Nepali Writers and Literature in Australia – My Vision, Plan, and Action: Journal 29

 16 September – 15 October 2025 | Personal Journal 29

Welcome to the 29th 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 everyone to join me on this journey and share their invaluable insights to enrich our collective learning and creative endeavours.

Nava Durga Literary Program – Saturday, 20 September 2025

After months of planning and preparation, the Women’s Creative Group successfully organized a special cultural presentation featuring poetry recitations on the theme “The Different Dimensions of Nava Durga” to mark the occasion of Bijaya Dashami. The event took place on Saturday, 20 September 2025, at SydWest Multicultural Services Hall, Blacktown.

The program began with a heartfelt tribute to the youths who lost their lives in Nepal’s recent Gen Z Movement. A minute’s silence and a candlelight vigil were held in their honour.

The poetry segment opened with 12-year-old Mumal Shrestha, representing the second-generation Nepali community in Australia, who recited her poem “In the Light of Navadurga.” She was followed by nine distinguished women poets, each paying poetic tribute to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga:

Mahata Ghimire Chapagain – Devi Shailaputri

Bhabana Parajuli – Devi Bramhacharini

Richa Gautam – Devi Chandraghanta

Mamata Mishra – Devi Kushmanda

Sweta Mainali – Devi Skandhamata

Sudhira Shah – Devi Katyayani

Pratigya Adhikari – Devi Kalratri

Pragya Paneru – Devi Mahagauri

Sanu Ghimire – Devi Siddhidatri

Dr. Raju Manandhar of Lukla TV Australia beautifully summarized the event, “It was a truly pioneering effort, as they not only showcased their poetic talents but also organized this groundbreaking event entirely on their own. Their collective creativity and organizational skills shone brightly, setting a new standard for our community.

The nine illustrious women poets’ verses captured the essence of the divine feminine, paying homage to Navadurga’s mythology and its relevance in modern times—especially in relation to Nepal’s youth movement. Their poetry explored profound themes of femininity, empowerment, and spirituality, guiding audiences on a journey of self-discovery. The literary fraternity and attendees alike were deeply moved by their compelling and impactful performance. May such passion and commitment to literature continue to inspire and uplift others.”

The event was organized in collaboration with INLS Australia, Association of Bhutanese in Australia (ABA), and the Blacktown Nepalese Community (BNC). Heartfelt thanks to the women’s group from ABA for their divine mantra chanting, which filled the hall with spiritual energy.

I am proud to have been part of the organizing committee and the Feedback Committee, alongside Prabha Bhattarai and Surendra Dawadi. The event was emceed by Dibya Shree Acharya (ABA) and sponsored by Expert Education & Visa Services.

Once again, congratulations to all nine poets for their exceptional performances and for setting such a high standard. The cherry on top was that all ten poems were later published in The Sahitya Post online magazine during the Dashain festival.

Dashain Gathering – Monday, 29 September 2025

Following the Nava Durga event, we hosted a small Dashain gathering with Richa Gautam, Pragya Paneru, Sanu Ghimire, and Pratigya Adhikari in attendance. The occasion also provided a wonderful opportunity to introduce my brother, Pralad Dhakal—himself a poet and lyricist—who was visiting Sydney from Nepal.

Together with Mumal and Anita, we shared a delightful time filled with vegetarian food, spiritual discussions, and poetry readings. It was a memorable and meaningful way to celebrate Dashain in a literary spirit.

Muktak Writing Session – Sunday, 12 October 2025

The International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) – NSW Chapter organized a special Muktak Writing Session at the NRNA Australia Office, Merrylands.

The session, led by renowned literary figure Gyanu Walker Poudyal, aimed to promote and preserve the art of muktak—a beloved short poetic form in Nepali literature—through hands-on guidance and inspiration for emerging poets.

Participants included Janaki Rimal Paudel, Nagendra Bhattarai, Indra Sitaula, Daya Ram Simkhada, Saurav Kiran Shrestha, and Pralad Dhakal. Special thanks to Prakash Paudel and Bhabana Parajuli from INLS Sydney for organizing this enriching session, which serves as a prelude to the upcoming Muktak Festival 2025, scheduled for 18 October 2025 at Blacktown.

Curriculum and Textbook Development – October 2025

During this period, I completed two new lesson books for Shabdamala Nepali Language School:

My Nepali Lesson – Level 3 (Term 4)

My Nepali Lesson – Level 4 (Term 4)

These books have now been implemented in the Shabdamala classrooms, supporting continued growth in Nepali language education.

Feedback Sessions – September 2025

As usual, I conducted several one-on-one feedback sessions with writers this month, reviewing poetry collections and providing editorial insights. It is always a pleasure to engage with both emerging and established writers in their creative journeys, helping nurture their literary expression and growth.

The 29th edition of my journal celebrates vibrant literary and cultural activities within the Australia-based Nepali community. The Nava Durga Literary Program, led by nine women poets, powerfully explored themes of divinity, empowerment, and spirituality. Follow-up gatherings, including the Dashain celebration and Muktak Writing Session, further strengthened creative bonds among poets and writers. I also completed new Nepali language textbooks for Shabdamala School and continued feedback sessions with emerging authors. Reflecting on these efforts, I feel deeply inspired by the community’s collective creativity, dedication, and unity in promoting Nepali literature and culture across generations and continents.