Nepali Writers and Literature in Australia – My Vision, Plan, and Action: Journal 37

16 July 2026 –August –15 September 2026 | Personal Journal 37

I welcomed readers to the 37th edition of my journal, which documented my activities, reflections and literary engagements during the period. As in previous editions, the journal remained dedicated to showcasing and promoting Nepali literature and writers based in Australia. This initiative reflected my vision of fostering a vibrant, connected and collaborative literary community.

Due to the devastating avalanche and widespread flooding that struck Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading on 26 August 2026, resulting in significant loss of life and many people reported missing, I was unable to publish my regular monthly journal entry. Like many others, I was deeply affected by the tragedy and the grief experienced by communities in Nepal and around the world.

I extended my deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the families who lost loved ones and to everyone affected by the disaster. I also expressed my gratitude to Nepali community, Australian Multicultural communities and well-wishers across the world who stood in solidarity with Nepal and extended their support during this difficult time.

This edition therefore covered activities and reflections across two months. As in previous editions, I invited readers to join me on this continuing journey and to share ideas and insights that contributed to our collective learning, creativity and engagement with Nepali literature in Australia.

WestWords Academy Official Housewarming Celebration –Friday, 31 July  2026

WestWords Academy held an official housewarming celebration for its new event venue at Old Government House in Parramatta Park.

Despite the chilly evening of July, the atmosphere remained warm, welcoming and energetic. The Academy Live event was hosted by Jelena Curic and brought together WestWords Academy alumni, current participants and members of the wider creative community.

The event marked an important new chapter for WestWords Academy and its expanding engagement with writers, readers and creative practitioners. The new venue provided a dedicated space for literary and creative activities and further strengthened WestWords' presence within Western Sydney's cultural landscape.

It was a pleasure to join fellow WestWords Academy alumni and current participants at the event. Congratulations went to the WestWords team on this exciting new chapter, with best wishes for the venue to become a vibrant home for writers, readers and the wider creative community.

Book Launch: Shelf Life – Saturday, 15 August 2026

The debut poetry collection Shelf Life by Hemat Malak was launched at Old Government House in Parramatta. Published by 5 Islands Press, the collection marked an important milestone in Malak's literary career.

Born in Egypt, Malak had developed a distinctive presence within Australia's literary landscape. She had also received the 2026 Bruce Dawe Prize for Poetry, further recognising her contribution as an emerging poet.

The launch brought together writers, readers and members of the literary community to celebrate the publication and Malak's achievement.

It was inspiring to witness Hemat's literary journey and the publication of her debut collection. Congratulations, Hemat, and best wishes for the success of Shelf Life.

How Our Garden Grows – A New Chapter

The forthcoming release of How Our Garden Grows marked an important milestone in my literary journey. The picture book represented the first book published in Australia in English after several books had previously been published in the Nepali language.

Written around themes of kindness, community and belonging, the book was published by WestWords Children's Books, an imprint of WestWords Ltd, with illustrations by Estee Sarsfield.

The publication represented a significant step in connecting multicultural literary experiences with Australia's children's publishing sector. It also reflected the possibilities available to writers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds seeking to share stories with Australian readers.

I was particularly grateful to Estee Sarsfield for her beautiful illustrations and to WestWords Children's Books for publishing the book. The support and encouragement received throughout the journey made the publication especially meaningful.

The book was made available for pre-order through Dirt Lane Press, with families, parents, grandparents and readers encouraged to support and share the publication.

For pre-order, please click here : 

https://dirtlanepress.com/product/how-our-garden-grows/

‘Power in Words, Freedom in Creation’ – Teej Special Literary Program – Saturday 22 August 2026

The International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) Canberra organised a Teej Special Literary Program in Canberra under the theme “Power in Words, Freedom in Creation.”

A major highlight of the program was the participation of 14 women poets representing Nepali and Bhutanese communities from Melbourne, Sydney, Albury and Canberra. Mahata Ghimire Chapagain, Dibyashree Acharya, Bhabana Parajuli, Rosani Khadka, Richa Gautam, Sanu Ghimire (Jyotsana), Samjhana Upreti, Shanti Dhakal Adhikari, Anajana Karki, Pragya Paneru, Ashma Budhathoki and Mamata Tiwari presented poems addressing issues of women, identity, empowerment and society.

The program was attended by Acting Ambassador of Nepal to Australia Ms Tara Gautam and the Hon. David Smith MP. Guest poets Gargi Sharma and Ved Kumari Neupane from Nepal also presented their poetry.

The event provided a meaningful platform for celebrating Nepali language, literature, culture and identity. It highlighted the creativity and originality of Nepali writers living in Australia while contributing to the preservation and transmission of Nepali language and cultural heritage.

Such literary gatherings also created opportunities for Nepali communities from different parts of Australia to connect, exchange ideas and strengthen a shared sense of belonging.

A further highlight was the welcome extended to women writers and visitors who visited Canberra from different parts of Australia at the Embassy of Nepal. The meeting provided an opportunity for writers and representatives to discuss the current state of Nepali language and literature, the continuity of Nepali literature in the Australian communities, the transmission of language and culture to younger generations, and ways to strengthen and institutionalise literary activities in Australia.

I was grateful to Acting Ambassador Tara Gautam and the entire Embassy team for the warm welcome, recognition of the writers' creative work and the thoughtful discussion about Nepali language and literature.

It was my privilege to be a part of this wonderful event organization and witness the strength, diversity and creativity of Nepali women writers in Australia. Congratulations went to INLS Canberra and everyone involved in organising the memorable literary celebration.

Blacktown City Library Celebrated Nepali Language Recognition – 20 August 2026

Blacktown City Library marked Nepali Language Recognition Day, highlighting the growing presence of the Nepali-speaking community in the Blacktown Local Government Area.

Known as Nepali Bhasha Manyata Diwas, the day commemorated the historic recognition of Nepali as an official constitutional language in India. Its significance extended beyond national borders and represented linguistic pride, cultural heritage and the connections shared by Nepali-speaking communities around the world.

From Nepal and Bhutan to India and Australia, Nepali remained an important language within diverse communities and contributed to the cultural fabric of Western Sydney.

The celebration also highlighted the Nepali collection available through Blacktown City Libraries. Community members were encouraged to visit the local library, explore the Nepali collection and borrow books to read and share with their families.

The library's recognition of Nepali language also demonstrated the important role that public libraries played in supporting multicultural communities, maintaining heritage languages and providing access to literature in community languages.

Visit our local library, explore our Nepali collection and borrow a story to enjoy. 

blacktown.nsw.gov.au/nepalicollectionbcl

Voices for Nepal: Poetry of Solidarity and Hope – Sunday, 6 September 2026

On Sunday, 6 September, multicultural communities gathered at Glenwood Community Hub for “Voices for Nepal: Poetry of Solidarity and Hope.” The event was organised by We Australians Are Creative Incorporated (WAACI) and the International Nepali Literary Society NSW (INLS NSW) to express solidarity with people affected by the devastating disaster in Nepal.

The gathering brought together representatives from Nepali, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Bhutanese, Punjabi, Bengali, Urdu-speaking, Sri Lankan, Filipino and broader Australian multicultural communities. Their participation demonstrated a strong sense of compassion, solidarity and community support for Nepal.

 

Poets who contributed to the program included Mumal Shrestha, Shweta Mainali, Pankaj Upadhyaya, Faizun Naher Pally, Virat Nehru, Shanti Raman, Nagendra Bhattrai, Gagan Deep Singh, Shahid Malik, Nisprabh Saji and Harry Walia.

Through poetry and spoken messages, the poets expressed themes of hope, resilience, compassion and unity. The program demonstrated the ability of literature and the arts to create spaces for communities to come together during times of grief and uncertainty.

Blacktown City Councillors Cr Mohit Kumar, Cr Susai Benjamin, Cr Moninder Singh and Cr Pradeep Pathi attended the event and joined community members in expressing their support for Nepal.

Community leaders also shared messages of solidarity, including Kamal Pasha of AB Street Library, Prakriti Shrestha of Blacktown Nepalese Community Australia, Harinder Kaur of Harman Foundation, Fasih Uddin Khan of the Indian Crescent Society of Australia, Parag Bhagat of Jai Bhim, Ronna Guzman of the Philippine Australian Multicultural Association Inc., and Nalika Padmasena of the Sri Lankan Australian Community.

The event was hosted by Taufeeq Ahmed Sheikh and Pratigya Adhikari and began with a minute's silence in memory of those affected by the disaster.

My sincere thanks went to Abbas Raza Alvi, President of WAACI; Bhabana Parajuli, President of INLS NSW; the participating poets; community leaders; volunteers; and all supporting organisations for their contribution to the event.

The program received support from Blacktown City Council, the Nepali Art, Culture and Literature Academy, Mushayara Pariwar, Nai Academy Australia, Blacktown Nepalese Community-Australia and the Association of Bhutanese in Australia.

The gathering demonstrated how literature and the arts could provide a powerful space for communities to express solidarity, remember those affected by tragedy and create messages of hope and healing.

Please click the link to watch the video of the event. Thanks to Solid Photography for the support. : Voices for Nepal - Poetry for Solidarity and Hope

The two-month period was marked by literary celebrations, new publications, community engagement, cultural recognition and moments of profound reflection. From the release of my new book to the celebration of Teej and the use of poetry as a vehicle for solidarity, the activities demonstrated the growing contribution of Nepali literature to Australia's multicultural literary landscape.

The continuing vision remained focused on creating stronger connections among Nepali writers, readers, community organisations, libraries and the wider Australian literary sector. Sustained collaboration, greater visibility and meaningful platforms for writers remained important in strengthening and connecting the Nepali literary community in Australia.

Nepali Writers and Literature in Australia – My Vision, Plan, and Action: Journal 36

16 June 2026 – 15 July 2026 | Personal Journal 36

I welcomed readers to the 36th edition of my monthly journal, which highlighted my activities, reflections, and literary engagements. As many of you knew, this journal was dedicated to showcasing and promoting Australia-based Nepali literature and writers. This initiative reflected my vision of fostering a vibrant, connected, and collaborative literary community. I invited everyone to join me on this journey and to share valuable insights that enriched our collective learning and creative endeavours.

Catch-up with Anup Bhandari – Friday, 26 June 2026

I had the pleasure of meeting Anup Bhandari ji, who had recently published his debut novel, The Bhatte Movement.

During our brief conversation, he explained that the book was not just a fictional novel. Although it was inspired by real experiences, it also raised an important question for all Nepalis, especially the brightest minds of Nepal who quietly left the country in search of better opportunities abroad.

For decades, Nepal witnessed its young people pursuing their dreams across the world, from Sydney to many other countries, where they built careers, families, and futures far from home.

But what happened to the country they left behind?

Through this novel, Anup reflected the story of a generation torn between ambition and belonging, success and sacrifice, distance and duty. More importantly, he raised a profound question: Was it time to return?

The Bhatte Movement explored themes of brotherhood, migration, identity, and the desire to rebuild Nepal. As Anup beautifully expressed, "This is not just about those who left. It is about what they still carry—and what they may still build."

I congratulated him on this debut novel. It was also encouraging to learn that he had already started working on another book.

I hoped there would soon be an opportunity to bring readers together to discuss the novel, its message, and the important questions it raised about Nepal and the Nepalis living around the world.

213th Bhanu Jayanti Celebration – Saturday, 27 June 2026

I felt truly honoured and grateful to receive the Bhanu Award in the Creation and Literature Category at the 213th Bhanu Jayanti celebration organised by the Nepali Art, Culture and Literature Foundation (NKSSP Australia) at Auburn Town Hall.

This recognition inspired me to continue contributing to the preservation and promotion of the Nepali language and literature. I also congratulated my fellow award recipient, Sanjiv Basnet, who received the award in the Art and Culture category.

My heartfelt thanks went to President Kalyani Bartaula, Immediate Past President Sujata Basnet, Janaki Rimal, and the entire NKSSP family for this incredible honour and for their continued dedication to our community.
I also extended my heartfelt congratulations to all the talented artists, especially the emerging performers, cultural artists, and accomplished poets whose inspiring presentations made the celebration truly memorable.

The event featured outstanding cultural performances and poetry recitations by both emerging talents and senior poets. It was especially heartening to see Nepali children, proudly wearing traditional Nepali attire, singing Nepali songs, and performing to the rhythms and melodies of Nepal. It was a beautiful tribute to Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, the pioneer of Nepali literature, and a meaningful celebration of our language, literature, culture, and national identity.
The programme also included addresses by GSNMC President Bishnu Hamal, FeNCAA President Dr Madhu Pudasaini, NKSSP President Kalyani Bartaula, and other distinguished guests.

Book Donation to Max Webber Library – Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Three books were donated to Max Webber Library, Blacktown, and were formally handed over to Library Services Manager Joy Bourke.
The first book was Yug Yatra by Padam Kafley, who personally presented his book. It had been launched at the same library on 13 June 2026.

Interestingly, all three authors lived in Western Sydney. Two of the books were written in English, reflecting the growing aspiration of Nepali authors to write in English and reach a broader Australian readership. This represented a very positive development for the Nepali literary community.

Congratulations to Anup Bhandari for The Bhatte Movement and Jenisha Manandhar for Rajamati (Reimagined). These books were expected to become available at the library soon for interested readers.

Catch-up with Ganesh Ghimire – Tuesday, 7 July 2026
I enjoyed a warm catch-up with Ganesh Ghimire from Perth at a gathering organised by Sanu Ghimire ji at her home. It was a wonderful opportunity to renew our friendship.

We also discussed the rapidly increasing use of artificial intelligence across creative fields, including songwriting and music production. My best wishes went to Jitendra Malla, who had been actively working in this area.

I appreciated the warm hospitality and sincerely thanked Sanu ji for her kind invitation.

INLS Canberra – Teej Special Literary Evening

Under the theme "शब्दमा शक्ति, सिर्जनामा स्वतन्त्रता", the International Nepali Literature Society (INLS) Canberra announced a Teej Special Poetry Recitation Evening to be held on Saturday, 22 August 2026.

Around fifteen women poets from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and other Australian states are expected to participate. It is a privilege for me to support the event by contributing to its planning and providing feedback on the poetry presentations.

I extended my best wishes to all participating poets and attendees for a successful programme and wished everyone a Happy Teej 2026.

Feel-Good and Proud Moments for us

I felt proud and delighted when I learned that Mahabi Mika and Badalmuni Baglung had received the SahityaPost Nava Ratna Award 2082 in Nepal in the fiction and non-fiction categories respectively.

Both books were written by Australia-based Nepali authors, and I felt fortunate to have witnessed their literary milestones in Sydney. Mahabi Mika was celebrated during a book interaction programme on 28 March 2026, while Badalmuni Baglung was launched on 24 May 2026.

I sincerely thanked SahityaPost for recognising Australia-based Nepali writers and encouraging them to continue contributing to Nepali literature at an even higher level.

My heartfelt congratulations went to Prakash Panthi, author of Mahabi Mika, and Bhim Neupane, author of Badalmuni Baglung. Their achievements were a source of pride for the entire Australia-based Nepali literary community.

T his month highlighted the strength of literature in connecting people, preserving culture, and inspiring future generations. Every meeting, literary event, book donation, and community celebration reinforced the growing presence of Nepali literature in Australia. It was encouraging to see new writers emerge, authors receive recognition, and young people proudly embrace their language and cultural heritage.

Appreciation to everyone who contributed through their creativity, support, and dedication. Together, we continued to strengthen Australian-Nepali literature, preserve language and culture to contribute to Australian diversity. I looked forward to the journey ahead with renewed optimism and commitment.

Nepali Writers and Literature in Australia – My Vision, Plan, and Action: Journal 35

16 May 2026 – 15 June 2026 | Personal Journal 35

I welcomed readers to the 35th edition of my monthly journal, which highlighted activities, reflections, and literary engagements. As many of you know, this journal was dedicated to showcasing and promoting Australia-based Nepali literature and writers. This initiative reflected my vision of fostering a vibrant, connected, and collaborative literary community. I warmly invited everyone to join me on this journey and share valuable insights that enriched our collective learning and creative endeavours.

Book Talk and Interaction on Badalmuni Baglung – Sunday, 24 May 2026

It was a pleasure to witness the successful Book Talk on Badalmuni Baglung, held at Rockdale, Sydney, featuring the writing of Mr. Bhim Neupane from Melbourne. This inspiring memoir was recently selected for the longlist of the Sahityapost Non-Fiction Award 2082 (साहित्यपोस्ट गैरआख्यान पुरस्कार २०८२).

It was also a pleasure to assist him to make this event more meaningful in Sydney, along with Ms. Bhabana Parajuli, President of the International Nepali Literary Society (INLS), NSW. Special thanks went to Dr. Raju Manandhar, Vice President of INLS, for his media coverage and continuous support. The event was wonderfully hosted by Rishi Acharya, who also facilitated the discussion on the debut book Badalmuni Baglung.

Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes went to Mr. Bhim Neupane for his future literary achievements.

Ful Fulyo Kasari Song Premiere – Saturday, 6 June 2026
The premiere of the song Ful Fulyo Kasari was held at Grand Palace, Auburn, and was presented by Jenisha Entertainment. The song was written and composed by Sydney-based versatile artist Jenisha Gautam and was sung by herself (Jenisha Gautam) and Pratap Das.

The event was wonderfully hosted by Mukund Timilsina in the presence of special guests, including Sovit Basnet. Congratulatory speeches and best wishes were shared by Pratigya Adhikari, Asha Shrestha, Prakash Paudel, Nanda Gurung, Mina Gupta, and several others.
Congratulations to Jenisha Gautam, who has already produced more than a dozen songs. I wished her continued success in art, music, and her creative endeavours.

Children's Talent Night – Semi-final Selection Event – Saturday, 6 June 2026
Huge thanks to the Nepalese Australian Association (NAA) for organising the semi-final selection event in Auburn in preparation for the Children's Talent Night, which was scheduled to be held on 20 June 2026 in Blacktown.

The event was attended by a large number of children and parents, who demonstrated great enthusiasm and interest in Nepali culture and the arts. The programme was emceed by Pratigya Adhikari.

Book Interaction Program on Yug Yatra – Saturday, 13 June 2026
A vibrant and inspiring Book Interaction Program on Yug Yatra, written by Padam Kafley, was successfully held at Max Webber Library, Blacktown, in observance of Refugee Week and its themes of resilience, belonging, and shared journeys. The event brought together more than 75 attendees from the Bhutanese and Nepali communities, including writers, authors, literary enthusiasts, and community members.

The programme was smoothly emceed by Gopal Timsina. A beautiful folk song performed by Sarita Kafley, Pabitra Nepal, and Sila Gautam created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Heartfelt congratulatory messages were delivered by Dr. Sanjaya Bantawa and Dhruba Adhikari.

The event was further enriched by Devika Kafley and Sarita Kafley, whose folk songs and poetry recitals added cultural richness and energy to the programme.
One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Bishnu Dhungel, who reflected on the author, the Bhutanese village that inspired the setting of Yug Yatra, and the broader context of the novel. His presentation provided valuable insight into the literary journey and themes of the book.

The Book Reveal Ceremony was jointly conducted by Padam Kafley, Saurav Kiran Shrestha, Sanu Ghimire, Dhubahari Adhikari, Om Dhungel, Surendra Dawadi, and other distinguished guests, symbolising a celebration of literature, memory, and storytelling.

A thoughtful book review was presented by Surendra Dawadi, followed by an engaging panel discussion facilitated by Sanu Ghimire. The panel featured Bhakti Ram Khatiwada, Nanda Lal Bhandari, and Divyashree Acharya, who shared meaningful reflections on the novel as well as the refugee journey, identity, resilience, and settlement experiences in Australia. Their discussion made the event especially significant during Refugee Week.

The audience was deeply engaged as author Padam Kafley shared the inspiration and reflections behind the creation of Yug Yatra. The programme concluded with closing remarks by Om Dhungel. I extended my sincere thanks to Blacktown City Library, SydWest Multicultural Services, the Association of Bhutanese in Australia – Sydney, and all the speakers, contributors, volunteers, and attendees whose support made this literary gathering a great success.

This month was filled with meaningful literary, cultural, and community activities that highlighted the growing strength of the Nepali community in Australia. It was inspiring to witness writers, artists, volunteers, and community members coming together to celebrate literature, music, and culture. Each event reinforced the importance of preserving our language, sharing our stories, and creating opportunities for learning and connection. I felt grateful to meet passionate individuals who continue to contribute to our inclusive community through their creativity and dedication. 

Nepali Writers and Literature in Australia – My Vision, Plan, and Action: Journal 34

16 April 2026 – 15 May 2026 | Personal Journal 34

I welcome readers to the 34th edition of my monthly journal, which highlights activities, reflections, and literary engagements. As many of you know, this journal is dedicated to showcasing and promoting Australia-based Nepali literature and writers. This initiative reflects my vision of fostering a vibrant, connected, and collaborative literary community. I warmly invite everyone to join me on this journey and share valuable insights that enrich our collective learning and creative endeavours.

Poetry Writing Workshop – Saturday, 18 April 2026

I attended a writing workshop facilitated by J. Marahuyo, a neurodivergent Filipino-Australian award-winning poet and author. Participants explored both poetry and short story writing, and the session was incredibly helpful in generating ideas for the Living Stories Writing Prize, organised by WestWords.

https://www.westwords.com.au/living-stories/

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn, create, and be inspired alongside fellow writers. Special thanks to Dennis Johnson Library in Stanhope Gardens for hosting this wonderful workshop.

Catch-up with Padam Kafley – Monday, 20 April 2026

It was a pleasure catching up with Padam Kafley ji, who has recently published his debut novel Yog Yatra. The novel beautifully portrays the journey of Bhutanese Nepali-speaking communities—from their displacement from their homeland, to their arrival in eastern Nepal, and eventually their resettlement in Australia. Yog Yatra thoughtfully documents this long and emotional historical journey with depth and sensitivity.

The author has skillfully woven the lived experiences and struggles of Bhutanese Nepali-speaking people into the narrative, while also reflecting how they preserved their identity despite displacement and migration. Best wishes to Padam Kafley for his continued creative journey. I look forward to the launch and celebration of Yog Yatra on 13 June 2026 at Blacktown Library.

International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) 8th AGM – Saturday, 25 April 2026

The 8th General Assembly and 15th anniversary celebration of the International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) NSW Chapter was held in Rockdale. The event, chaired by  Prakash Paudel, President of INLS NSW Chapter, and attended by Lal Gopal Subedi, Senior Vice President of the INLS Central Executive Committee, once again reaffirmed the growing significance of Nepali language and literature in Australia and around the world.

Congratulations to outgoing President Prakash Paudel for your dedicated leadership and remarkable contributions. Your efforts will always be remembered. A new committee for 2026–2028 was formed under the leadership of Bhabana Parajuli ji.

The newly formed committee is as follows:

President – Bhabana Parajuli

Vice President – Raju Manandhar

General Secretary – Nagendra Bhattarai

Secretary – Netra Prasad Paudel

Treasurer – Preksha Kandel

Public Officer – Saroj Pandey

Members – Bal Krishna Basyal, Situ Shrestha, Dayaram Simkhada

Australia Darpan was launched

During the occasion, the literary souvenir/journal Australia Darpan was launched. It was a wonderful feeling to contribute to the souvenir as part of the editorial team of  Prakash Paudel, Surendra Dawadi and Saurav Kiran Shrestha.

This souvenir is not merely a collection of literary works; it is also a historical document reflecting the contributions made by INLS towards the development of Nepali literature in Australia from Bhimsen Sapkota to Mahendra Paudel, Sanu Ghimire “Jyotsna”, Maheshwar Sharma, Mamata Tiwari, and the current President Prakash Paudel, the journey of INLS stands as an inspiring example of dedication and continuity in literature. 

The souvenir also attempts to include diverse literary genres. It contains more than 70 pieces, including poems, short stories, ghazals, essays, travel writing, and one-act plays. The poems, ghazals, muktaks, essays, stories, songs, travelogues, and other creative works included in this publication powerfully express human emotions, love for the homeland, the pain of displacement, unforgettable memories, social realities, cultural awareness, women’s voices, human relationships and sensitivities, awareness of time, and hope for the future.

My best wishes to INLS and the new committee as they continue spreading the light of Nepali language, literature, and culture across Australia and throughout the wider global Nepali community.

‘Writing Worlds: Crafting Children’s Books with the Library’s Collections’ – Wednesday, 29 April 2026

I attended the inspiring workshop Writing Worlds: Crafting Children’s Books with the Library’s Collections at the State Library of New South Wales and had the opportunity to meet Libby Hathorn, who shared her experiences as a children’s author and poet. One idea that stayed with me was her belief that children take from a book what they are ready for.

I explored the library’s collection and viewed original manuscripts and illustrations up close. There was also an insightful presentation by Susan Mercer about the library, its collections, and ways to discover materials that inspire creativity.

Another highlight was a curator-led tour of the exhibition The Curious World of Pamela Allen. Pamela Allen was a celebrated children’s writer and illustrator who published more than 50 picture books since 1980, with sales exceeding five million copies worldwide. The exhibition celebrated her creative works and memorable characters. I learned how her books were thoughtfully designed with children and families in mind, focusing on what children enjoy and connect with in stories.

Special thanks to Artelle Lenthall for sharing the event information and for the warm company throughout the day.

2026 Academy and Alumni Meet & Greet – Sunday, 3 May 2026

I attended the welcoming event 2026 Academy and Alumni Meet & Greet at the WestWords Western Sydney Centre for Writing in Parramatta, NSW.

It was a wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with fellow 2026 Academicians as well as alumni of the WestWords Academy. The event created a warm and inspiring environment that celebrated the vibrant writing community.

On this special occasion, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Richa Gautam on being selected for the WestWords Academy 2026. Wishing her great creative success and many proud moments as she represents Nepali writers in this year’s Academy.

On the same occasion, it was also a pleasure to hold the debut novel Sing To Me, written by my WestWords Academy fellow and friend Jelena Curic. She is a writer and performer from the western suburbs of Sydney and a first-generation Australian-Croatian whose work reflects the experience of growing up between two cultures. I wish her every success with this book and all her future creative endeavours.

This month’s literary journey was filled with learning, connection, and inspiration. From attending writing workshops and engaging with established authors to participating in literary gatherings and community events, each experience deepened my appreciation for the role of literature in preserving identity, culture, and shared histories. The launch of Australia Darpan and the formation of the new INLS committee highlighted the growing strength of Nepali literature in Australia. Meeting fellow writers, creators, and emerging voices reinforced the importance of collaboration and community in creative spaces. I remain grateful for these opportunities and hopeful for the continued growth of Nepali literary and cultural expression worldwide.