Global recognition of Nepali literature stressed

BY A STAFF REPORTER,Kathmandu, Nov. 4: Nepali writers, poets, and literary figures living across the globe have called for collective efforts to uplift Nepali language and literature. Speaking at the 117th Laxmi Jayanti and Award Distribution Ceremony organised by the International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) in Washington DC on Saturday, they emphasised the importance of preserving and promoting Nepali language and culture among future generations even while living abroad.

Participants said that the works of senior and renowned Nepali writers, which capture the essence of earlier eras, should be translated and shared in the global literary market.

Addressing the programme, Dr. Harry Bhandari, the first elected Nepali-origin delegate in the US, said the Nepali diaspora could play a vital role in globalising Nepali literature. “Language and literature unite Nepalis living abroad; it is necessary to expand this bond further,” he added.

Gorkhapatra Corporation General Manager Lal Bahadur Airi stressed the need to introduce Laxmi Prasad Devkota’s works to new generations. 

Former INLS BOT Chair Dr. Shyam Karki stated that continuous efforts from writers and creators helped keep the language and culture alive. INLS BOT Vice-President Tirtha Raj Pandey reaffirmed their commitment to promoting Nepali culture abroad, stating that INLS had been awarding nearly 12,000 US dollars every two years to encourage writers. It is the largest amount offered by Nepalis abroad for Nepali-language literature, he said.

BOT Chairman Padam Bishwakarma said that through INLS, various programmes were being organised to connect the homeland and the diaspora through language and literature.

INLS Central Committee Chairman Sarwagya Wagle said that INLS would prioritise data collection and documentation in the field of Nepali language and literature in the coming days.

Personalities including Govardhan Puja, Gita Khatri, Prakash Nepal, Narayan Adhikari, Raju Sitoula, Bimala Niraula, Sudipbhadra Khanal, and Netrabandhu Pokhrel expressed their views during the event. A total of 52 poets recited their poems.

During the ceremony, various awards provided by INLS were distributed by former BOT Chairperson Dr. Shyam Karki. In total, awards worth more than 11,600 US dollars were distributed. Among them, the INLS Best Award of 2,100 US dollars was presented to Roshan Thapa’s novel Santrashka Saathi Din.

The INLS Nandadevi Best Folk Literature Award was awarded to Rukum’s folk tale writer Shashiram Karki. Similarly, awards worth 1,000 US dollars were distributed in various categories, including the Diaspora Literature Award to Dr. Tulsi Acharya for Swapna Bhumi, the Essay Travel Award to Momila for her essay collection Prashnaharu Baaki Chhan, and the Cultural Study Award to Dr. Durga Bahadur Gharti.

The INLS National Poet Poetry Award was given to poets Jagannath Paudel for Bagda Bagdai and Krishu Kshetri for Pasina Ko Canvas. 

The Best Story Award went to Krishna Kusum’s story collection Parshwa Dhun, the Best Novel Award to Akhanda Bhandari’s Vora, the INLS Song and Ghazal Award to Laxman Sitoula’s Dhartika Dhwani, and the INLS Children’s Literature Award to writer Bimala Niraula for her contribution to children’s literature.

Meanwhile, various literary figures, journalists, and writers were honoured with citations by the Maryland State Legislature, presented by Delegate Dr. Harry Bhandari.