Nepali Writer and Literature in Australia- My Vision, Plan and Action: Journal 14

16 May - 15 June: Personal Journal 14

Welcome to the fourteenth 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.

Picture Book Workshop Session 1 - Saturday, 18 May 2024

As a trainer, I facilitated the first online session on Picture Book Writing for both emerging and established writers and illustrators in Nepal as part of the Picture Book Development on Endangered Species project. This is a collaboration between Greenhood and Kathalaya Nepal, aiming to create picture books that raise awareness and advocate for the preservation and protection of endangered animals and species.

The session was attended by Sajani Naubage, Prakash Poudel, Neeti Shrestha, Elisha Ghimire, Ashmita, Binita Buddhacharya, Kushal Shrestha, Krisha Tamrakar, Amit and Jenisha Suman. Special thanks to Rajeev Ji for providing this wonderful opportunity and bringing all the enthusiastic writers, illustrators, and environmentalists into the online room.

Highlighting Nepali Authors in Australia - Friday, 19 May 2024

Continuing my initiative to showcase Nepali heritage writers and their literature in Australia, this month I introduced "A New Dawn," a book by Sydney-based Nepali author Mamata Pant Mishra. I hope you will welcome it as warmly as you have welcomed my previous introductions. Thank you to The DMN News for providing space on your online platform. Please check the link below for the book introduction and remember to share the link on your FB or on social media.  

A New Dawn: Exploring Human Emotions, Relationships, and Second Chances - The DMN News | Breaking News, Live Updates, Analysis from Nepal The DMN News | Breaking News, Live Updates, Analysis from Nepal

International Children’s Literature Conference - Saturday, 25 May 2024

I had the privilege to attend and speak at the second International Children's Literature Conference 2024, organized by the International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) Children's Committee. The conference was organized via Zoom, where over 30 children from countries such as Australia, Japan, Korea, the United States, Canada, Portugal, and Nepal showcased their literary works along with various cultural mantras, Vedic recitations, and other cultural and singing talents.

The speakers at the event included Rohini Sharma, Padam Bishwakarma, Shiva Lamichhane, Govardhan Puja, Sarvajna Wagle, Rajendra Shrestha, Bimala Niraula, Ritadevi Pradhan, Yashoda Adhikari, and Saurav Kiran Shrestha. The conference was held under the chairmanship of Balatara Literature Committee Coordinator Dr. Prakash Poudel. The event was jointly hosted in Nepali by Children's Committee member Arjun Sadaula from Japan, and children Reva Shah from Australia, and Sachin Chapagain and Abhas Aryal from America. Nepal Children's Literature Society President Pramod Pradhan served as the chief guest. The conference concluded with the issuance of a seven-point declaration. For details, please visit the link:

अनेसासको दोस्रो अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय बालसाहित्य सम्मेलन ७ बुँदे घोषणापत्र जारी गर्दै सम्पन्न – inlsdarpan.com

Ghazal Feedback Session - Thursday, 27 May 2024

I spent some time with Nagendar Sharma, who is an enthusiastic and emerging Ghazal writer. As a student of Ghazal writing myself, we discussed our pieces of writing and provided feedback on each other's Ghazals. We felt our friendship growing as we were learning and exchanging ideas together.

A Project - May 2024

I feel privileged and excited to see some of my actions and visions have been materializing with the support of a passionate group of writers, well-wishers, and WestWord. On Wednesday, 22 May 2024, we started a project with an introductory online session followed by a one-day workshop on Saturday, 1 June 2024, at WestWord Parramatta. I have been engaging with the group and prominent writers/speakers to organize and facilitate a series of sessions and workshops and plan the project. I am looking forward to seeing the substantive outcome of this project next year. Best wishes to all who are involved and contributing to this project.

I would like to acknowledge all the participants, speakers, resource persons, and trainers, including Dr. Sabitri Kakshapati, Om Dhungel, Jiva Nath Lamsal, Michael Campbell, and Saman Shad. 

Picture Book Feedback Session - Tuesday, 4 June 2024

I conducted an online feedback session with Neeti Shrestha, an aspiring graphic designer, illustrator, and emerging writer from Nepal. She has already published her illustrations in a few picture books. During the session, I provided critical feedback and suggestions on her project, where she will be both the author and illustrator of a picture book dealing with a sensitive subject. I hope our honest conversation will assist her in shaping a wonderful picture book and advancing her creative journey. Thanks to Rajeev Ji and Kathalaya for arranging this opportunity.

Meeting with Bharat Rai - Sunday, 9 June 2024

I met Bharat Rai at the Max Webber Library, Blacktown. He is an author, playwright, actor, and director. His literary articles have been published in several Nepali literary magazines in Nepal and Australia. During the meeting, he gave me his book "Suruaat" (a collection of short stories). I also shared my vision for promoting Nepali literature and writers in Australia.

We discussed about supporting each other in creative initiatives, exploring possibilities to organize regular meetings and sessions that provide opportunities for authors from diverse cultural backgrounds to come together and share their ideas and experiences. I also provided some information about the initiatives from Blacktown City Libraries that provide similar opportunities. We also thought about starting conversations with the libraries and other interested writers in the near future.

In conclusion, this month has been highly productive and inspiring, marked by meaningful engagements with fellow writers and literary enthusiasts. From facilitating workshops and conferences to providing critical feedback and discussing new projects, each activity has contributed to the collective goal of promoting Nepali literature and supporting emerging talents in Australia. The collaborations and discussions have not only enriched my personal vision but also strengthened the network of writers and literary advocates committed to preserving and advancing our cultural heritage. As I move forward, I am excited to see the outcomes of these initiatives and continue building a vibrant community of creative minds.