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.
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.
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 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.
