Nepalese Writer and Literature in Australia- My Vision, Plan and Action: Journal 9

14 December 2023- 15 January 2024: Personal Journal 9

Wishing you all a Happy New Year 2024!

Welcome to the ninth edition of my monthly journal, where I share my efforts in promoting Nepalese literature and writers (AB), aligning with my vision. I invite you to join me on this journey and contribute your valuable insights to enrich our collective learning and initiatives.

Commemorating Laxmi and Lekhnath Jayanit - Sunday, December 17, 2023

NAI Academy Australia successfully organized an event on December 17, commemorating the 115th birth anniversary of Mahakavi Laxmi Prasad Devkota and the 140th birth anniversary of Kavishiromani Lekhnath Paudyal at Wentworthville, NSW. The event paid tribute to both legendary Nepali poets, honoring their invaluable contributions to Nepali language and literature through captivating poetry recitations and dance performances by renowned poets such as Maheshwar Sharma, Pratigya Adhikari, Jenisha Gautam, Ram Koirala, Bhawana Parajuli, Sima Roshi, Gragi Sharma and Jeev Raj Ghimire. 

Young participants, including Mumal Shrestha, Akshita Timilsina, and Aviruv Bastakoti, showcased their poetic talents. The program provided a platform for children and young individuals of Nepalese descent in Australia to participate in poetry recitals in both Nepali and English, fostering the spirit of literature and creativity among the upcoming Nepali generation in Australia. 

Congratulations to NAI Academy, established in 2022, for presenting its third formal program. I extend my best wishes to the organization, hoping for continued success in preserving Nepali literature and nurturing creativity among the new generation in Australia by providing such enriching opportunities.

Shrijana Sangam Event - Saturday, January 6, 2024

The first Saturday of January 2024 was truly memorable as I had the pleasure of attending an enriching poetry and Ghazal recitation by esteemed senior poets Gyanu Walker Poudyal and Dr. Bijaya Subba, followed by Bhogendra Lingden at the 'Shrijana Sangam' event at Granville Diggers, NSW. 

The event drew the participation of eminent personalities, writers, poets, and authors, including Dr. Gargi Sharma, Pratigya Adhikari, Bhabana Parajuli, Sanu Prem Jyotsana, Pragya Paneru-Moon Miracle, Narayan Pradhan, Mahendra Kumar Lamsal, and Archana Gurung. Additionally, traditional musical renditions by Jitman Limbu and captivating songs performed by Sushma Gurung added immense entertainment and value to the evening. 

 

Heartfelt thanks to Prakash Ninglekhu for organizing the event. This wonderful gathering was jointly organized by Sabdankur Books and Publication and the Gorkha-Nepalese Community Inc (GNC), under the chairmanship of Rajiv Pradhan, President of GNC. The program was passionately managed by Master of Ceremony Santosh Sharma.

Story Coaching Session with Margrete Lamond - Tuesday, January 9, 2024

I had the privilege of a second Story Coaching Session with Author and Dirt Lane Press publisher, Margrete Lamond, in January. The first session was on December 20, 2023, where she diligently analyzed and provided feedback on my picture book story, 'The Girl Who Waters Tomato Plant.' This was the same story I submitted for the Picture Book Competition organized by WestWord around the theme of 'BELONGING.' The story was selected as a runner-up for the writing prize in October 2023, entitling me to a one-on-one Story Coaching Package with Margrete as an award. 

The interactive session provided valuable insights into character building, story development, aspects of editing, and editors' expectations from writers. After weeks of pondering, re-writing, and submission, the second session with Margrete resulted in minor corrections. We spent time on grammar, wording, and picture ideas, enjoying an open discussion that allowed me to express my creative and crazy ideas. 

Thanks to Margrete for patiently listening to my experience and understanding the cultural diversity portrayed in the story. Looking forward to another session soon.

Book Collection for Libraries Update - Friday, January 12, 2024

In response to the Facebook notice published in September 2023 regarding Book Donation by The International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) - Sydney Chapter, I have collected the following books for donation so far. These books will be donated to the libraries of three councils: Auburn, Blacktown, and Hurstville during February-March 2024.

1. "Mangal Grahako Yatra" by Sima Roshi Acharya - 3 copies
2. "Meri Uni ra Ma" by Ram Prasad Koirala - 3 copies
3. "Sukhasutra, Yog Darsan Ra Prachin Chikitsa, Key to Happiness" by Achary Rajan Sharma – 1 copy each
4. "Ma Ra Buddha" by Saurav Kiran Shrestha Part 1 & 2 - 3 copies
5. "Manli Romance" by Tej Prakash Shrestha - 2 copies

Thanks to all writers for their generous donations. INLS is still accepting books from any Australia-based writers who wish to contribute. Please contact Prakash Poudel ji-INLS soon.

This month, I had the privilege of attending two remarkable events organized by NAI Academy and Sabdankur Books & Gorkha-Nepalese Community Inc. These gatherings showcased the passion and commitment of the Nepali community in Sydney toward preserving Nepali language, culture, and literature. The coaching sessions with Margrete Lamond were particularly noteworthy, contributing significantly to my personal and creative growth, especially in the realm of storytelling. As we look forward to the upcoming book donations to libraries, I anticipate that they will serve as a tangible representation of the successful collective effort to share Nepalese literary works and foster a love for literature within the Australian Nepali community. Overall, my participation in these activities has been immensely satisfying.