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 :
‘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.
