Nepali Writer and Literature in Australia- My Vision, Plan and Action: Journal 13

 16 April- 15 May: Personal Journal 13

Welcome to the thirteenth edition of my monthly journal, dedicated to showcasing and promoting Nepali literature and writers (AB) in line with my vision. I extend a warm invitation to join me on this journey and contribute your invaluable insights to enrich our collective learning and initiatives.

Month of Ghazal

This month was predominated by sessions on Ghazal writing and exercises. Therefore, I have collated all the Ghazal related activities within this period under the heading "Month of Ghazal" to make it easy to read. It was satisfactory to see some development in our Ghazal writings, which will eventually reach an audience one day.

1. Ghazal Writing Workshop - Saturday, 27 April 2024 

If I am not mistaken, the first Ghazal Writing Workshop in the heart of Western Sydney at Max Weber Library, Blacktown, was organized. I believe this will kickstart the practice of Ghazal writing among Nepali poets in Western Sydney and inspire others. I would like to sincerely thank the prominent Nepali Ghazalist/poet Gyanu Walker Poudyal for facilitating the workshop. Active participation from all made this workshop interesting and engaging. As we aspired to continue this journey collectively, I look forward to seeing all participants start writing, publishing, or reciting Ghazals/poems in the near future. I believe all of us gained something from his experience, insights, and teachings. We were touched, inspired, and motivated. No doubt, this workshop will successfully promote Nepali literary activities in Western Sydney.

                    

The workshop was attended by Tripura Poudyal, Puspa Lal Acharya, Nanda Bhandari Nimesh, Komal Khatiwada, Nagendra Sharma, Sumitra Rajbhandari, Ratna Thapa, Jit Gopali Ji, Punu Gopali, Rona Gopali, and Saurav Kiran. I am grateful to Gyanu Walker, Puspa Ji, and Blacktown Library for supporting me morally and physically in organizing this successful workshop. 2. Catch Up with Gyanu Walker Poudyal - Saturday, 4 May 2024

Puspa Ji and I visited Gyanu Walker Poudyal at his home in Merrylands to get some feedback on our draft Ghazals. His guidance on my Ghazal writing journey was significant for me. We had tea together and discussed Ghazal. As we left his home, we felt like we had learned something valuable. For me, his presence in Sydney was a blessing.            

                        

3. Ghazal Writing Session - Saturday, 11 May 2024

Following the first Ghazal Writing Workshop, I organized a second workshop with Sydney-based well-known Nepali Ghazalist Jitendra Malla.

It was rainy outside, but six enthusiastic brothers braved the gloomy weather and gathered at my home for the Session led by Jitendra Malla. The engaging session proved helpful in understanding the basic elements of Ghazal as we learned from each other's work, identifying areas for improvement. It inspired us to continue practicing our writing. Our appreciation goes to Jitendra Ji for making time available and sharing his knowledge and skills with us: Puspa Lal Acharya, Nanda Bhandari Nimesh, Komal Khatiwada, Nagendra Sharma, and Saurav Kiran.

4. Ghazal Feedback Session - Thursday, 16 May 2024

After two Ghazal sessions by Gyanu Walker Poudyal and Jitendra Malla, we decided to organize an online Ghazal Feedback Session via Messenger as needed. On 16 May, Komal Ji and Nagendra Ji shared their Ghazals, and others provided constructive feedback. During the process, we honed our skills on some elements of Ghazal writing, like understanding Matala, Kafiya, and fixing some Kafiya dosh. The online session was attended by Nanda, Sumitra, Komal, Jit Ji, Nagendra, and Saurav.

Reunion of Poets and Writers at Austral - Sunday, 28 April 2024

I had the pleasure of witnessing a soulful reunion of poets and writers after periods of social isolation due to the pandemic. The gathering took place at Austral, at the residence of the well-known poet Maheshwar Sharma, based in Sydney.

The informal gathering transformed into a delightful poetic symposium, where enthusiastic poets recited their Ghazals and poems. Personally, this gathering was inspiring and recharging. At the same time, the assurance from Jitendra Malla and Surendra Dawadi to support my literary initiatives motivated me even further.

Prominent Nepali poets and writers like Gyanu Walker Poudyal, Gargi Sharma, Jitendra Malla, Surendra Dawadi, Sanu Prem Jyotsana, Pragya Paneru, Moon Miracle, Tripura Poudel, Tulasa Pande, Shweta Mainali, Bhabana Parajuli, Buddhisagar Dawadi, Thakur Prasad Panth, Asmit C. Regmi, and other poets, presented their mesmerizing and captivating Ghazals, poems, and free verses. I would like to thank Sonam Pandey Sharma for her warm hospitality, which made the gathering feel warm and homely. WWAG (WestWords Alumni Group) 2024 May Session - Sunday, 5 May 2024

The WWAG May Session was successfully organized and attended by Artelle Lenthall, Christine Johnson, and Saurav Shrestha. I would like to thank WestWords and my alumni colleagues for trusting me in my role as the group facilitator. During the session, we all shared our works in progress.

In my turn, I proudly shared my engagement with Australia-based Nepali writers and some of its outcomes. I also shared progress about Nepali Ghazal/poetry and our initiatives for Ghazal workshops/sessions. Additionally, I shared my work on the picture book "My Funniest Mummy" and received group feedback on it. Thanks to Artelle and Christine for your genuine and honest feedback, which I will consider in my work. Featured in Creator and Creation - Monday, 13 May 2024

I felt proud to be featured in the 9th edition of the Creator and Creation series, coordinated by Ramesh Chandra Ghimire and designed by Lokendra Shakya. The aim of the series is to promote and showcase creators/writers in the digital space.

This month has been a significant journey in promoting and nurturing Nepali literature, particularly Ghazal writing. I'm pleased with the progress in our Ghazal writings, which will eventually be shared with an audience. The workshops, feedback sessions, and gatherings have been both inspiring and educational, bringing our community closer together. I am grateful for the support and participation of everyone involved. I look forward to continuing this literary journey with all of you. Your contributions and insights are invaluable as we strive to enrich our collective learning and initiatives.