Nepali Writer and Literature in Australia- My Vision, Plan and Action: Journal 16

 16 July - 15 August: Personal Journal 16

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

Highlighting Nepali Authors in Australia - Tuesday, 23 July 2024

Continuing my initiative to showcase Nepali heritage writers and their literature in Australia, this month I introduced Bishanu Ree, a book by Sydney-based Nepali author Pragya. I hope you will welcome it as warmly as previous book 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 social media.

Bishanu Ree: Many stories, one novel - The DMN News | Breaking News, Live Updates, Analysis from Nepal The DMN News | Breaking News, Live Updates, Analysis from Nepal

Western Sydney Writers of KidLit (WSWK) Critique Meeting - Saturday, 27 July 2024

It was wonderful to listen to the pre-read of two picture book manuscripts written by Artelle and Dannielle at the Western Sydney Writers of KidLit (WSWK) critique meeting today. Every time we provide or receive feedback, I feel that a part of me as a writer is learning and growing. I believe this feeling applies to all writers who trust and believe in learning from each other.

 

Thanks to Artelle for organizing the meeting and signing a copy of her wonderful picture book, Star.

Nai Pride of the Year Award 2024 - Saturday, 3 August 2024

Huge applause to the organizing committee members, especially Sima Roshi, Founder President, and Cultural Vice-President Jenisha Gautam, for their tireless work in making the Nai Pride of the Year Award 2024 event a success at Bardali, Merrylands.

Congratulations to all six award recipients in various categories: Anil Phokhel, Dr. Manoj Kumar Singh, Rani Dixit, MONA Australia (Indra Thapa, President), Santosh, Takdir Adhikari, and Om Dhungel. The event was MC'd by Bal Mukunda and organized by NAI Academy Australia. The event was followed by a Teej celebration and performances.

Launch of Pictorial Children's Storybooks "डाँडाबारीको भूत (Phantom of the Terrace Farm) - Sunday, 3 August 2024

It was an immense pleasure to see that one of the children’s picture books I had been editing was launched at a program at the Army Officer's Club, Sundhara, Kathmandu, on Sunday, 3 August 2024. 

This book is part of the Picture Book Development on Endangered Species project, 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 pictorial children's storybooks "डाँडाबारीको भूत" and “Phantom of the Terrace Farm,” written by Kumar Paudel, illustrated by Neeti Shrestha, and edited by myself, Saurav Kiran Shrestha, were among the highlights.
I would like to thank Kathalaya (Rajeev ji and Suniti ji) for giving me the opportunity to be part of this project as an editor, which we believe will be meaningful in protecting endangered species in Nepal through literature.

A Project 2024 - Wednesday, 7 August 2024

I would like to thank and acknowledge Dr. Archana Thapa for facilitating an online session on women’s characterization in Nepali literature.

Dr. Thapa is an independent scholar, author, and founder of Akshar Creations Nepal Publishing. She writes in both English and Nepali, and her latest book is a story collection titled Kathaputala. She has edited more than half a dozen books and is now the Chairperson of Hands in Outreach, Sano Sansar, an organization that helps girls from marginalized communities access education.

This month I reflected on two key areas 1. Collective Growth Through Collaboration and 2. Culture and Environment Preservation Through Literature with following activities and participation. I introduced "Bishanu Ree,” a novel by Sydney-based Nepali author Pragya. I also had the opportunity to participate in the Western Sydney Writers of KidLit (WSWK) critique meeting, where we shared valuable feedback on picture book manuscripts. 
I also participated in the Nai Pride of the Year Award 2024 that recognized and celebrated the contributions of individuals within the Nepali community in Australia by bringing people together to celebrate their shared heritage and accomplishments.
On another note, I’m proud to have been part of the children’s picture book "डाँडाबारीको भूत (Phantom of the Terrace Farm)" which was released this month in Kathmandu. This book aims to raise awareness about the protection of endangered species in Nepal. Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Archana Thapa for facilitating an insightful online session on women’s characterization in Nepali literature.