Nepalese Writer and Literature in Australia- My Vision and Plan: Journal 6

15 September- 14 October 2023: Personal Journal 6

Welcome to the sixth edition of my monthly journal, where I document my efforts to promote Nepalese literature and writers (AB) while remaining committed to my vision. I invite you to read along and share your valuable insights to enrich my learning and initiatives.

Pre-Planning Meeting with Women Writers - Friday, September 15, 2023

Once Sanu Ghimire shared an idea to unite Nepali women writers living in Australia for a collaborative project. This initiative aims to provide them with opportunities to create short stories, which will eventually be compiled into a representative collection. Since her idea aligns with my vision of promoting Nepali writers (AB) in Australian mainstream literature, I wholeheartedly supported it and offered my assistance, sharing some of my ideas.

Subsequently, Sanu organized a pre-planning meeting over the phone on September 15, which was attended by Niru Tripathi and Sudira Shah. The meeting concluded with some key discussion points, necessitating further work from the team:

Creating project guidelines and concepts for the short story writing project.

• Ensuring the quality and standards of short stories meet Australian and international norms.
• Writing stories in both English and Nepali, as well as exploring translation options.
• Planning pre- and post-workshops for participating writers, which can be conducted either online or in person.
• Identifying Australian/Nepali facilitators, mentors, and organizations that support the project's concept.
• Managing the publication of the collection.

We are hopeful that this project will gradually become a reality. My best wishes go out to Sanu and all the enthusiastic participants. It's inspiring to see Nepali women writers take the lead in an innovative project that aims to promote their work in Australia, reaching beyond Nepalese readers and audiences.

Interaction Meeting with Sabdamala Nepali Language School - Sunday, September 17, 2023

I believe it would be pertinent to share a piece of information I had with Bishu Ghimire and other team members concerning the discussion on the school curriculum and related tasks. I intend to share more information at the appropriate time.

Nepali Ghazal Fest in Sydney - Saturday, September 23, 2023

I had the pleasure of witnessing a growing passion for Nepali Ghazal in Sydney during the Ghazal event. It was indeed a carnival for Ghazal lovers, where 33 Ghazal writers came together to join the event from various states of Australia, including Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra. Civic Theatre, Hurstville, was filled with enthusiasm and cheers throughout the Ghazal recital event, which lasted for almost six hours.

I would like to congratulate Ghazal Mushayara Pariwar for organizing such a captivating, powerful, and wonderful event. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Special thanks to Jitendra Malla, Adarsh Khatri, Keshav Sharma, and other organizing team members for their continued dedication and leadership in promoting Nepali Ghazal in Australia.

SAFAL Festival 2023 and Poetry Slam Competition - Saturday, September 23, 2023

I felt privileged to be a part of the South Asian Film, Arts & Literature (SAFAL) Festival 2023 organized at the North Ryde School of Arts Community Center. Various artists, dancers, performers, and poets participated in various competitions and literature panel discussions that were organized throughout the day.

Personally, I dedicated my time to assisting the Poetry Slam Competition, which was a great success. The competition featured 12 poets from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh and was moderated by Rekha Rajvanshi. Nisprav Saji served as one of the judges. Mrs. Suman Thapa 'Sangam,' Mr. Pradip Tuladhar, and Mrs. Pratigya Adhikari represented Nepal in the competition. Special thanks to Mrs. Sima Roshi for reciting her poem, which entertained the audience.

During the occasion, Dr. Palitha Ganewatta's (Australian-Sri Lankan writer) book, 'A Tale from A Promised Land,' was launched.

Meeting with Mrs. Sima Roshi: Sunday, September 24, 2023 

I met Mrs. Sima Roshi an author and poet at her resident, Wentworthville.  She holds the position of Founder President at NAI Academy Australia. 

We discussed my vision to promote Nepali writers and literature in Australia. Additionally, we explored various potential projects that NAI Academy could undertake. I was excited and optimistic that our meeting would yield positive results soon, paving the way for greater recognition of Australian literature, especially among young and emerging Nepali writers.

During the meeting, I learned about her significant contributions to Nepali literature in Australia over the years. I wanted to express my gratitude for the gift of her poetry collection, 'Mangal Grahako Yatra,' which she kindly shared with me at her residence. I extend my best wishes to her literary endeavors.

Book Introduction - Jeewanka Tarang - Tuesday, September 26, 2023

For the past few months, as part of my vision and plan to promote writers with Nepali heritage and their literature in Australia, I have been introducing books written by Nepali authors based in Australia. I hope this initiative will help showcase Nepali writers and their contributions to both Nepali and Australian literature. I hope you welcome my efforts as an introduction to the books rather than a critical book review. Enjoy reading the introduction to the fourth book review, 'Jeewanka Tarang' by Mamata Tiwari.

Jeewanka Tarang: Expression of emotion and existence - Nepal Live Today Nepal Live Today

Facebook Notice for Book Donation - Tuesday, September 26, 2023

I would like to express my gratitude to The International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) - Sydney Chapter and Parkash Paudel for their initiative to gather books written by Nepali authors and writers residing in Australia. These collected books will be donated to the libraries of three councils: Auburn, Blacktown, and Hurstville.

A notice regarding the book collection and donation has been posted on INLS' Facebook page. Please submit three copies of your books to INLS' representative or Saurav Kiran Shrestha by December 15, 2023. Your contribution will be highly appreciated.

Meeting with Ram Koirala - Saturday, September 30, 2023

I had the pleasure of meeting Ram Koirala, the author of 'Meri Uni ra Ma,' at Two by Four cafe. His book was a personal memoir that touched upon various aspects of his life. During our brief coffee meeting, he graciously shared some of the personal anecdotes from his book, showcasing his profound respect for his mother, grandmother, and UNICEF. He also mentioned that the English version of this book was in progress. I would like to express my heartfelt best wishes for the success of his upcoming book.

Furthermore, Ram Koirala generously provided me with three copies of his book in response to a call from Prakash Paudel (International Nepali Literary Society INLS) to donate books to three libraries in Sydney. I am genuinely grateful for his invaluable contribution and support towards the INLS initiative.

SAFAL 2023's Gala Dinner and Award Night - Saturday, September 30, 2023

Gala Dinner & Awards Night was successfully organized at Pioneer Theatre in Castle Hill, Sydney by the organizing committee of The South Asian Film, Arts & Literature Festival (SAFAL Fest) 2023. SAFAL Fest is an annual event, celebrating the rich and diverse arts, culture, languages & literature of the dynamic South Asian region comprising the eight nations of: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. I felt proud as a member of the SAFAL Fest 2023 organizing committee.

I would like to congratulate Mamata Tiwari for receiving the Community Recognition Award from Mark Hodges, State Member for Castle Hill, in recognition of her significant contribution to Nepali Literature. Congratulations to Bhimsen Gurung for receiving the Significant Contribution Award from Charishma Kaliyanda, State Member for Liverpool, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Nepali Dance.

Heartfelt congratulations to Reva Shah for winning the SAFAL FEST 23 COMPETITION AWARDS in the category of Instrumental Music Under 18 years, and to Sabin Ghising for their outstanding performance in Instrumental Music over 18, making the Nepali community proud. Both of them received their awards from Hon. Peter Gangemi, Mayor of the Hills Shire Council.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sudhira Shah, Nisparbh Saji, and Mamata Misra for their outstanding representation of Nepal and their generous dedication of time and expertise as judges and panelists for Poetry Slam, Non-Fiction Literature, and Fiction Literature, respectively, on September 23, 2023.

This remarkable event also presented awards to other talented artists from across South Asia, who presented a captivating array of performances such as dance, singing, poetry, paintings, and photography. I want to extend my gratitude to SAFAL 2023 Director Saliya Tennakoon and the organizing team, including Kedarnath Pagaddinnimath, Ash Gholkar, Sanu Ghimire, and others.

Interaction with Ken P, Lyricist and Musician - Thursday, October 12, 2023

I had a very cordial interaction with Ken P over FaceTime (online). Kened Pradhan is well known as Ken P in his musical and literary circles. He is a versatile personality working for the promotion of Nepali heritage and language through his song, music, and poems. He is originally from Darjeeling, India, whose ancestry shares Nepali heritage. I met him first in the cultural event organized by Nepalese Indigenous Nationalities Forum Australia (NINFA) to commemorate the International Day of the World's Indigenous People 2023 at Petersham Town Hall, NSW on August 13, 2023.

During the online meeting, he shared his passion toward mother language, Nepali heritage, and its importance to him. For him, music and song are the creative medium to feel closeness toward the language and land that he had to leave behind. Philosophic by heart, he told some stories behind his poems and his journey in poem writing in the Nepali language. He also shared his rough experience about publishing three collections which didn't turn out very well. He has also composed and produced several songs and officially uploaded videos on his YouTube channel.

As a reader, I provided some general feedback on his three poetry collections: Kenp's Book of Poetry, Reflections (2017), and Aabhash (2019). I extended my best wishes for his 4th edition of the book. I really admire his continued contribution toward Nepali culture and his role in bridging the gap between all Nepali people coming from two different geographies separated by political maps - India and Nepal and living in Australia.

In summary, this month thrilled me to share the progress and exciting events related to my mission of promoting Nepali literature and authors in Australia.

I expressed my gratitude to The International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) - Sydney Chapter for its initiation to collecting books authored by Nepalis writers in Australia, which will be donated to local libraries. It's a heartening initiative that underscores the value of preserving and sharing our literary heritage.

Another key highlight is a pre-planning meeting I attended with women writers, led by the visionary Sanu Ghimire. This meeting focused on uniting Nepali women writers living in Australia for a collaborative short story project. 

Additionally, I shared my experiences and insights from various cultural events and meetings, all of which contribute to the larger goal of enriching Nepali literature and fostering connections within Australia and other parts of the world. 

It's truly inspiring to witness the passion and dedication of individuals who are working diligently to bring our culture and literature to the forefront in Australia, like Ghazal Mushayara Pariwar, Ken P and others.

Nepalese Writer and Literature in Australia- My Vision and Plan: Journal 5

 15 August - 14 September 2023: Personal Journal 5

Welcome to the fifth edition of my monthly journal, where I document my efforts to promote Nepalese literature and writers (AB) while remaining true to my commitments. I invite you to read along and share your valuable insights to enrich my learning and initiatives.

Blacktown Teej Celebration 2023 - Sunday, August 20, 2023

The Blacktown Nepalese Community in Australia and Samjhana Pathsala (Nepali Community Language School) successfully organized the Blacktown Teej Night 2023. The event was attended by over 350 community members, parents, and students. The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests such as Blacktown City’s Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, Councillor Livingston Chettipally, and Councillor Susai Benjamin OAM.

Teej is a significant festival primarily observed and celebrated by Hindu women. It involves fasting, worship, gathering, dancing, and singing. During the festival, women typically adorn themselves in red attire or bridal gowns. The essence of the festival lies in commemorating the penance undertaken by goddess Parvati to attain Lord Shiva as her husband.

In Australia, events like this provide an opportunity for Nepali communities to come together, fostering a stronger sense of unity and camaraderie. It serves as an inspiration for collaboration and encourages them to work collectively, strengthening the bonds that tie them. Furthermore, events like these play a vital role in promoting cultural unity, allowing traditions and values to be shared and embraced by all. The transmission of Nepali values to the younger generation becomes a natural outcome, ensuring that the rich heritage and customs are carried forward in this diverse and multicultural society.

Pathsala: Library Bag Handover - Sunday, September 3, 2023

I handed over a library bag to Pathashala Nepali Language School in Bardia, among students and teachers. This marks my third instance of distributing library bags. Earlier this month, I also distributed similar library bags to Samjhana Pathashala and Sabdabamal Nepali Language School.

The language school was established on February 10, 2019, on the occasion of Saraswati Puja, under the banner of Edmondson Park Bardia Nepali Community, situated within the premises of Bardia Public School.

The bag contains over 40 children's books in Nepali, including picture books, with the goal of benefiting the students. The school aims to enhance students' proficiency in the Nepali language and culture. I am optimistic that these resources will benefit more than 70 students in their Nepali language learning journey.

Thanks to Bishnu Ghimire ji for his coordination and Prakash Bastakoti for receiving the bag on behalf of the school.

Interaction with Om Dhungel, Author - Sunday, September 10, 2023

The International Nepali Literary Society (INLS), Children Committee, organized an online interaction program with Om Dhungel, the author of "Bhutan to Blacktown." The main focus of the interaction was to share his experience of the book publication journey in Australia and provide some valuable lessons and guidance to Nepali origin writers, both young and adult, who aspire to publish their books in Australia. Some of his advice to writers before publishing a book included:

• Understand why you are writing.

• Enjoy your writing process.

• Share your ideas, seek support from others, and collaborate to reach a wider audience.

• Work in alignment with the publisher's interests but have your own standpoint and be prepared for negotiation.

As critics, senior Nepali journalists Dhurba Hari Adhikari and Saurav Kiran Shrestha shed some light on Om Dhungel's personality and his book, "Bhutan to Blacktown." In the snapshot, I would like to borrow a few words from Madhu Pudasaini, Vice President of FeNCAA, to describe the book: simple, easy to read, an expression of gratitude, and organic historical accounts of Bhutanese with Nepali heritage. The book is well-documented for future generations to explore the truth about migration, movement, refugee experiences, and settlement.

The interaction program was chaired by Govardhan Puja, President of INLS, and moderated by Dr. Prakash Poudel. The online event was live streamed on INLS’s Facebook page and is available in the following link:   (20+) Facebook

or

https://www.facebook.com/inlshq/videos/827269485533299

In this fifth edition of my monthly journal, I highlight the successful organization of the Blacktown Teej Night 2023, a significant festival celebrated by Hindu women in Australia, which fosters unity and cultural sharing among Nepali communities. Additionally, I discuss the distribution of library bags to Nepali language schools and an insightful online interaction with Om Dhungel, author of "Bhutan to Blacktown," offering valuable advice for aspiring Nepali writers in Australia and shedding light on the importance of preserving historical accounts and refugee experiences. These endeavors collectively contribute to the promotion of Nepalese literature and cultural unity in a diverse society.

Nepalese Writer and Literature in Australia- My Vision and Plan: Journal 4

15 July - 14 August 2023: Monthly Journal 4 

Welcome to the fourth edition of my monthly journal, where I document my efforts to promote Nepalese literature and writers (AB) and remain true to my commitments. I invite you to read along and share your valuable insights to enrich my learning and initiatives. 

Celebrating the 210th Bhanu Jayanti in Rockdale- Saturday, 15 July 2023 

The International Nepalese Literature Society-NSW organized the 210th Bhanu Jayanti event at Rockford College, Rockdale. Bhanu Jayanti is an annual observance held on July 13th (29th Asar in the Nepali month) to honor Bhanubhakta Acharya (1814–1868), the Nepali writer renowned for translating the epic Ramayana from Sanskrit to Nepali. Bhanubhakta Acharya, often referred to as "Aadikabi," meaning "the first poet," holds a pivotal position in Nepali literature. 

During this event, we also celebrated the contributions of Motiram Bhatta (1866–1896), who played a significant role in promoting Bhanubhakta Acharya's Ramayan and shaping Nepali language and literature. 

Noted poets like Dr. Madhu Sudan Pudasaini, Maheshwar Sharma, Nisprabh Saji, Pratigya Adhikari, Sima Roshi, Ram Koirala, Bishnu Ghimire, Prabin Tandan, Jitendra Malla, and many more graced the event with their poetry recitations. Distinguished guests Dhruba Hari Adhikari, Dr. Narayan Pradhan, and Nanda Gurung (President NRNA-Australia) added to the occasion's significance. Mamata Tiwari chaired the program, while Prakash Poudel skillfully hosted the event. 

Personally, the day was memorable for me as I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Narayan Pradhan, the claimed first Nepali migrant to Australia. I look forward to meeting him to explore into his journey and experiences, hoping to gain valuable insights. Another delightful encounter was with Jitendra Malla, the pioneer behind the 'Ghazal Mushayara Pariwar,' an informal group of Ghazal writers in Sydney. I extended my best wishes for his upcoming event Gazal Mushayara scheduled for August 23, 2023, at Civic Theater, Hurstville. I'm eagerly anticipating these events. 

Samjhana Pathshala Term 3 Meeting and Library Bag Handover- Sunday,16 July 2023

Participating in the Lesson Planning Meeting at Samjhana Pathshala in Seven Hills was insightful. Our discussions revolved around curriculum design, addressing teacher challenges and opportunities, managing growing student numbers, and enhancing student discipline. 

After the meeting, a library bag containing over 40 children’s books in Nepali was handed over to Sitaram Ghimire (President of Blacktown Nepalese Community-Australia) and Prakriti Shrestha (Principal of Samjhana Pathshala). It is my hope that this portable library will prove beneficial for both students and educators. 

 

SAFAL 2023 Meeting- Tuesday, 18 July 2023

I attended a core team meeting for the South Asian Film, Arts & Literature (SAFAL) Fest 2023 at Wenty Leagues, Wentworthville. This annual event, organized by the Australian South Asia Forum Inc. (ASAF), celebrates the diverse arts and culture of South Asian nations. ASAF was established in 2017 under the leadership of Ash Gholkar, and the festival debuted in 2019. 

Our discussions covered the organizing committee, promotional flyers, budget allocation, and various performances like dance, singing, poetry, paintings, and photography. Program dates were set for September 23 and 30, 2023, for the performances and Gala, respectively, at North Ryde School of Arts Community Centre and Pioneer Theatre in Sydney. 

The attendees included Ash Gholkar, Kadarnath Pagaddinnimath, Reza Rayan, Sakina Akter, Sanu Ghimire, Saurav Kiran Shrestha, Kavitha Jeyakumar, and Sriyani Tenekoon. The meeting was presided over by Saliya Tennakoon (Festival Director SAFAL 2023). 

For detailed event information, please visit: SAFAL FEST 2023

Max Weber Library Visit with Dhurba Hari Ghimire- Friday, 28 July 2023

Accompanying Dhurba Hari Ghimire, a seasoned journalist from Nepal, on a tour of Max Weber’s Library in Blacktown was a privilege. We explored the library's community language section, which houses Nepali books. 

Our discussions centered on Nepali literature and writers, brainstorming ways to enhance their presence in Australia. I am excited to announce that a book donation program to the library is planned for September. Dhurba dai expressed his willingness to contribute books. 

During our interactions, Dhurba dai advised me to use 'Nepali' instead of 'Nepalese.' Although I'm yet to understand his perspective fully, I believe a discussion or meeting to elaborate on this could have far-reaching effects, especially among Nepali writers and authors on national and international platforms and forums including Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and International Nepali Literary Society (INLS). 

Living Stories Showcase- Sunday, 30 July 2023 

I attended the Living Stories Showcase at WestWords, Parramatta. Being a part of the Living Stories Western Sydney Writing Prize project as a member of the judging panel for two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023, was an honor. This creative writing competition has been a remarkable platform, and I extend my gratitude to WestWords for nurturing emerging writers in Western Sydney. 

                                        

The published books 'Things Unsaid 2022' and 'The Other City 2023' that compile winning and highly commended entries are commendable efforts. Congratulations to all winning writers and participants for their outstanding contributions. Meeting some of you during the event was a true pleasure.

Sabdamala Library Bag Handover- Sunday, 6 August 2023

I handed over a library bag to Bishnu Ghimire, the president of Sabdamala Nepali Language School in Granville. The bag contains around 40 children's books in Nepali, including picture books, aimed at enhancing students' proficiency in the Nepali language.

Sabdamala is a registered community language school that has grown since its inception in 2010. With more than 300 students across various branches in Sydney, its primary objective is to create an enriching environment for teaching and learning Nepalese language, culture, and heritage among school-aged children. I hope these resources will aid the students' learning journey. 

NINFA Event- Sunday, 13 August 2023

I attended an event organized by the Nepalese Indigenous Nationalities Forum Australia to commemorate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People 2023 at Petersham Town Hall, NSW. The event was a vibrant showcase of Nepali indigenous culture, including ethnic parades and dance performances. My sincere thanks to Sanu Ghimire for sharing information and accompanying me. 

On a personal note, I had valuable interactions with Anil Pokhrel (newly elected NRNA- Australia President), Councillor Bhadra Waiba (City of Canterbury Bankstown), and Ram Bhinaju. 

In my conversation with Anil ji, we discussed the importance of developing a common syllabus for Nepali language schools across Australia. As the Nepali community grows, this could be a priority for NRNA. 

Taking a photo with Councillor Bhadra was a proud moment, as she represents both the Nepali and Nepali indigenous communities in the Canterabury Bankstown City Council. I also had the pleasure of meeting Ken P, a singer, songwriter, and musician who has authored three collections of poems and songs. We look forward to discussing his journey in literature and music further. 

Nepali Authors in Australia 

Since embarking on my journey in April 2023 to spotlight Australia-based Nepali Writers/Authors and Literature, I've had the privilege of meeting several accomplished writers/authors. Each interaction has been a source of motivation and inspiration. 

I've read and introduced a couple of books so far, aiming to showcase and promote Nepali authors and literature to English readers in Australia. Rather than terming it 'book review,' I prefer to call it a 'Book Introduction.' I'm delighted to share that I've published three Book Introductions on Nepal Live Today, an online platform:

 "Sambedanako Aakar" - A Poems Collection by Maheshwar Sharma (27 May 2023) 

'Sambedanako Aakar': Poems of love, migration and reflection - Nepal Live Today Nepal Live Today

 "Blacktown to Bhutan" - Memoir by Om Dhungel (19 July 2023) 

'Bhutan to Blacktown': A remarkable memoir of resilience, hope and community development - Nepal Live Today Nepal Live Today

 "Sydney Sapana" - A Novel by Sanu Ghimire Jyotsana (19 August 2023)

Journeying through 'Sydney Sapana': A captivating tale of dreams and realities - Nepal Live Today Nepal Live Today

Key action plans stemming from this month include: 

• Documenting activities, interactions, and initiatives through monthly journals. 
• Engaging in events such as Bhanu Jayanti, SAFAL Fest, and other literary celebrations. 
• Recognizing and honoring Nepali literary figures for their contributions to literature in Australia. 
• Establishing connections with poets, writers, and literary enthusiasts. 
• Collaborating with organizations like the International Nepalese Literature Society-NSW. 
• Implementing library initiatives and book donation programs. 
• Partnering with Nepali language schools to offer expertise and resources, including books and materials. 
• Attending events to meet notable personalities, writers, and community leaders. 
• Participating in discussions to exchange insights and knowledge, including efforts to standardize 'Nepali' terminology. 
• Promoting Nepali literature by continuously reading and introducing books by Australian based Nepali authors. 
• Publishing "Book Introductions" to attract the interest of English-speaking readers.
• Networking with indigenous community leaders to explore potential collaborations.
• Initiating the development of a standardized syllabus for Nepali language schools in Australia.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to more exciting developments in the coming months.

Nepalese Writer and Literature in Australia- My Vision and Plan: Journal 3

 15 June - 14 July 2023: Personal Journal 3

This is the third monthly journal covering my activities over the month to promote Nepalese literature and writers (AB) and to hold myself accountable for my promise. I hope you enjoy reading it, and I welcome constructive comments and suggestions that add value to my learning and initiatives.

In fact, this period became a month of rejuvenation and celebration for me where I was able to re-connect with my family and friends after 4 years in Nepal. I spent almost three weeks (June 16 - July 10, 2023) in Nepal and attended 5 cultural ceremony and family functions like Bartabandha, Gufa, Janku ceremony, and receptions/parties. However, this meant less time for visiting friends, relatives, and the heavenly places of Nepalese landscapes.

Brief meetings with Nepalese Authors and Publishers in Nepal:

Despite having limited time, I made an effort to contact some of my closest friends/authors in Nepali literary fields and publishers. During our meetings, I shared my vision of promoting Nepalese writers (AB), Nepalese community language schools, and the Nepalese Section of Libraries in Sydney. I also requested them to provide some of their books for the schools and libraries in Sydney. In response to my request, some of them generously donated a few copies of their books for the Nepalese Language Schools or library in Sydney. Others have expressed their commitment to donate at a later time. I truly appreciate their support and encouragement.

During my stay, I had collected more than 40 Kg of books, which obviously I couldn’t bring all back to Australia due to the flight’s weight limitation. I left many of them in Nepal, and I hope that in due time, more additional books from other writers/publishers will be added. I am planning to organize shipping or courier services to send them to Sydney in a few months.

1. Notable Meetings in various dates:

I had the opportunity to meet Promod Pradhan and Bijaya Raj Achary, who are the President and General Secretary of the Nepalese Society for Children Literature, at their office.

Additionally, I had brief catch-ups with Saswot Parajuli, Krishna Dip Sigdel, and Dr. Dhurva Ghimire at their residence.

Met Yasu Shrestha at a bookstore. I was lucky to run into Prabha Bhattarai didi in Kalimati. I want to express my gratitude to Saman Shrestha, who assisted me in organizing these meetings.

2. Meeting Jaydev K. Shrestha at Taleju Prakasan - Friday 23 June 2023:

I visited Taleju Prakasan (Taleju Publication) at Bhotahity, Kathmandu. It is one of the oldest book publishers in Nepal since 1993, known for publishing quality course books and literature. I was thrilled to finally get my new release "Social Work: Discipline and Professional Practice" in my hands. The colorful textbook gave me immense joy as an author. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Jaydev Krishna Shrestha sir for his unwavering trust in me, which made this publication successful in 2023 after four years of hard work.

During the meeting with Jaydev sir at Taleju, he also handed over a book titled 'Laxman Rajbansi: Smriti Grantha'. The book commemorates Laxman Rajbansi, who was the founding principal of the Siddhartha Vanasthali Institute. Anita, my other half, and I had studied at the same school, so we both paid tribute to him.

Before leaving the publication, I collected a few author copies of the textbook and 50 copies of the picture book 'Kasko Ho Yo Anda? (Whose Eggs Is This?)'. It's a bilingual picture book for children published in 2009, with Nepali and English languages. The book is illustrated by a renowned artist, Abin Shrestha, and English translated by Anita Shrestha. I heard that there is a bookstore in Sydney that sells bilingual books, so I plan to do some research and contact the shop, hoping it will give me leads for future bilingual books.

Meeting Rajeev Dhar Joshi, Kathalaya Publication, Thursday 3 July 2023:

It was a pleasure to visit the Kathalaya Office. Kathalaya is an independent publishing company based in Kathmandu, Nepal, known for its dedication to publishing high-quality children's books in Nepali, English, and other regional languages. They have published over 350 picture books for children, including stories, fact books, rhymes, encyclopedias, and series books. Over the years, Kathalaya's focus has expanded to include popular literature and youth-centric books for adults and young adults under the imprint named "WeRead".

During my visit, I was warmly welcomed by the Kathalaya team and my friend Rajeev Dhar Joshi, who is the Director/Co-Founder of the company. We had a fruitful conversation covering various topics, including:

1. A scope of publication and distribution of books by Australian-based Nepalese writers.
2. Support from Nepalese publishers and authors for promoting a reading culture among Nepalese children through Nepalese Language Schools in Australia.
3. Mentoring opportunities for emerging writers in Nepal.

Based on our conversation, I am thrilled to share some good news. Kathalaya has provided three library bags and a collection of books at a discounted rate to the community language schools in Sydney. These bags will soon be handed over to Samjhana, Sabdamala, and Pathsala community language schools, benefiting their students and promoting a reading culture in the community.

Rajeev also informally requested me to mentor a group of writers who are involved in a project for endangered animal conservation over an online platform. I am excited to see the rollout of the project soon.

Overall, the month has been filled with valuable connections, productive meetings, and promising collaborations. I look forward to continuing my efforts in promoting Nepalese literature and supporting writers and publishers both in Nepal and Australia.

Thank you for reading my journal, and I eagerly await your valuable feedback and suggestions.