Second Day of IME Nepal Literature Festival 2019 Kicks Up a Storm
December 13, 2019 (Pokhara): On the second day of the IME Nepal Literature Festival (NLF) 2019, hundreds of visitors from Pokhara and far beyond turned up for a taste of the literary environment. With twelve sessions ranging from book launches to conversations with sportspersons, and debates on geo-politics to the changing face of folk music, the diverse experiences had visitors enthralled.
Said Prakash Aryal, who came to the event specially from Kathmandu, “I think this celebration is a great way to enjoy the rich literary culture we have, while also being introduced to new ones from around the world. I’d already marked the dates on my calendar long back.”
Niraj Bhari, Chief Executive Officer of NLF said, “Our aim of encouraging the culture of healthy debates, wide readership and an intimate relation between creators and audience is gradually on its way to be fulfilled. The presence of a large crowd was highly encouraging, motivating us to continue our endeavor.”
Session 1: (Kabi Shiromani Lekhnath Hall)
In the first session held at the Kabi Shiromani Hall, renowned folk singer Hari Devi Koirala, popular singer Prakash Saput and music researcher Jhuma Limbu conversed on the changing tunes of folk music in Nepal. “Our priority now is to conserve and disseminate the origins of folk music. Only when we create a strong base can the future generation learn and diverge from it,” said Jhuma Limbu, with agreement from the rest of the panel. Watch it here: youtu.be/YEv6dMszhAM
Session 2: (Ali Miya Hall)
At the Ali Miya Hall, psychologist Karuna Kunwar, Academician Basanta Gautam and Writer Bina Theeng Tamang discussed the need to lure children away from gadgets to the world of books. “If you are habituating your kids to mobile, you can turning them into cocaine addicts,” warned Karuna Kunwar. Agreeing with her, Bina Theeng added, “However, this trend cannot be changed by parents alone. Schools should ensure a proper library and enhancement of readership culture, while organizations working with children need to come up with alternative creative options instead of mobiles. The session was moderated by Children’s Author Bhabasagar. Watch it here: http://bit.ly/2LVFVd7
Session 3: (Kabi Shiromani Lekhnath Hall)
How many hurdles does a person belonging to the disadvantaged group have to undergo before they fulfil their dream? A touching discussion took page amongst activists Bimala Gayak and Subhash Nepali, and a doctor from Bajura, Dr. Rup Chandra Bishwokarma. Moderating the session was Analyst Shiva Hari Gyawali, who summarized the session thus, “It is only now that these discourses have been started – it is a long time before we acknowledge the ways in which the state and all of us discriminate towards these individuals and stop them from fulfilling their potential.” Watch it here: https://youtu.be/uVFGMfa9rOM
Session 4: (Ali Miya Hall)
Today saw the first book launch of the IME Nepal Literature Festival. Litterateur Narayn Dhakal’s novel ‘Tamas’ was launched during this session, with Authors Khagendra Sangraula and Ganesh Poudel offering their comments. The novel is published by Book Hill Publication. Watch it here: http://bit.ly/35h1hJv
Session 5: (Kabi Shiromani Lekhnath Hall)
The fifth session of the day was all about the thirst for knowledge and education, and the never-ending desire to grow and learn. Actor Karishma Manandhar, who returned to school after a very successful stint in movies; and Shanta Chaudhary, who rejoined formal education after being a Member of Parliament, talked about their experiences with popular Media Person Sabeena Karki. “I want to do a PhD,” asserted Shanta Chaudhary, “There was a time when I felt as if people were taunting me because I wasn’t educated, but now I study because I enjoy it.” Watch it here: http://bit.ly/2Pm1mpI
Session 6 (Ali Miya Hall)
A very interesting session was ‘The World of Books in Prison.’ Madan Puraskar Laureate Mahesh Bikram Shah, who instituted a library inside a prison, talked about the life-changing experience with Dharma Taj Bishwokarma, who read more than 100 books during his stint in a prison. He is now a trader. The session was moderated by Author Kumari Lama. Watch it here: http://bit.ly/36Deblw
Session 7 (Kabi Shiromani Lekhnath Hall)
The most anticipated session, and one of the most touching ones, was a conversation between award-winning surgeon Dr. Sanduk Ruit and popular Media Person Rabi Lamichhane. Dr. Raut shared his journey from the hills of Olangchungola to every place in the world, seeking nothing more than to gift sight to the visually challenged. He also shared the secret behind the success of Tilganga Hospital, to which he is affiliated, “We never let politics touch it.”
“Will you be a President of Nepal, if proposed?” an audience member asked.
“Oh no, I won’t,” Dr. Ruit replied, “I still have so much left to do.”
Watch it here:
Session 8 (Kabi Shiromani Lekhnath Hall)
In a session titled ‘There’s Gunpowder in the Air”, Writer and Translator Dinesh Kafle talked to Manoranjan Byapari, a pioneer of Dalit writing, who has also been shortlisted for the DSC Prize 2019. “I wrote books so that you would dislike them, be angered by them, hate them,” said Byapari, “But you all ended up liking them. Byapari, who learnt to read and write only after being jailed during his 20s, has written over 17 books. Watch it here: youtu.be/CYCPOJ36xDY
Session 9 (Ali Miya Hall)
At the Ali Miya Hall during the same time, former AIGP Devendra Subedi and Editor Haribahadur Thapa talked about the growing proliferation of crime in politics. Journalist Janakraj Sapkota moderated the session. Watch it here: http://bit.ly/35mQzRR
Session 10 (Kabi Shiromani Lekhnath Hall)
Mira Rai and Nanita Bajracharya Maharjan are both celebrates sportspersons, bringing great glory to the country in the field of trail running and bodybuilding respectively. What does it take for a Nepali woman, with myriads of social and financial restrictions, to reach the top? Author Shivani Singh Tharu questioned them.
Session 11 (Ali Miya Hall)
Jamil Jan Kochai, Debut Novelist of ’99 Days in Logar’ that is shortlisted for the DSC Prize 2019, was born in Pakistan, but has ties to Afghanistan. He talked about the urge to write about the homeland with Poet Itisha Giri, from Nepal but now based in Madrid, who shared his longing for the home. Watch it here: http://bit.ly/34i4wPG
Session 12 (Kabi Shiromani Lekhnath Hall)
The final session of the day was jam-packed as Author of the Book ‘Nepal Nexus’ (Prayogshala in Nepali), Sudheer Sharma and Member of Parliament Gagan Thapa discussed the book in its entirety. The book also had a Nepal launch during the event. The session was moderated by Analyst Yadab Devkota. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBYR18tXFhQ
