Nepalese Writer and Literature in Australia- My Vision and Plan: Journal 5

 15 August - 14 September 2023: Personal Journal 5

Welcome to the fifth edition of my monthly journal, where I document my efforts to promote Nepalese literature and writers (AB) while remaining true to my commitments. I invite you to read along and share your valuable insights to enrich my learning and initiatives.

Blacktown Teej Celebration 2023 - Sunday, August 20, 2023

The Blacktown Nepalese Community in Australia and Samjhana Pathsala (Nepali Community Language School) successfully organized the Blacktown Teej Night 2023. The event was attended by over 350 community members, parents, and students. The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests such as Blacktown City’s Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, Councillor Livingston Chettipally, and Councillor Susai Benjamin OAM.

Teej is a significant festival primarily observed and celebrated by Hindu women. It involves fasting, worship, gathering, dancing, and singing. During the festival, women typically adorn themselves in red attire or bridal gowns. The essence of the festival lies in commemorating the penance undertaken by goddess Parvati to attain Lord Shiva as her husband.

In Australia, events like this provide an opportunity for Nepali communities to come together, fostering a stronger sense of unity and camaraderie. It serves as an inspiration for collaboration and encourages them to work collectively, strengthening the bonds that tie them. Furthermore, events like these play a vital role in promoting cultural unity, allowing traditions and values to be shared and embraced by all. The transmission of Nepali values to the younger generation becomes a natural outcome, ensuring that the rich heritage and customs are carried forward in this diverse and multicultural society.

Pathsala: Library Bag Handover - Sunday, September 3, 2023

I handed over a library bag to Pathashala Nepali Language School in Bardia, among students and teachers. This marks my third instance of distributing library bags. Earlier this month, I also distributed similar library bags to Samjhana Pathashala and Sabdabamal Nepali Language School.

The language school was established on February 10, 2019, on the occasion of Saraswati Puja, under the banner of Edmondson Park Bardia Nepali Community, situated within the premises of Bardia Public School.

The bag contains over 40 children's books in Nepali, including picture books, with the goal of benefiting the students. The school aims to enhance students' proficiency in the Nepali language and culture. I am optimistic that these resources will benefit more than 70 students in their Nepali language learning journey.

Thanks to Bishnu Ghimire ji for his coordination and Prakash Bastakoti for receiving the bag on behalf of the school.

Interaction with Om Dhungel, Author - Sunday, September 10, 2023

The International Nepali Literary Society (INLS), Children Committee, organized an online interaction program with Om Dhungel, the author of "Bhutan to Blacktown." The main focus of the interaction was to share his experience of the book publication journey in Australia and provide some valuable lessons and guidance to Nepali origin writers, both young and adult, who aspire to publish their books in Australia. Some of his advice to writers before publishing a book included:

• Understand why you are writing.

• Enjoy your writing process.

• Share your ideas, seek support from others, and collaborate to reach a wider audience.

• Work in alignment with the publisher's interests but have your own standpoint and be prepared for negotiation.

As critics, senior Nepali journalists Dhurba Hari Adhikari and Saurav Kiran Shrestha shed some light on Om Dhungel's personality and his book, "Bhutan to Blacktown." In the snapshot, I would like to borrow a few words from Madhu Pudasaini, Vice President of FeNCAA, to describe the book: simple, easy to read, an expression of gratitude, and organic historical accounts of Bhutanese with Nepali heritage. The book is well-documented for future generations to explore the truth about migration, movement, refugee experiences, and settlement.

The interaction program was chaired by Govardhan Puja, President of INLS, and moderated by Dr. Prakash Poudel. The online event was live streamed on INLS’s Facebook page and is available in the following link:   (20+) Facebook

or

https://www.facebook.com/inlshq/videos/827269485533299

In this fifth edition of my monthly journal, I highlight the successful organization of the Blacktown Teej Night 2023, a significant festival celebrated by Hindu women in Australia, which fosters unity and cultural sharing among Nepali communities. Additionally, I discuss the distribution of library bags to Nepali language schools and an insightful online interaction with Om Dhungel, author of "Bhutan to Blacktown," offering valuable advice for aspiring Nepali writers in Australia and shedding light on the importance of preserving historical accounts and refugee experiences. These endeavors collectively contribute to the promotion of Nepalese literature and cultural unity in a diverse society.