Nepali Writers and Literature in Australia – My Vision, Plan, and Action: Journal 26

16 June - 15 July 2025 | Personal Journal 26
Welcome to the 26th edition of my monthly journal, dedicated to showcasing and promoting Australia-based Nepali literature and writers. This initiative aligns with my vision of fostering a vibrant and connected literary community. I warmly invite you to join me on this journey and share your invaluable insights to enrich our collective learning and endeavors.

                                        

Haiku Workshop – Sunday, 29 June 2025

This is my first contemporary English haiku, penned during the Haiku Workshop held at Stanhope Gardens Library. The workshop was facilitated by Leanne Mumford (President, Australian Haiku Society) and Subhashini Jayatilake.

Sincere thanks to the Sri Lankan Australian Women’s Network, Amoda Design, and Blacktown City Council for hosting this inspiring event.

Interaction with Bimal Bhaukajee – Tuesday, 1 July 2025
Had a wonderful interaction with Bimal Bhaukaji, Editor of Sharada monthly magazine—one of the most renowned and historic Nepali literary publications, which was revived a decade ago.

                            

We discussed potential collaborations to feature creative works by writers of Nepali origin living in Australia. It was exciting to learn that Sharada has already published special editions highlighting Nepali writers who lives in other countries, such as the Canadian, UK, and US editions.

Following this model, I proposed an Australian edition. I look forward to seeing this idea materialize and hope we, as writers from Australia, will soon be able to hold a physical copy of Sharada: Australia Edition in our hands.

Poetry Festival 2025 – Saturday, 12 July 2025
The International Nepali Literary Society (INLS), New South Wales Chapter successfully organized the 112th Bhanu Jayanti on Saturday, July 12, at Prisha Event, Blacktown, Sydney, under the banner of "INLS Poetry Festival 2025."

Participants included: Mahendra Poudel, Sanu Ghimire, Nisprabh Saji, Jitendra Malla, Maheshwar Sharma, Saurav Kiran Shrestha, Pragya Paneru, Surendra Dawadi, Prakash Panthi, Richa Gautam, Janaki Poudel, Santosh Sharma, Dr. Ganesh KC, Suman Thapa ‘Sangam’, Muktiram Pokhrel, Chaturbhuj Kharel, Bhabana Parajuli, Jenisha Gautam, Bishnu Ghimire, Aayam Ghimire, Dr. Raju Manandhar, Prabin Tandon, Ram Koirala, Rahul Aryal, Netra Prasad Poudel, Santosh Rijal, Jeev Raj Ghimire, Tripura Poudel, among other prominent creators.

                    

Special guests included senior ghazal poet Gyanu Walkar Poudyal and approximately three dozen poets, who all contributed to the festival with their poetry recitations.

During the event, Ram Koirala, advisor of the organization, was honored with the INLS Annual Award for his ongoing literary contributions and publications. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to President Prakash Paudel for successfully leading the event and to Bhabana Parajuli for her wonderful role as the Master of Ceremonies.

Literary Program by ABA Sydney – Sunday, 13 July 2025
I attended another memorable event at the Kingswood Neighbourhood Centre celebrating the 212th Bhanu Jayanti, organized by the Association of Bhutanese in Australia – Sydney.

The celebration came alive with moving poetry and ghazal recitations, alongside vibrant performances by more than 15 participants. It was a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Nepali poet Bhanubhakta Acharya and his invaluable contributions to Nepali language and literature.

Update: Curriculum and Textbook Development – June 2025
During this reporting period, for Shabdamala Nepali Language School I had completed the draft versions of My Nepali Lesson – Level 3 (Term 3) and Level 4 (Term 3). They are now in the editing and illustration phase.

Feedback Sessions – June 2025
This month, I conducted several one-on-one feedback sessions with writers, reviewing poems and children’s chapter books. It’s always a pleasure to engage with both emerging and established voices and contribute—however modestly—to their creative journey and growth.

Throughout this reporting month in 2025, I actively engaged in literary and cultural activities—conducting feedback sessions, developing textbooks, attending poetry events, and proposing an Australian edition of Sharada magazine. These experiences enriched my creative journey, strengthened community connections, and underscored the power of collaboration in promoting Nepali literature—not just in Nepal or Australia, but across the globe.

Nepali Writers and Literature in Australia – My Vision, Plan, and Action: Journal 25

16 May - 15 June 2025 | Personal Journal 25

Welcome to the 25th edition of my monthly journal, dedicated to showcasing and promoting Australia-based Nepali literature and writers. This initiative aligns with my vision of fostering a vibrant and connected literary community. I warmly invite you to join me on this journey and share your invaluable insights to enrich our collective learning and endeavor.

Children’s Creative Work Published in Nepali New Year 2082 Calendar – May 2025

As reported in an earlier blog, a special event titled “Children’s Literature and Kabita (Poem) Program” was organized by the International Nepali Literary Society (INLS), New South Wales Chapter, in March via Zoom. During the event, children proudly recited their original poems and writings. I am delighted to share that these creative works, along with the children's photographs, have now been published in the Nepali New Year 2082 calendar

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This initiative has brought immense joy and pride to parents, many of whom expressed how meaningful it was to see their children’s talents recognized and celebrated in such a way.

I extend heartfelt gratitude to all the children and parents involved in this wonderful effort. Special thanks to those who played a key role in the publication of the calendar, including Children’s Committee Advisors Prakash Paudel, Bishnu Ghimire, Sudip Shrestha, Binay Sharma and Suren Upreti. 

Highlighting Nepali Authors in Australia Through Book Introductions – Tuesday, 3 June 2025

As part of my ongoing initiative to showcase Nepali heritage writers in Australia, this month I introduced a debut novella Timro Ma by Samu Upreti, a Melbourne-based Nepali writer. The novella is now also available in English under the title I Am Yours, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Thank you to Online Khabar English and its team for providing a platform to highlight Australian-based Nepali literature. Special thanks to Janardan Baral and Prasun Sangraula for your support.

I am yours: Revisiting teenage love and longing - OnlineKhabar English News

Global Poetry Competition on “Sagarmatha and the Himalayan Region Conservation” – Saturday, 7 June 2025
It was a pleasure to attend the global poetry competition titled “Sagarmatha and the Conservation of the Himalayan Region,” organized by the International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) – New South Wales Chapter in collaboration with the INLS Central Committee on 7 June 2025. The event was held via Zoom to mark International Sagarmatha Day also known as International Everest Day, is celebrated on May 29th each year to commemorate the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in Nepal. This day honors the historic achievement of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary, who reached the summit of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953. 

The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from poets around the world, including representatives from Australia: Ram Prasad Koirala, Jenisha Gautam, Aayan, Rajan Adhikari, Mamta Tiwari, Santosh Lamsal, and Bishwa Mishra. Poets from Qatar, UAE, US, South Korea, Germany, and other countries also took part. The event was hosted by Prakash Paudel.

A total of 35 poets submitted their poems, and 31 poets recited their creations live during the program. Heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all participating poets for their invaluable contributions. Congratulations to the winners of the poetry competition Rajesh Sapkota (Norway), Nirjala Lamsal (Nuwakot, Nepal), and Prajwal Adhikari (Lamjung, Nepal).
Special thanks also go to the esteemed judges, special guest Mr. Pratik Dhakal, and the entire INLS family for their support and collaboration in making this global literary celebration a success.

Update: Curriculum and Textbook Development – June 2025
As previously shared, I have been actively involved in curriculum and textbook development for Shabdamala Nepali Language School. During this reporting period, a draft copy of My Nepali Lesson – Level 3 (Term 3) was completed, and work is now underway on Level 4 (Term 3).

Feedback Sessions - June 2025
This month, I also conducted several one-on-one feedback sessions with writers, reviewing their poems and editing a children’s chapter book. It’s always a pleasure to engage deeply with both emerging and established voices and contribute, in small but meaningful ways, to their creative growth.

The month was spent meaningfully as I participated in various events, curriculum development, book review, and writer feedback sessions that promoted Nepali literature and language in Australia. Thank you to the International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) – New South Wales Chapter for actively organizing events showcasing children's creativity and global poetry. These initiatives reflect a growing cultural presence and a strong commitment to nurturing creative talent within the Nepali-speaking community.