Four writers bring out 'Damali Akshyar'

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 17: Pokhara-based four writers have brought a joint collection of muktaks 'Damali Akshar' in Nepali.

The creators of the book are Laxman Thapa,  Ishwarman Adhikari, Deepak Sameep, and Jeevan Sagar Bhandari. The programme, held on the occasion of Valentine's Day, featured the launching of the book by the spouses of the writers of Damali Akshyar, Maiya Thapa, Rita Adhikari, Ritu, Sharmila Shrestha, and Manju Bhandari, respectively, at an event held in Pokhara. 

In the event organised by Shabdalaya Pokhara, Noted writer Sarubhakta discussed the tradition and history of joint publications in Nepali and world literature. He wished success to Damali Akshar and Shabdalaya, Pokhara, stating that bringing together four writers from Pokhara—who have played an impactful role in Nepali literature—into a single volume represents a beautiful expression of the Pokhara identity within Nepali muktak.

Similarly, poet Tirtha Shrestha expressed his belief that this collaborative effort by some of Pokhara’s most influential contemporary poets and writers would enrich Nepali muktak as well as the broader field of poetry and literature.

Poet Ramesh Shrestha highlighted the power and beauty of words and extended his best wishes for the success of Damali Akshar.

Ishwarman Adhikari recited some of his muktaks and expressed that although words may appear subtle, they embody light, beauty, and power in themselves. He stated that mere gestures are not sufficient to express love, affection, desire, aspiration, anxiety, attachment, human consciousness, and emotion; thus, letters give birth to words. He described Damali Akshar as a collective manifestation of such human sensibilities. Calling it a profound stream of consciousness, he added that they have been striving, through Shabdalaya, to keep that stream alive in the form of Damali Akshar.

Likewise, Laxman Thapa and Jeevan Sagar Bhandari spoke about the experiences during the writing and publication process. They stated that Shabdalaya is no longer just theirs but a shared home for all who live through letters, and expressed their commitment to further embellish and nurture this home in the days ahead.

Rita Adhikari 'Ritu,' expressed confidence that this shared journey undertaken by the four Damali writers would attain even greater meaning and beauty in the future, and wished them creative success. 

Journalist Amrit Kshetri expressed his deep love and respect for the writers of the book in the context of literary discourse, muktak writing, and Pokhara’s poetic tradition. He conveyed his belief that Damali Akshar and Shabdalaya would, in the future, evolve into a platform for poetic debate and reflection.