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Nayan Raj Pandey is a well-known writer who has made a significant contribution to Nepali literature. He has written several noteworthy books like ‘Ular’, ‘Ghamkiri’, ‘Loo’, and ‘Sallipir’, which explore themes like love, loss, and relationships. His writing style is descriptive, and reflects on the nuances of Nepali culture and society. Parusha Khadka from ApEx talks to Pandey about what goes on behind the writing process. What’s the story behind you being a writer? From a young age, I loved to read. I would spend most of my time reading books in the library. As I grew older, I realized that my love for literature was not just limited to reading. I wanted to be a writer. In fact, I was so inspired by the power of language and storytelling that I even sent poems to Radio Nepal, hoping to share my work with a wider audience. Also, I wouldn’t be the person I’m right now without my family’s support. Several relatives of mine come from the same background, and they have played a major role in nurturing my creativity and supporting my literary aspirations, for which I’m extremely grateful. What is your writing process like?  I have come to realize that I’m most productive in the afternoon, when the sun is shining and the day is well underway. I prefer to write on my laptop, which allows me to easily edit and revise my work. I try not to work during the night time, as I’m more creative and focused when I’m well-rested. Like every other writer, I presume, I look for a peaceful environment to write, where I can concentrate well and let my imagination run wild. Sometimes, I can write for 12 hours straight without taking a break. Sometimes, I get writers’ block, in which case I take some time off to relax and refresh my mind. What do you think is the most challenging part of writing? I have always challenged myself and pushed the boundaries of what’s expected in storytelling. I strive to create unique and original tales that stand out. This often means thinking outside of the box and exploring new/creative avenues that others might not have considered. As good as the idea seems, its execution is equally difficult. One of the biggest challenges I face is while developing characters that are not just relatable, but also distinct and memorable. I believe strong characters are the foundation of any great story, and I put a lot of effort into creating complex, nuanced, and at the same time, authentic individuals. Also, I think that storyline itself should be the driving force behind any writing. By developing a narrative that is compelling, emotional, and thought-provoking, I hope to create a work that not only entertains but also resonates with my audience on a deeper level. Among your own books/writings, do you have a favorite? I consider all my books to be like my children, and it’s difficult for me to choose just one. I believe that all of them have equal importance and value. Each one has a story to tell and a message to share, and I’m grateful for the opportunity I received to share them publicly. Whether a book is read by thousands or just a handful of people, the act of writing and storytelling is a meaningful and rewarding experience that I will always treasure. Are you working on anything at the moment? I will be publishing a novel soon. Since I’m always looking forward to pushing myself to do better, writing this novel is not going to be easy. But, I also know that nothing makes me happier than being able to do something new and create something different. I’m prepared to work hard and bring this book to life. What message do you have for readers looking to explore Nepali literature? For readers who are looking to explore Nepali literature, I would recommend them to start with novellas, or short stories. This will help them understand the themes and styles of Nepali literature. It will also help them find authors whose work resonates with them. I would also recommend readers to explore non-fiction on Nepali society and culture. Also, engage with authors on social media. Readers’ feedback is valuable, and works as an encouragement for every writer. Pandey’s Picks  Tyas Bakhat Ko Nepal by Sardar Bhim Bahadur Pande This book by Sardar Bhim Bahadur Pande contains stories heard/experienced by people during the last three decades of the Rana regime in Nepal. Modiaain by BP Koirala This is a novella written by BP Koirala where a mother narrates the story of Mahabharata to her son, from a woman’s perspective. It’s based on Hindu mythology and the analysis of Bhagavad Gita. Sipahiki Swasni by Mahesh Bikram Shah Sipahiki Swasni by Mahesh Bikram Shah depicts the story of a soldier’s wife. It’s set against the backdrop of the 10-year-long armed conflict in Nepal.

Property worth around Rs 1 million was reduced to ashes when a fire destroyed six houses and sheds at Ranibas Bazaar in Simraungadh of Bara on Tuesday. Ward Chairperson Arabind Mukhita said that the fire started from the house of Rampreet Hajara and spread to the houses and sheds of Ramsurat Hajara, Lalbabu Paswan, Rajesh Paswan, Ramesh Paswan and Gagan Dev Paswan. The fire that broke out at 3 am today gutted cash, crops, clothes and utensils in the houses and sheds, Inspector Surendra Sah of the Area Police Office, Simraungadh said. Police took the inferno under control with the help of a fire engine after an hour.  

Wool of Himalayan goats – the raw material of Pashmina – is being collected for quality tests in Mustang. The International Trade Centre is testing wool quality in Nepal for the first time in coordination with international pashmina experts, national agriculture research council, Nepal Pashmina Industries Association and Mountain Goat Pashmina Farmers Association. Vice-Chairperson of Nepal Pashmina Industries Association Dhan Prasad Lamichhane said the collected wool samples would be sent to the internationally- accredited lab and the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology for testing its commercial quality and standards. "We are collecting 800 samples of wool extracted from mountain goats being reared in Lomanthang, Loghekar Damodarkunda, Waragung Muktichhetra and Gharpajhong Rural Municipalities", he said, adding sample wool would be taken out from mountain goats of different colour, age and species reared by 160 farmers of the four rural municipalities. Nine trained professionals have been mobilized to extract wool from mountain goats in the presence of the representatives from the Association, NARC and international trade center. "The quality of Pashmina affects its market price", said Sichan Shrestha, specialist of International Trade Centre, adding, "There may be variation in the quality of wool of Mustang. The quality testing would help develop the breed of mountain goats, carry out research in the field and expand international marketing of wool. The wool sample collection being done in Mustang for the first time would help spell out the quality of pashmina obtained from mountain goats; it is claimed. "Pashmina obtained from Chyangra is considered to be of good quality. But official study was not undertaken taking this aspect into consideration", NARC official said. "This would help design a breed development program based on the research", the official added. As many as 52,00 mountain goats are being reared in Mustang.

Nepal reported 69 new Covid-19 cases on Monday. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, 488 swab samples were tested in the RT-PCR method, of which 25 returned positive. Likewise, 778 people underwent antigen tests, of which 44 were tested positive. The Ministry said that no one died of the virus in the last 24 hours. The Ministry said that one person recovered from the disease. As of today, there are 66 active cases in the country.