Nepali Writers and Literature in Australia – My Vision, Plan, and Action: Journal 28

16 August – 15 September 2025 | Personal Journal 28

Welcome to the 28th edition of my monthly journal, dedicated to showcasing and promoting Australia-based Nepali literature and writers. This initiative aligned with my vision of fostering a vibrant and connected literary community. I warmly invited everyone to join me on this journey and share their invaluable insights to enrich our collective learning and endeavors.

An Anthology of Australian Multilingual Poetry Meeting – Wednesday 3 September 2025

I attended a meeting on the Anthology of Australian Multilingual Poetry. This gathering of poets celebrated cultural and linguistic diversity and highlighted the importance of bringing together voices from different traditions and languages.

The project was initiated by the Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane and was managed by internationally renowned poet Professor Mark Tredinnick. Its objective was to compile selected poems into a multilingual poetry collection. Such an anthology helped preserve and showcase the richness of Australian poetry across cultures.

During the meeting, Richa Gautam, representing the Nepali community, recited her poem in English among other poets from diverse cultures. The meeting was held in Rockdale. A heartfelt thanks went to Sanu Ghimire for her participation and support in promoting Nepali literature within Australia’s multicultural community.

Nepali Books for Library
I received two copies of Srijanshil Kishor Pahadi, a book edited by Dr. Shekhar Kumar Shrestha that highlighted Kishor Pahadi’s personality and various aspects of his creative writing. These books were sent by the author himself from Melbourne, who had visited Australia a few weeks earlier.

Kishor Pahadi was not a new name to me, as he was a renowned short story writer who had won the Sajha Puraskar for his work Bishudai. I remembered reading his stories long ago in magazines like Madhupark and Garima while growing up. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to meet him in Nepal, even though we both lived in Kathmandu. But, thanks to social media, I reached out to him via Messenger. We had a very warm conversation.
This meeting and his books pushed me to organize a Book Handover/Donation event again this year. So, I requested Australia-based writers/authors to send their books to me for the donation that I planned for the Blacktown Library in October/November.

Nava Durga Literary Program 2025 Update
The Women’s Creative Group is organizing a special cultural presentation featuring poetry recitations on the theme of the different dimensions of Nava Durga on the occasion of Bijaya Dashami on Saturday 20 September 2025 at SydWest Multicultural Services, Blacktown.

Some updates of the program over the month were:

Nine Nepali Women Poets who would tributes nine Durga (goddess) were finalized. Their names were as follows:

1. Mahata Ghimire Chapagain tributed Devi Shailaputri
2. Bhawana Parajuli tributed Devi Bramhacharini
3. Wreecha Gautam tributed Devi Chandraghanta
4. Mamata Mishra tributed Devi Kushmanda
5. Sweta Mainali tributed Devi Skandhamata
6. Sudhira Shah tributed Devi Katyayani
7. Pratigya Adhikari tributed Devi Kalratri
8. Pragya Paneru tributed Devi Mahagauri
9. Sanu Ghimire tributed Devi Sidhdidatri

Their poems were sent to the Feedback Committee, which included Prabha Bhattari, Surendra Dawadi, and Saurav Shrestha. Committee members had already provided their feedback. Currently all selected poets are improvising their poems to maintain the highest standard for performance on the day.

On Friday 5 September, an online feedback session was organized, attended by Poet Prabha Bhattari. The session ran for 2 hours where every participating poet recited their poem in the group and received live and constructive feedback.
The pre-planned program was slightly impacted by the Gen Z protest and unrest that happened in Nepal on 8–10 September, where more than 72 people lost their lives. The organizing group decided to carry the event as scheduled with the notion of transforming the pain into power and paying tribute to all the young martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the noble cause.

Memorable Time with Authors and Friends from Melbourne – Sunday 7 September 2025
I had a refreshing time in Parramatta with my author friends Niru Tripathi, Prem Raj Upreti, Sanu Ghimire, Pragya Paneru, and. Niru and Prem were from Melbourne and came to Sydney to attend the NRNA Australia Excellence Award 2025 on Saturday 6 September 2025.

Both of them were members of the NRNA Australia Award Committee 2025 along with other members. I congratulated both Niru Tripathi (National Secretary) and Prem Raj Upreti (Vic-Member) for playing a vital role and contributing to the committee. My hearty congratulations also went to Laxman Sanyal, who was honoured with the NRNA Australia Excellence Award 2025 in Language and Literature. Surely, these achievements inspired many of us.

Call for Submissions: Sharada Monthly Australia Special Issue Update

After having a conversation with Editor Bimal Bhaukaji two months ago, about publishing a special issue Sharada Monthly (Nepali literary magazine) focusing only Australia-based Nepali writers, and as the Coordinator for Australia, I have already collected 46 articles including poems, ghazals, memories, stories, and essays.

The Australia special edition of Sharada Monthly was scheduled for Kartik 2082 BS (October edition). Here I expressed my thanks to all the Australia-based Nepali-origin writers for their contribution. It was really encouraging.

Feedback Sessions – August 2025

As usual, this month too, I conducted several one-on-one feedback sessions with writers, reviewing poems and children’s chapter books. It was always a pleasure to engage with both emerging and established voices and contribute—however modestly—to their creative journey and growth.

This month too, I actively engaged in diverse literary and cultural activities that strengthened connections within the Australia-based Nepali community. From attending the Anthology of Australian Multilingual Poetry meeting in Rockdale to receiving books for library donation, supporting the upcoming Nava Durga Literary Program, and sharing memorable moments with fellow authors, the month was filled with creativity and collaboration. I also facilitated feedback sessions for writers, contributed to the Sharada Monthly Australia Special Issue and Nava Durga Literary Program. 

Reflecting on these experiences, I felt grateful for the growing presence of Nepali literature in Australia’s multicultural landscape and encouraged by the collective efforts that continue to preserve and promote our heritage while fostering meaningful exchanges with wider communities.