Madhupark Magazine: Pride Of The Nation

Madhupark, the revered monthly literary magazine published by Gorkhapatra Corporation, marked its 57th anniversary celebration on the 30th of Jestha, 2081 BS. As we have commemorated this auspicious occasion, I am filled with immense gratitude towards the visionary management team of the corporation, the dedicated editors of Madhupark, and all those involved in the publication's journey thus far. Their dedication has played a crucial role in fostering and advancing the diverse genres of Nepali literature, art, and culture. Additionally, Madhupark, closely linked with the Gorkhapatra National Daily, has been a vital platform for emerging writers and artists, enabling them to showcase their exceptional creations.

A total of 655 issues of Madhupark have been published in its 57-year journey. Among them, some issues are special in terms of focusing on disciplines such as poems, stories, personalities, and places or regions. In the first issue of the 57th year (2081), a special issue has been published on pioneer poet Pandit Deepnarayan Mishra, who is known as the Bhishmapitamaha of Nepali-Bhojpuri literature. Madhupark believes that such special issues focusing on hidden personalities from different parts and communities of the country may help promote Nepali literature and feelings of integration. Likewise, such types of issues may help to transform contemporary Nepali society and culture. In this context, Madhupark may be known as a tool of social change. We have to review and focus on some scenarios while we enter the 57th year of its publication. 

Strength 

It has a long history with thousands of readers, writers, and well-wishers, who are supposed to fortify Madhupark. Several literary magazines have been published in Nepal, but Madhupark is the one that has sustained for more than half a century. Almost all publications are not regular; some others are not able to serve their writers by providing remuneration for literary writing, whereas Madhupark can pay royalties to its valuable writers for their creative contribution. These are other strengths of Madhupark. Similarly, a number of articles and other literary creations have been sent to Madhupark by seniors and young writers with their best wishes. These are other strengths of Madhupark. Due to the development of information technology, Madhupark has seen a growing number of readers, either in Nepal or abroad. Even now, hundreds of new litterateurs are proud that their creations have been published in Madhupark. Likewise, senior literary writers consider it an honour to have their literary pieces published in it, which shows the love shown to us. These are other strong points about Madhupark. 

Being the sister publication of the Gorkhapatra national daily, Madhupark has strong and accountable institutional organisation, marketing, and distribution wings, which are known as other strengths of the magazine. I think Madhupark is able to live in the hearts of the poets, creators, and writers, and similarly, it is a high priority for the present management team of Gorkhapatra Corporation, which is the next strength of Madhupark. There is no literary publication in Nepal compared to Madhupark, which makes Madhupark a distinct publication. 

Challenges 

It is true that print media, either newspapers or literary magazines, have been facing some challenges due to the development of new media, information technology, and the changing habits of reading culture. The paper readers have been changing into the readers of screens, which may be one of the major challenges to Madhupark. In the future, some events may prove that there are indications that the marketing sector and advertisement providers are not positive towards Madhupark. On the other hand, we have to realise that we need to pay effective attention to attract the attention of such agencies towards Madhupark. At present, most daily newspapers have been publishing regular, periodic literary special issues, which may eradicate the thirst for literature among readers. These scenarios stand as challenges facing Madhupark. Other challenges, such as street sales and channels of distribution, should be revised to meet the demands of time and technology.

Way forward

As per the needs of the changing times, Madhupark should be a smart publication. It should go to readers online, too. It should be attractive in terms of layout design and print. In the past, almost all writers, scholars, and readers used to physically visit the Madhupark office to drop off their poems, stories, or other literary pieces and receive remuneration physically, which created deep interaction between editors and writers, but nowadays most writers send their articles through email. They receive their remuneration with the help of an online banking transaction. These scenarios have been detaching the emotional proximity of writers and editors. 

In this way, discussion, interaction, and two-way communication between creators and editors have been getting narrower. Such types of challenges should be addressed by the management of Gorkhapatra Corporation with regular interactive interaction programmes. Likewise, Madhupark should prepare its plan, policies, and long-term strategy for the changing scenario; it should address the voice of readers. Most readers urge Madhupark to change the quality of the print paper and the attractive layout design. The distribution channel for Madhupark should be revised. Madhupark should be a proactive literary publication for the country. 

(The author is an acting editor of Madhupark Literary magazine.)