Global Nepali Writers Call for Joint Effort

Global Nepali Writers Call for Joint Effort

Writers and creators dedicated to Nepali language and literature around the world called for collaborative work to uplift Nepali language and literature. The appeal was made at the International Nepali Literary Society (ANESAS) 117th Laxmi Jayanti and awards ceremony held on Saturday in Washington, DC.

The first elected Nepali-origin lawmaker in the United States, Delegate Dr. Harry Bhandari, said that Nepalis in the diaspora can play an important role in globalizing Nepali language and literature.

Lal Bahadur Airi, General Manager of Gorkhapatra Corporation, urged that the contributions of Laxmi Prasad Devkota be carried forward to future generations. He added, “Discussion of Nepali art, literature, and creators on foreign soil, and the conferring of awards, are important for the globalization of Nepali literature.”

Former Chair of the ANESAS Board of Trustees (BoT), Dr. Shyam Karki, said that those who work tirelessly for the upliftment of language and literature help keep language and culture alive. ANESAS BoT Vice Chair Tirtha Raj Pandey expressed a commitment to continuously preserve language and culture in the diaspora through ANESAS.

BoT Chair Padam Bishwakarma said that ANESAS is striving to bind the motherland and the diaspora in a thread of unity by organizing various programs in the field of language and literature. ANESAS Central Committee Chair Sarvagya Wagle said that, going forward, ANESAS will prioritize data and documentation in work related to Nepali language and literature.

Awards Conferred

• ANESAS Best Award: Roshan Thapa’s novel “Santraska Saathi Din” (“Sixty Days of Terror”).

• ANESAS Nanda Devi Best Folk Literature Award: Shashi Ram Karki.

• Diaspora Literature Award: Dr. Tulsi Acharya’s “Swapnabhumi” (“Dreamland”).

• Essay Travel Award: Momila’s essay collection “Prashnaharu Banki Chan” (“Questions Remain”).

• Cultural Studies (Discipline): Dr. Durga Bahadur Gharti.

• ANESAS Rashtrakavi Poetry Award: Poet Jagannath Poudel’s “Bagdābagdai” (“Flowing Along”) and Krishu Kshetri’s “Pasinako Canvas” (“Canvas of Sweat”).

• Excellent Story Award: Krishna Kusum’s story collection “Pārshva Dhun” (“Background Tune”).

• Excellent Novel Award: Akhand Bhandari’s “Bora.”

• ANESAS Song and Ghazal Award: Laxman Sitaula’s song collection “Dhartika Dhvani” (“Sounds of the Earth”).

• ANESAS Song, Children’s Literature Award: Writer Bimala Niraula for her journey in children’s literature.

Meanwhile, various writers, journalists, and authors were presented with commendation certificates awarded by U.S. state legislatures.