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“I’m full, but I will make room for that dish” is what you will be compelled to say when you visit Thamel Kitchen at the Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, located in Naxal. The hotel is hosting a Hyderabadi Food Festival till 24 September 2023 and you can sample authentic Hyderabadi dishes from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm.

Varun Kamra, director of sales and marketing, warmly welcomed us with a drink and introduced us to the guest chef, Kamran Khan, who has 20 years of experience working in numerous renowned hotels such the Taj and ITC chain in India. For the festival, Khan is serving food made with old Hyderabadi techniques that he claims to have learnt from the royal chefs in Hyderabad.

According to Kamra, Hyderabadi food is a fusion of Mughlai, Persian, Turkish, and Telugu cuisines and that was particularly reflected at the event by exhibiting the ingredients used in the dishes.

For starters, we opted for Pathar Ka Gosht for which meat is usually cooked on stone. Though that wasn’t possible at the restaurant, they made sure there was no compromise on the taste. The delicate meat was bursting with different spices and flavors. 

Then, we tried the chef’s most recommended dish, Hyderabadi Haleem. Apparently, this dish is generally prepared during the month of Ramdan when it is eaten to break the fast. We were also startled to learn that this dish takes seven hours to prepare and is one of Hyderabad’s most popular delicacies. The lamb was uniquely flavored and the texture was delightful. The blend of spices, creamy lentils, and lamb meat brought out an earthy flavor. There is also a vegetarian version of this dish.

We also sampled the Murgh Tikka and Hyderabadi Tali Fish. Both the dishes had a golden crust and charred smoky grilled appearance which was really appealing. It was tangy with a hint of smokiness. The presentation was outstanding as well. 

After trying out a few appetizers, we moved on to the main course.  The event’s star dish was Hyderabadi Kachche Murgh Ki Biryani. It was on display on a wooden cart wheel table. Also, you can find the veg option as well as several garnishes on the side. The aroma of Basmati rice with hints of saffron and cardamom made for a highly enjoyable experience. 

Unlike other biryanis, chef Khan says, Hyderabadi biryani has a unique preparation technique. It’s actually made with raw meat, and that makes the meat succulent and the rice more flavorful. There are multiple curry options but we highly recommend the Mirchi Ka Salan to enhance the taste even more. Apart from the curries, you can complement your meal with chutneys such as the Papaya relish, Dahi Pyaz Chutney, or the Ananas Chutney.

As far as desserts go, the Gil-E-Firdaus (Rice Kheer) and Shahi Tukda were amazing. The Shahi Tukda is a dessert made with bread, ghee, sugar, milk and nuts and is a sensory delight. It looks, smells, and tastes amazing.

We highly recommend the food festival because the food is amazing. There’s a lot to choose from. And apart from that, the decor and live music transport you to Hyderabad, making it an unforgettable experience.

Their specials:

Hyderabadi Kachche Murgh Ki Biryani 

Pathar Ka Gosht

Hyderabadi Haleem

Hyderabadi Tali Fish

Murg Tikka

Gil-E-Firdaus, Shahi Tukda

Location: Naxal, Kathmandu

Meal for two: Rs. 9000

Opening Hour: 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Contact: 9801228992

Online Payment: Accepted

Parking: Available

Rabindra Basnet is a senior physiotherapist at HAMS Hospital. Basnet, 33, regards physiotherapy as a manual art rather than just a treatment with various systematic protocols.

After he had completed high school, a relative from the medical field informed him about the scope of physiotherapy, which prompted him to pursue a course in India.  “At first, I was just going because my parents wanted me to. I wasn’t very interested,” he says.

However, after seeing patients with disabilities during the second year of college, the boy from Pharping changed his mind. He felt compelled to help those in need and make them feel better. And he realized physiotherapy could be the answer to many health issues.

Once he knew what he wanted to do in life, it wasn’t difficult to put his heart and soul into it. During his undergraduate years, he participated in most of the college events. He even earned the title of Mr Fresher and was admired by his teachers and friends for his diligence.

Driven by curiosity and passion, he started getting engaged in different research programs. During the winter breaks, he preferred taking up small odd jobs instead of coming back to Nepal. He says he wanted to work as much as he could.

During his senior year, he worked as a physiotherapist at a hospital in New Delhi for eight months. Eventually, he also joined different hospitals and clinics as a consultant physiotherapist. He even had the opportunity to be the Department Chief of Physiotherapy in 2015, and that was the post he held for two years before returning to Nepal.

After his return, he opened his own clinic and later joined HAMS Hospital where he has been working for six years now. “It doesn’t even feel like work and that’s the best part of my job,” says Basnet. He believes he is doing what he was born to do. He says being able to help people fills him with a sense of peace.

Talking about a 21-year-old patient who had GB syndrome, a rare condition when a person’s immune system attacks the nerves, he recalls how he was able to make him walk. “The patient was on the verge of depression since he could potentially lose movement of his limbs. He could have been wheelchair-bound but now he’s out and about on his motorbike,” says Basnet.

Besides working at the hospital, Basnet has an active social life. He is involved with several sports clubs. He has been associated with cricket tournaments like Cooch Behar Trophy U-19 Match and Ranji Trophy Match in 2011, 13th SAFF Championship, Maldives Cricket Team in 2012 as well as Qatar Airways Martyr’s Memorial ‘A’ Division League Football Tournament in 2019. He has also served in the Nepal Super League in 2021. He has been part of several wrestling tournaments and was involved in the blockbuster movie ‘Sultan’ in the capacity of a physiotherapist.

His primary area of expertise is musculoskeletal physiotherapy—treatment for muscles, bones, joints, nerves, tendons, and ligaments. “My main job is to provide quality care and ensure a speedy recovery,” he says, adding he wants to make patients better as quickly as possible despite the circumstances. Because his abilities and practices revolve around mobilizing the body and boosting patients’ strength, he always meets them in person for accurate diagnosis. Even during the pandemic, he never stopped working.

As a form of home therapy, different massage machines are used in Nepal. But they are mostly used for temporary relaxation. On the other hand, physiotherapy gets to the root of the pain rather than just easing it. It encourages people to seek diagnosis rather than relying on assumptions. Through his work, he hopes to educate people about muscle mobilization and exercise for healthy body movement.

Basnet is quite a cheerful man, earning patients’ trust through both his words and work. At the same time, he can be stern when patients are careless about their health. He has a natural flair for convincing people and makes sure his patients know what they are going through and how Basnet can help them. By doing so, he fills patients with hope, which he counts as one of his strengths.

He tries to educate his patients about exercise, mindful eating, and living a healthy lifestyle, as he is extremely conscious about health and fitness. He plays futsal with his colleagues and friends at least four days a week. To maintain a good work-life balance, he listens to music, watches movies, and spends quality time with his family.

Basnet adds that today’s generation spends a lot of time bound to their office desks and that it can result in postural issues. To spread awareness about how correct posture and gait can prevent a lot of physical problems, he has conducted workshops at various banks and schools. And he intends to keep at it.

He has also participated in many hospital-led campaigns and rehabilitation programs. In 2021, he was honored with Hams Champions for his outstanding performance. In the future, he wants to expand pulmonary rehab centers across Nepal to assist people with respiratory difficulties as well as work on more awareness programs targeted towards pregnant women and the elderly. 

Newa Ghasa in Basantapur, Kathmandu, is decorated in a distinctively Newari architectural style. The restaurant, which has outlets in three different locations: Basantapur, Sorakhutte, and Patan, runs on the motto of providing its patrons with a typical Newari cultural experience. Sulav Manandhar, project manager of Newa Ghasa, says they want Newa Ghasa to reflect the Newar culture through food, decor, and ambiance. 

At the entrance, there’s a small stone trough, adding charm to the space. The walls are adorned with paintings and different artworks. There are also Bhairav masks, oil lamps, bells, etc. that amp up the oomph quotient of the restaurant. The staff, dressed in traditional Newari attire, were welcoming. 

We chose to sit on the rooftop since it was a pleasant day. When it was time to order, we started with the Egg Bara. Manandhar says Newari cuisine is always a balanced meal with all the needed nutrients. And indeed, the first dish to land on our table felt wholesome and healthy. The lentils were wonderfully fluffy and the seasoning was well-balanced with strong hints of garlic and chilies. Soft on the inside and crisp on the outside, the bara was served with chutney on the side, which was excellent. The more we had it, the better it got, enticing us to select another variant. There was Chicken/Buff/Egg/Mixed Bara and we chose Mixed Bara at last, which was simply delectable.  

Sapu Mhicha, another traditional Newari dish, is a must-try here. We had never tried the dish before, and we were glad this was our first. When we saw the black mass of spongy flesh, we were a little hesitant to try it. But the flavor made us swoon and the fillings had a pleasant zesty taste and a mild oiliness to it.  

We opted to have Chyang/Thwon and the staff came up with a mud pot and dexterously poured the drink in a typical silver-colored bowl, which is used in most Newari households. This classic alcoholic beverage offers the ideal balance of sweetness and sourness. It was evident from the aroma and taste that it was nicely fermented. 

Next, we sampled some Aila, a type of traditional distilled alcohol made from fermented rice. They served it in a traditional clay pot called ‘Palaa’  by pouring it from a narrow-necked liquor vessel known as ‘Anti’ in Nepali. They then use a flame to ignite the alcohol. You can sip the drink with the wooden straw that they offer once the flame has been put out. 

We ordered Sukuti and Sadeko Chicken Momo to go with the beverages. The portion of sukuti was enough for two people and the meat had been properly marinated making it juicy and succulent. It was chewy with a perfectly crisp texture. We loved it. 

We must mention the restaurant’s choice of music. The soothing tunes put us at ease and had us enjoy our food even more. It complemented the essence of Newari culture. The plants, warm lighting, and black and red cushions make the place feel cozier and inviting. They also have live music in the evenings, making it a perfect place for a lovely dinner with your family and friends. 

Their specials:

Chicken/ Egg Bara

Sadeko Momo

Sukuti

Sapu Mhicha

Thwon

Aila

Location: Basantapur, Kathmandu

Meal for two: Rs 2500

Opening hours:11:00 am to 9:30 pm

Contact: 9801246333

Online payment: Accepted

Parking: Available

Avocado Cafe is a multi-cuisine cafe located in Baluwatar. Since it opened its doors in  2017, it has been trying to provide healthy and hygienic food to its patrons. Govinda Kumar Shrestha, the manager of the cafe, says they have been relentless in their pursuit to stay true to the cafe’s slogan which is ‘Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy’.

Upon entering, you will see lush green avocado and other trees. It lends the space a calming vibe. They have given preference to open dining areas and it makes the whole area look relaxed and inviting. The garden area is well decorated with beautiful lanterns and other decor items like pillar lamps, etc. 

The food is unique too. We think the Royal Avocado Salad, which is their signature dish, is a must-order. With luscious-looking white and pink dragon fruit, ripe avocado slices, watermelon, and organic greens topped with almonds and pumpkin seeds and drizzled with avocado dressing, this salad is a delight. The dressing, made with lemon, honey, and avocado paste, and a scoop of ricotta cheese, gave the salad a tantalizing taste. The ingredient balance has been meticulously assessed, guaranteeing that all dietary nutrient requirements are met. The best thing is that you can order the salad in the portion that suits you best. 

If you like seafood, try the Prawn Hargow. The translucent steamed dumpling wrap glistens which makes the dish look delicious. The prawn filling is also flavorful. “The wrap is made with corn and wheat starch, which is gluten-free and much healthier than the usual momo,” says Giri Raj Bhatta, the executive chef. Bhatta supervises the cafe’s multi-cuisine menu, ensuring that the dishes adhere to healthy dietary requirements.

We also had one of their best-selling dishes which is the Grilled Trout Fish. You can decide the portion for this as well. We were blown away by the gourmet presentation of the grilled fish when it arrived at our table. The smokiness was delicate and the dish tasted good with a dash of lemon squeezed on top. The smoked tomato, caramelized broccoli, and baked mashed potato added a creamy richness to the dish without overpowering it.

Avocado Cafe will not disappoint you with its authentic flavors if you are someone who’s health conscious and tends to look for nutritious food when you eat out. “We don’t use any flavor enhancers or artificial food coloring,” says the chef.  Not only is the food nutritious but the dining experience is also incredibly wholesome. There is soothing music playing in the background, the seats are comfortable, and the soft shimmer of candles and lanterns creates a serene ambiance. The cafe is also fairly spacious and can accommodate events for up to 50 people.  

 Their specials:

Prawn Hargow

Royal Avocado Salad

Grilled Trout Fish

Location: Baluwatar

Meal for two: Rs 4,000

Opening hours: 7:00 am to 10 pm

Call: 01-4526130

Online Payment: Accepted

Parking: Available

In Boston, Massachusetts, US, Rukmini Karki works as a senior advocate for the Asian Task Force For Domestic Violence (ATASK), a group that helps Asian victims of domestic violence. She is one of the most well-known figures in the Asian community in the US for her steadfast support for women’s empowerment and social justice.

Karki, who is of Nepali descent and was raised in India, became involved in social justice advocacy after observing various forms of cultural inequality in the society. Since 1997, she has advocated for human rights, women’s rights, and gender equality. She has a degree in law and a master’s in sociology and anthropology.

After she returned to Nepal, she began working for Plan International, where she spent four years promoting girl’s education and women’s empowerment. She worked on several gender action plans and gender equity projects like the Third Livestock Development Project before moving to the US in 2005. With nine years of experience, getting a job at ATASK was a breeze.

“Domestic abuse is particularly not seen as violence in Nepal,” says Karki as she reflects on her time working for gender equality in Nepal. “The use of physical force such as kicking or beating enjoys a strange kind of acceptance.” Immigrants from Nepal and other countries who live in the United States experience a range of abuse and violence.  In the US, she says, domestic violence is a heinous crime.  Karki fights for social change and tries to eliminate linguistic and cultural gaps in Asian communities. She is proficient in six languages, including Nepali, English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhojpuri, and Manipuri making her a valuable asset at ATASK as she can connect with non-English speakers caught in abusive relationships.

“Domestic violence is all about power and control. It can happen to anyone and it has no gender, age, or color bar,” says Karki, adding that violence doesn’t always mean physical abuse but encompasses emotional and psychological abuse as well. Based on her experience, she says that the majority of cases involve dependent visa holders, notably wives who are subjected to abuse and are threatened with deportation by their spouses. A large number of crimes go unreported because the women are anxious about their perceived inferior social and economic status in society.

Karki says domestic violence isn’t as pervasive as it is in Nepal since the process of justice is backed and subsidized by the government. She has a strong network with the government, police, medical community, legal community, and other service providers to support victims who have been physically hurt or emotionally traumatized.

Karki shares the story of one of her most striking cases, involving an Indian woman who got the helpline number of ATASK through doctors. The victim’s husband tortured her for five years.  Karki was shocked to know that the victim was kept inside the house, she had never seen a one-dollar bill and she knew little about American life. Karki taught her everything about the bus system, Uber, and other daily activities. Also, she helped her get a restraining order against her spouse.

Apart from that, she and her team have continuously assisted many people by offering free English language classes and government housing for victims during the transitional period. In cases that involve child custody, they have offered victims free attorney services, if they are unable to pay for one. What sets her team apart is knowledge about the victim’s culture and language, their focus on bridging the gap, and unequivocal and emotional support through awareness and education

With technological developments, she says, their reach has increased. She recalls how someone found her on TikTok. However, she does not always believe that technology is as helpful as it’s made out to be. She has been stalked by the abuser of one of the victims. Having learned from the experience, she now keeps herself on high alert to deal with any potential issues.  “I’m not afraid of them because this is what I have chosen to do and helping others makes me happy,” she says.  But she is often at the receiving end of a lot of animosity. She says, “I have been falsely accused of destroying families and relationships.”

She has been assisting numerous Nepalis living in the US and wants to connect with victims to provide the resources she has access to. She has also collaborated with the Centre for Women’s Awareness and Development (CWAD) to assist divorced Nepali women in claiming generational property.

Karki believes that the current lot of Nepali women leaders are incredibly strong and she values their contribution to social justice. But she also thinks there is no consistency in the fight against violence or support for the victims. As a senior advocate, she encourages everyone, especially those in positions of power, to continue with the struggle until the bitter end, regardless of the outcome.

The public, she says, should be given enough information about their rights and government initiatives about laws regarding gender-based violence. The government of Nepal should allocate a separate budget to assist victims of violence, she says. Most importantly, she wishes for a society where victims of violence can speak without inhibition. “Silence is another form of self-harm. No matter how challenging a situation might be, there are countless alternatives and resources available for support,” she says. 

Kuber Adhikari, a well-known internet personality, is an Intellectual Quotient (IQ) tutor for the Public Service Commission’s examination. He has been working as a teacher for approximately ten years. His expertise in teaching material related to the intellectual quotient has earned him the title of ‘IQ King’ in the online community.

Adhikari was born and brought up in Dailekh, Karnali Province. This was also where he went to school. Due to political disturbance in 2000 during the Maoist insurgency, his entire family had to move to Kathmandu. From a very young age, he was intelligent and studious. He had always intended to become an engineer. But due to financial constraints to sustain in the capital, he chose to become an army officer instead.

For the post, he had to prepare for the commission’s exam. That year, he put his heart and soul towards the preparation. He and his friends were taking the test at the same time. In the middle of the examination, he was stopped by the invigilator for helping out his friend. “My dreams came to an abrupt end,” he says. 

In the Public Service Commission, intellectual quotient subjects are a part of the selection process. But there weren’t many teachers or resources available in the early years because the IQ program was new in Nepal. Keeping that in mind, he and his friends decided to start their own private preparation center in Baneshwor, Kathmandu, in order to put their collective experience to good use. “I wasn’t planning on teaching for a long time,” he says. But the heartfelt praise from his students persuaded him to reconsider. Later, he realized that he enjoyed teaching and chose to continue.

Back in his days, not many people aimed to get into public service. But that changed after 2015, with many people showing interest in it. With that, the number of students looking for coaching classes grew, which fueled Adhikari’s drive to teach. He once traveled to Dhankuta for Public Service’s orientation in 2017 which was organized by Chintang Rural Municipality for the students who can’t afford paid classes. There, he found that students used to travel three hours by foot to get to the coaching center. He says he finally understands peoples’ desire to get into public service.

Additionally, he felt obligated to facilitate the learning process in all parts of Nepal. As a guest instructor, he has visited about 57 districts for orientations. He says that not every district has proper access to needed study materials or information. However, he says that some districts are working on offering free classes to tackle the situation. 

When students have to come to Kathmandu, their expenses become high. They need to pay for services like hostels, food, class and transportation. To ease their situation, he decided to help people collectively by sharing his classes videos on YouTube channels like ‘IQ Kuber Adhikari’ and ‘Teach for Nepali’ (personal account) for which he has also earned YouTube’s Silver Play Button. He has written a number of books for students’ convenience, including ‘All in one IQ’. It’s one of his bestselling books in the market. 

“Youth involvement in the Public Service Commission has grown tremendously,” claims Adhikari. According to him, lack of job opportunities in the private sector could be the main reason behind this popularity. In addition, he says that the deeply ingrained belief in Nepali society that employment stability comes from either government agencies or by going abroad might have contributed to this growth. 

He states that working at governmental agencies guarantees a secure career. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic when private sectors faced severe financial setbacks, government workers were receiving paychecks. 

According to him, in terms of building a career, teachers are like guardians for students and he strongly believes that teachers should create a friendly space where students can ask anything without hesitation. “Teaching is difficult, as it’s not always about teaching for the sake of teaching. Rather it’s about engaging with students to help them understand better,” he adds. He says that his best achievement as a teacher is the fact that he has never once heard his student complain about his classes being boring in his 10 years of teaching career.

Most people nowadays depend on online platforms for studies. So he is working on improving and modernizing teaching methods using digital platforms and social media. “The app ‘Ambition Guru’ was developed by our team with the aim of aiding students in their preparation for various exams, including those for public service, as well as medical and engineering entrance exams, among others,” he says.

Adhikari draws attention to the struggles of people in rural areas as they don’t have proper access to educational materials to prepare for public service’s examination. For such areas, besides physical classes, he and his team are working on developing innovative ideas for simple learning by making significant investments. He emphasizes that the government needs to be responsible enough to ensure proper internet connection and communication all across Nepal. He expects the government to work on budget allocation for e-learning and different free teaching programs.

Mountaineer Pasang Dawa Sherpa has summited several peaks in Nepal including Mount Everest. He has conquered the world’s highest peak multiple times, performed high-altitude rescues, and built a sterling reputation for bravery. 

A native of Lukla in Khumbu region of Nepal, Sherpa started his career in mountaineering by working in the trekking sector. He was just 15 when he began working as a kitchen help and later as a porter.

He says after the death of his father, it was upon him to look after this family. It was Sherpa’s uncle who saw that he would make a great mountain guide and offered him a month-long training. 

Soon, Sherpa began working as a mountain guide and in 2008, he attained his first success by summiting Ama Dablam (6,812 meters). His determination was fueled by this first taste of accomplishment, leading him to join the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) team from the United States in 2009 to summit Mount Everest.

“Over the years, I’ve climbed Everest nine times,” says Sherpa. 

He is still young but exceptionally talented in his field. Besides conquering some of the world’s highest mountain peaks several times over, Sherpa has also made his name for his mountain rescue works. 

During one of the mountain expeditions in 2010, he had famously offered his oxygen unit to a fellow climber.

But it is not always the tales of derring-do when you are on a mountain expedition. As a mountain guide, says Sherpa, sometimes you must take tough calls for the safety of the team. 

He recalls one incident where he had to call off the mission in order to save the life of a climber who had a medical emergency at an altitude of 8,500 meters. 

“A mountain guide requires a quick wit and a strong heart,” says Sherpa, for  whom the wellbeing of climbers is important. 

Sherpa has embarked in numerous operations to save lives, and the mountaineering world respects him for his leadership. 

His humble beginnings from a simple village boy to scaling the world's highest peaks and becoming a renowned climbing guide has inspired many.
But Sherpa has not grown tired of scaling mountains. His dream is to climb every mountain peak in the world and this month, he is planning to conquer Mount Baker in the US. 

Bishow Bimohan Shrestha, 67, is a poet from Tehrathum in Eastern Nepal. He has authored many poetry collections as well as written lyrics for more than a dozen songs. For his significant contribution to Nepali literature, he has been awarded the ‘Pragya Pratisthan Award’ and ‘Ratna Shree Swarna Padak’. He is currently the executive chairman at Apec Nepal, a literary and cultural institution. In a conversation with ApEx, Shrestha spoke about his love for poems and all things literary. 

What made you want to write poems?

I started when I was in school. In 1967, I participated in a poetry writing competition on children’s day and got an award for it. Since then, I’ve been writing poems. In 1987, my first poetry book ‘Bishow Bimohan Ka Kehi Kabitaharu’ got published. ‘Euta Gantabya ko Khojima’ was published by Sanjha Publication in the following year. After that, ‘Angar Ka Dhamila Dharsha haru’, ‘Ma Bhat Joru Ki Kavita Lekhu’, and an English poetry collection eventually got published. Now, I am working on another collection which will be published as soon as I finalize the manuscript.

How has your literary journey been so far?

Literary celebrations like ‘Kavi Gosthi’ were exceptionally important to every writer around 40 years back, since holding a literary conference was a big deal unlike now. In 1980, I joined the Association of Literary Journalists as a member and later held the position of chairman. Let’s say that we were the pioneers of such literary initiatives. 

We used to gather talented writers from all over Nepal in Kathmandu and give them a platform to interact with journalists, established authors, and other literary organizations. During this time, I served there for 20 years and organized various literary forums, international literary events, and many other programs. I treasure these experiences. I believe that what I have accomplished as a poet so far is a result of my ongoing commitment to supporting talented Nepali writers and promoting Nepali literature. 

What does your writing schedule/style look like? 

I write poems, though not exclusively. But when I do, I pour all my feelings into it. After a few days, I review it with a fresh mind before editing and rewriting my work. My mood is what drives me to write. I still have a ton of unfinished manuscripts in my drawer that need to be updated. In my writing, I generally use imagery and metaphors to express emotions. In my earlier works, imagery was particularly used to capture the beauty of the natural world. But now imagery mostly captures the theme of disorder, hypocrisy, and corruption of the world. I even use references from myths to make my idea clear. 

I want my work to have meaning. I want it to reflect people’s aspirations. A writer’s success depends on how well he can connect with his readers. That’s why I do my best to avoid redundancy and try to tap into people’s emotions.

My writings mainly focus on the natural world, affection, aging, nationalism, current affairs, political disparities, and humankind. The majority of my writings are about societal challenges. 

How difficult is it to be a writer?

Writers today are far luckier than writers of our time. Ratna Pustak Bhandar, Sanjha Prakashan, and Pragya Pratisthan were a few publication houses back then. But today, there are many new platforms like the internet, television, and newspapers. If someone wants to write, there are a lot of opportunities to get their work out there. 

What do you think of the current situation of Nepali literature?

Poetry, in particular, has improved. Lekhnath Paudyal, Hari Bhakta Katuwal, Laxmi Prasad Devkota, and Gopal Prasad Rimal are a few prominent Nepali authors who deserve a special mention for their contributions to advancing the field of Nepali literature from a thematic and contextual standpoint. I don’t think the government is concerned with promoting Nepali literature. But there is a lot of scope in it and Nepali literature can become popular globally if we can promote it well. 

Shrestha’s Picks

Sarwakaleen Pinda Ra Jagritika Shankhaghosh by Usha Sherchan

In this book, Usha Sherchan reflects on the discrimination faced by women in epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. She relates them to the current situation of women in political and societal contexts, giving it a feminist perspective. 

Kavita Ko Rang by Rajendra Shalabh

‘Kavita Ko Rang’ by Rajendra Shalabh is a kind of poem that selflessly symbolizes different aspects of our family, society, culture, and especially our mothers in a way that gives you goosebumps. The language is simple and the story is very relatable. 

Ghumne Mech Mathi Andho Manche by Bhupi Sherchan

‘Ghumne Mech Mathi Andho Manche’ is a Nepali poetry collection that was awarded Sajha Puraskar in 1969. It’s very inspiring and uplifting. It gives readers a different perspective on what a society must be like and inspires them to look forward to a change.