Nepali Writers and Literature in Australia - My Vision, Plan, and Action: Journal 21

16 January - 15 February 2025 : Personal Journal 21

Welcome to the 21st edition of my monthly journal, dedicated to showcasing and promoting Australia-based Nepali literature and writers in alignment with my vision of fostering a strong literary community. I warmly invite you to join me on this journey and contribute your invaluable insights to enrich our collective learning and initiatives.

Meeting with Richa Gautam - Wednesday, 22 January 2025

I met an emerging and aspiring poet, Richa Gautam, at Blacktown City Library. During our meeting, I shared my vision, plans, and activities to promote Nepali writers based in Australia. I also had the opportunity to listen to her poetry recitation. I was impressed with her style, subject selection, and the emotional depth of her poetry.

Sanu Ghimire, who arranged the meeting, also shared her experience at the WestWord Academy 2024. We encouraged Richa to prepare and apply for the WestWord Academy 2025 and explained the importance of such courses for emerging writers like her in terms of creative and skill development. We also assured her of our guidance and support throughout the course.

My best wishes to her for a creative journey and success in poetry.

Curriculum and Textbook Development- Saturday, 7 February 2025

Since last year, I have been in constant conversation with Sabdamala Nepali Language School regarding the development of a comprehensive, place-based, and practical curriculum for students from Level 1 to Level 4.

Following the curriculum guidelines, I prepared a textbook, My Nepali Lesson - Level 3, for Term 1 with the objective of teaching the Nepali language through quality educational materials. Designed according to the age, abilities, and interests of children growing up in Australia, this curriculum emphasizes linguistic and creative development.

I would like to acknowledge the Curriculum Development Group, comprising Bishnu Ghimire, Jaya Thapa, Liza Karki, Sharda Manandhar, and Annu Mishra, for their support and expertise.

As a writer and editor, I have been given the responsibility of preparing textbooks for Levels 1 to 4 by the end of 2025. I am grateful to the Sabdamala Nepali Language School committee for their trust in me and for providing such a wonderful opportunity to contribute to Nepali language education in Australia.

Ghazal (Song) YouTube Premiere - Saturday, 8 February 2025

The Ghazal "Timi Aau Na", written, composed, and sung by our friend Komal Khatiwada, premiered on YouTube. It was a proud and joyous moment for me, as this Ghazal was originally written last year during our Ghazal Writing Workshops in Sydney.

Special thanks to Gyanu Walker Poudyal ji and Jitendra Malla for their contributions in running a series of workshops last year.

Please warmly welcome, enjoy, and share the Ghazal:

तिमी आउ न || नयाँ गजल लिरिकल || Timi Aau Na || New Nepali Ghazal Lyrical || 2025

I hope this Ghazal will inspire all of us who participated in last year's workshop to write, recite, and, if possible, release our own songs.

Congratulations to Komal ji on this new addition to his song/music collection!

To my knowledge, he released two children's songs last year. Please check them out as well.

https://youtu.be/ugeIHuYfFYo

https://youtu.be/XAUSwqAsx5c

This 21st edition of my journal highlights efforts to promote Nepali literature and writers in Australia. I met poet Richa Gautam, shared my vision, and encouraged her to apply for the WestWord Academy 2025. I collaborated with Sabdamala Nepali Language School to develop a comprehensive Nepali curriculum and authored My Nepali Lesson - Level 3. Additionally, the Ghazal "Timi Aau Na" by Komal Khatiwada premiered on YouTube, a proud outcome of our Ghazal Writing Workshops.

Lets foster literary growth and cultural preservation through education, mentorship, and creative initiatives.

Nepali Writer and Literature in Australia - My Vision, Plan, and Action: Journal 20

15 December 2024 - 15 January 2025 December: Personal Journal 20

Welcome to the 20th edition of my monthly journal, dedicated to showcasing and promoting Australia-based Nepali literature and writers in Australia in alignment with my vision of fostering a strong literary community. I warmly invite you to join me on this journey and contribute your invaluable insights to enrich our collective learning and initiatives.

Samjhana Pathsala Annual Day Program 2024 – Sunday, 15 December 2024
It was a proud moment for me to witness the students of Samjhana Nepali Language School perform one of my scripts during the Samjhana Pathsala Annual Day Program 2024 at The Meadows Public School, Seven Hills.

A heartfelt thank you to teachers Bijaya Bhattarai and Sabhyata for transforming my words into a beautiful musical play on stage. Special appreciation to the MCs Pratigya Adhikari, Arya Nepal, and Sadikshya for hosting the event with grace and professionalism.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to Prakriti Shrestha, President of the Blacktown Nepali Community (BNC), and Principal Saraswati Ghimire for their unwavering support. The program also featured vibrant performances from the Youth Group and Mother’s Group, along with a certificate distribution ceremony.

Meeting with Keshav Sharma – Tuesday, 24 December 2024

I had the pleasure of meeting Keshav Sharma, a well-known figure in the Nepali community in Brisbane. We had briefly met during the Ghazal Mushayara 2024 event in Sydney, where I was inspired by his passion for Ghazal and poetry writing and his dedication to promoting Nepali culture.

During our meeting at a café in Brisbane, we discussed various initiatives to support and promote Nepali writers in Australia. It was truly motivating to discover our shared aspirations, and I hope we can soon organize something meaningful for Nepali writers in Brisbane. 

He is also known as a presenter of the Nepali radio program on Radio 4EB 98.1 for many years. Broadcasting weekly in Nepali since 2006, the program aims to enhance the visibility of the Nepali community in Brisbane within Queensland's multicultural society. My best wishes are always with him as a newly elected President of the Queensland Nepali Cultural Centre (QNCC) and as an inspiring community leader! 

Meeting with DMNC Representatives – Friday, 3 January 2025

I had a productive online meeting with Dipendra Ray and Samu Upreti, the Secretary and Treasurer of The Doreen Mernda Nepalese Community Inc. (DMNC), Melbourne. Our discussion focused was on: Developing a curriculum for the Nepali language school and Organizing creative writing programs for children,

I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with DMNC in 2025 to run creative workshops and literary programs, hopefully in 2025.

It was also great to learn that DMNC is currently operating the NAV BAAL Chautari (Nepali Language School) Doreen Mernda branch in response to the growing Nepali community and Nepali language students in Doreen and Mernda. DMNC initially established the "Baal Bikash Pathsala" in 2019, which was later brought under NAV BAAL CHAUTARI.

DMNC is organizing a Community Gala Dinner on 8 February 2025 to raise funds for the NAV BAAL CHAUTARI Doreen Mernda branch. I extend my best wishes for the success of this event!