11-year-old Avik Gautam launches debut novel

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 22: Eleven-year-old Avik Gautam, a Grade 5 student of Nisarga Batika School, launched his novel The Wilds and Wonders of Venua Island at a programme in Lalitpur on Saturday. 

The event was attended by publishers and authors, including Keshab Parajuli, Director of Bhundipuran Prakashan. Shree Om Shrestha ‘Rodan’, Chairperson of Shrasta Samaj, Pramod Pradhan, former Chairperson of Baal Sahitya Samaj, and journalist Bindesh Dahal. Pradhan and Dahal critically reviewed the book on the occasion. 

Nisarga Batika School Principal Chhabi Raman Silwal and child rights activist Krishna Subedi also spoke at the event. Avik's parents, Rabindra Gautam and Sabina Thapa, and grandfather Ram Kumar Thapa were also present at the programme.

According to the publisher, Gautam began writing the book at the age of nine and completed the first draft in June 2025. The publication process was completed this year.

The book presents a fictional story based on an island and a series of events following a discovery. The narrative includes elements of adventure and imagination. Avik said he was interested in writing and planned to continue. He also said he wanted to become a cricketer in the future.

Speakers at the programme discussed children’s reading and writing and the role of schools and families in supporting such activities. The book has been published by Bhundipuran Prakashan and is available through the publisher, selected outlets and the online platform Daraz.