Sigdel's 'Pale Shadows At Dusk' launched

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 19: Poet Bishwa Sigdel’s poetry collection, ‘Pale Shadows at Dusk,’ was launched amid an event in the capital on Saturday. 

The book was jointly released by Dr. Hem Raj Kafle and Dr. Bal Ram Adhikari, along with the author, Sigdel.

In the event organised by Bartaman Kabita Samuha, Dr. Kafle described his process of understanding the translated poems, noting that they required multiple readings and a unique analytical approach. 

He observed the poems were philosophical. Dr. Kafle identified major themes in the collection, including the journey of life, union and separation, a connection to nature, and an adoration for the feminine. 

He also commented on the work's imagery, particularly a recurring binary of the earth and sky, and what he described as its ‘sublime sensuality.’ 

Dr. Bal Ram Adhikari delivered his keynote speech. He discussed the thematic depth of the book and its contribution to contemporary poetry. “Author-translator collaborations is essentially needed,” said Adhikari, arguing it is a crucial step in bringing contemporary Nepali literature to the global stage.

Author Sigdel described Pale Shadows at Dusk’ as “A journey of both introspection and observation of the world around him.”

Rami Priya, Chandra Bahadur Lama, and  Dhir Kumar Shrestha also spoke about the book.

The event also featured poetry recitations from the book by various poets.