based in Parramatta. It believes in the power of literature and literacy (written, oral, and visual), self-expression, and creativity to change lives and the experience of communities. With a strategic focus on children and young people, and through a comprehensive program of workshops, residencies, fellowships, and support for writers, they offer professional opportunities for the growth of distinctive voices. If you are interested in knowing more about the organization and participating in activities, please check the link: Home - Westwords

 

2. Meeting with Prakash Poudel - Sunday, 28 May 2023

I met with Prakash Poudel at Sabdamala Nepalese Language School in Macquarie Field. Currently, the school has expanded to seven branches across NSW. He served as the President of the language school from 2016 to 2018 and currently holds the position of General Secretary at the International Nepalese Literature Society (INLS).

We had a fruitful discussion, sharing ideas and thoughts about my vision and plans to promote Nepalese writers and literature based in Australia. Some key points we discussed were:

Organizing a conversation session on the book "Bhutan to Blacktown" written by Om Dungel in August 2023. This session can be held either online or face-to-face and should cater to a targeted audience. The primary focus of the session will be on the writing and publication process of the book, covering topics such as the writing process, overcoming writer's block, finding an Australian publisher, and the editing process. The aim of this conversation is to inspire writers who are preparing to publish their books in Australia.

Collecting books from Australia-based writers for libraries. Our conversation revealed that there are at least three libraries in Sydney (Blacktown, Auburn, and Hurstville) that have Nepali Language sections. We discussed informing INLS members and writers across Australia to donate at least three copies of their books to these libraries by November 30, 2023, targeting the book donation programs to libraries during the month of January 2024. The objective of this book collection initiative is to contribute to the libraries and also help develop a database of writers and books, which is currently lacking for research and academic purposes. If possible, this can be organized yearly.

Organizing an annual workshop on translation. Initiating discussions with individuals involved previously in similar workshops to explore the possibilities and plan a workshop on translation. Conducting this workshop at least once a year will greatly benefit translators and language enthusiasts.

To give a formal impression toward the conversation, I have also sent an email to him - the General Secretary of INLS. In return, I received a positive response stating that all of these plans are doable, and he will propose them in their upcoming Committee Meeting. His positive expression and feedback inspired collective action. Drawing from our conversation, I am optimistic about achieving positive outcomes in the coming months.

3. Attended an event organized by the Nepalese Art, Culture, and Literature Academy (NKSSP) Australia - Saturday, 10 June 2023

For me, attending literary events is an opportunity to meet and network with writers and community members who are actively contributing to Nepalese language and literature.

With this objective in mind, I attended an event organized by the Nepalese Art, Culture, and Literature Academy (NKSSP) Australia in Granville, celebrating the occasion of '209th Bhanu Jayanti'! It was truly an honor to have the opportunity to meet prominent personalities, writers, and artists during this program. Noteworthy individuals included Sujata Basnet (President NKSSP), Nanda Gurung (President NRNA Australia), Bishnu Ghimire (Pathshala Nepalese Language School), Vishnu Ghimire (Sabdamala Nepalese Language School), Maheshor Sharma, Prakash Poudel, and Sontosh Timilsina.

A heartfelt congratulations to the organizing committee for their remarkable efforts in bringing together such a wonderful event. Their dedication and hard work truly made this celebration a memorable one and showcased the richness of Nepalese art, culture, and literature.

 

4. Meeting with Artelle Lenthall - Monday, 12 June 2023

I had a wonderful meeting with Artelle Lenthall recently! She's not only an amazing published author of children's picture books but also an experienced Primary School Teacher with over 25 years of valuable expertise. Her debut book, 'STAR,' was even published during the challenging times of COVID-19. Her perseverance and advice truly inspired me.

I'm truly impressed by the wealth of knowledge, advice, and guidance she offers to fellow children's writers through her blog, 'Journeygirl.' If you're interested, I highly recommend visiting her blog, Journeygirl | On The Road To Publication  https://journeygirlontheroadtopublication.com/ . It's an incredible resource!

It was a pleasure to meet another talented author who happens to live in Seven Hills, which is nearby in my local area.

 

Sydney Writers Festival - Sunday, 28 May 2023

I attended the Sydney Writers Festival (22-28 May 2023) focused on the theme "Stories for the Future" on Sunday, May 28th, 2023, at Carriageworks in Redfern. During my time there, I thoroughly enjoyed three diverse sessions: 1. Character Construction, 2. Epic Illustrator Battle, and 3. SMH Best Young Australian Novelists 2023.

Character Construction: Andrew Doddo and Kate Foster were discussing their creative process with Adrian Beck. Secrets shared by the authors were: 1. Write and enjoy the writing, 2. What are you thinking? - Write it down, 3. Live with the character and act like the character.

Epic Illustrator Battle: Live battle between the 2023 Illustrators champions of champions. Hosted by Adrian Beck.

Discussion with Sydney Morning Herald Best Young Australian Novelists 2023: Melanie Kembery, editor of Spectrum, led the discussion with the three winners Katerina Gibson (Women I Know), Jay Carmichael (Marlo), and George Haddad (Losing Face) about their works and writing process.

 

Article/review publication - Saturday, 27 May 2023

I have planned to review books written by Australia-based Nepalese writers. The sole aim of this initiative is to promote and encourage Nepalese writers and literature in Australia.

I have reviewed 'Sambedanako Aakar,' a poem collection written by Maheshar Sharma, which was published on the Nepal Live Today online paper. To check the review, please follow this link: 'Sambedanako Aakar': Poems of love, migration and reflection - Nepal Live Today Nepal Live Today

Reflection of the month:

In this personal journal entry, I documented my activities and initiatives to promote Nepalese literature and writers in the month of May to June 2023. The highlights include creating and uploading a narrated video of one of my books on YouTube, participating in meet and greet sessions with fellow writers, attending literary events such as the Sydney Writers Festival, and reviewing books written by Australia-based Nepalese writers. I also had productive discussions with Prakash Poudel, where we explored ideas for organizing a conversation session on a specific book, collecting books for libraries, and initiating an annual workshop on translation. Overall, these experiences have fueled my passion for promoting Nepalese literature and have given me optimism about achieving positive outcomes in the coming months.

Plan of Action:

Building on the momentum of my recent activities, I will focus on the following actions going forward:

1. YouTube Venture: I will continue to create narrated videos of my books and share them on YouTube to reach a wider audience and promote Nepalese literature. Additionally, I will work on translating my books into English to cater to English-speaking readers.

2. Collaboration and Networking: I will actively engage in meet and greet sessions, literary events, and online platforms to build rapport with fellow writers and expand my network. These interactions will provide opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.

3. Organizing Events: I will collaborate with Prakash Poudel and other relevant individuals to organize a conversation session on the book 'Bhutan to Blacktown' and an annual workshop on translation. These events will provide valuable insights and guidance to aspiring writers and translators.

4. Book Donations: I will coordinate with INLS members and writers across Australia to collect and donate books to libraries, specifically targeting Nepali language sections. This initiative will contribute to the development of a database of writers and books while supporting research and academic endeavors.

5. Reviewing and Promoting Nepalese Writers: I will continue reviewing books written by Australia-based Nepalese writers and actively promote their works through online platforms and publications. This will help raise awareness and appreciation for Nepalese literature within the Australian literary community.

By implementing these actions, I aim to make a meaningful contribution to the promotion of Nepalese literature and writers while fostering a supportive and thriving literary ecosystem.

The Bronze Fish at Tench Reserve: An Art and Connection

Saurav Kiran Shrestha

Anita took us on a 34-kilometer drive west from Blacktown to Tench Reserve in Penrith, where I eagerly awaited the installation of the "bronze fish" into a stone boulder. The bronze fish was my creation and a part of the Tench Reserve Public Art Program. Filled with excitement and curiosity, I stepped out of the car and made my way straight to the park. From the walkway, it was easy to spot the purposefully arranged stone boulders on the low ground, each adorned with specific designs. The scene was picturesque, with the evening golden light filtering through the foliage of the trees, and the serene blue Nepean River drifting silently in the background.

My 10-year-old daughter, Mumal and her friend, was thrilled to see the school of fish and eels fixed into the stones. Together, we rushed to find the fish with our initials on it, the one we could claim as our own. Eventually, Mumal was the one who discovered the fish with the initials "SKS" imprinted on its tail. She knew that the other side of the fish would bear the initials of her and mom Anita, which unfortunately remained unseen.

Seeing the final outcome of this project, a work I had never attempted before, was truly rewarding. I couldn't help but wonder if it was a mere coincidence or an unconscious desire to connect with the community and the land that I now call home, which drew me to this program. My involvement began with the Tench Reserve Public Art Workshops, which I attended on the afternoon of Saturday, August 6, 2022. Held at the Penrith Regional Gallery across the Nepean River from Tench Reserve, the workshops were led by Juan Pablo and Clary Akon. Over the course of the four-hour session, they presented the project, introduced us to the materials, tools, and techniques, demonstrated fish modeling using wax, and guided us as we started shaping our own fish with the wax.

It was fascinating to learn that the fish served not only as decorative elements in the park but also as a means of showcasing the Aboriginal history, culture, and the story of fish traps at the Nepean River and its surroundings. The Aboriginal Ngemba people refer to these fish traps as Ngunnhu. These intricate arrangements of river stones created ponds and channels that efficiently caught fish as they traveled downstream. Through the story of the fish trap, we gained a deeper understanding of Aboriginal food practices, food production, work, trade, and consumption in the Sydney region.

I also discovered that the fish I was modeling was called a flathead gudgeon, a species found in freshwater rivers. These fish generally grow to about 8 cm (3.2 in) in length and possess a large, flattened head with a wide mouth extending past the eyes, as well as two short dorsal fins. Their upper parts can be various shades of grey, brown, black, or yellowish, while their underparts tend to be yellowish. In spring, the female lays 500 to 1000 elongated eggs on a hard surface, which are then carefully guarded by the male.

After the workshop session, we were allowed to take our wax fish models home to complete the task. At home, I worked on my wax model while Mumal and Anita observed me, usually in the afternoons. It was a fun experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed working on it in the comfort of my own home.

The second session was scheduled for August 13, 2022. During the second session, the artist trainers taught us various techniques for adding details to our fish, such as scales, fins, and other distinguishing features.

The highlight of the session was stamping our initials onto the fish as a signature. This exciting moment marked the permanence of our presence, as our initials would forever be etched onto the fish and symbolically connected to the banks of the Nepean River. I felt it was important to establish and feel our existence in this new place we now call home, so I imprinted my initials, SKS, on one side of the fish, while Anita's initials, AS (Anita Shrestha), and Mumal's initials, MS (Mumal Shrestha), on the other side.

Afterwards, the wax fish models were handed over to the organizers. I extend my gratitude to Elissa Macpherson (the Business Operations Officer, Open Space Team, Infrastructure Policy, Department of Planning and Environment) for her support and constant communication throughout the process. She informed us that the modelling fishes would soon be collected from other participants and artists involved in the project, and that the wax models would be sent to Crawford Casting. There, a silicone mold would be made for the larger fish, while the small wax fish would be prepared for casting on trees.

In September 2022, Elissa sent an email notifying us that the boulders had been anchored and would be set in place in the coming days. CaveUrban would be responsible for positioning the fish onto the boulders. If available, we were given the opportunity to attend the site and assist Juan Pablo in finding the perfect location and position for our fish.

Though I'm uncertain if any participants were able to assist Juan with fish positioning, in October 2022, Elissa informed us that the project's progress had been delayed due to rain and a flood warning for the Nepean River, which resulted in the delay of the project activities. Additionally, due to major construction in the area, workshop participants were not allowed onto the worksite. An immersive walkway was being excavated next to the site, and heavy machinery was constantly moving about. It was advised that the walkway would enhance the art experience.

After a long interval, a visit to the foundry was scheduled for a small group on February 21, 2023. Despite the scorching Sydney heat, I made my way to Crawford's Casting in Strathfield wearing closed leather shoes, a long-sleeved cotton shirt, and non-synthetic pants. We were instructed not to touch anything and to assume that everything was hot. To respect the privacy of other artists' work, we were prohibited from taking photographs of their artwork.

Witnessing the inner workings of the foundry was truly awe-inspiring. I observed as they melted bronze and poured the scorching hot liquid metal into the casting tree, witnessing the emergence of the bronze fish from within. It was a breathtaking moment, incredibly satisfying to behold. I couldn't wait to return home and share those precious moments with Mumal and Anita. I took a few photos and videos of the process, capturing the magic.

Finally, in the third week of May, I received an email from Elissa, bringing news that I had been eagerly awaiting. Her email read as follows: "The Public Art at Tench Reserve, 'Story Trap,' is now completed. CaveUrban, with the help of all of you, has created a visually stunning piece of art that reflects the area's connection to the First Nations People of the Darug Nation and the Nepean River. The community fish now swim in schools, keeping Clary's large fish and eels company. The dappled light illuminates different areas of the art during the day, bringing the fish to life. I encourage you to visit Tench Reserve and search for your fish."

I wholeheartedly agreed with Elissa's sentiments. The school of fish truly resonated with me, and I had already made plans to revisit the site with more friends. I highly recommend visiting Tench Reserve, not just for the fish trap, but for the entire reserve park. It is an experience that is truly worthwhile.