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!

This edition highlights key literary and community engagements, including the Samjhana Pathsala Annual Day Program, meetings with Keshav Sharma and DMNC representatives, and discussions on Nepali literature and language promotion. Moving forward, I aim to foster collaborations, organize creative programs, and strengthen the Nepali literary community in Australia. Looking forward to the exciting opportunities ahead!