नेपाली
Kathmandu, July 26: Seven new children’s storybooks were launched simultaneously in Kathmandu on Saturday, marking an initiative to promote reading habits among young readers and enrich Nepal’s children’s literature.
The books were unveiled at a program jointly organized by Hami Dajubhai, the British Council, and the Children’s Literature and Research Center. Former Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, Prof. Kedar Bhakta Mathema, officially released the publications in the presence of writers, educators, artists, and literature enthusiasts.
The newly launched titles include Mitini by Shanti Sapkota, Mamighar by Sanjog Thakuri, Indreni by Hansawati Kurmi, Aitiko Bihe by Sushila Tamang, Haitamako Himmat by Asmita Badi, Naamko Katha by Bina Thing, and Surjiko Ujjaya by Sangita Urao.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Mathema stressed the importance of encouraging children to develop a reading habit from an early age, saying that reading broadens knowledge, nurtures creativity, and strengthens critical thinking.
Writer Pramod Pradhan highlighted the need for greater diversity in children’s literature, noting that stories reflecting the lives, cultures, and experiences of people from the Himalayas, Tarai, and western Nepal remain underrepresented.
The event also featured discussions on the current state and future of children’s literature in Nepal. Speakers, including Prof. Dr. Taranidhi Bhattarai, Ananta Wagle, Ganga Karmacharya Poudel, Anamika Gautam, Gauri Nepali, Yukta Khadka Acharya, and school students Sarla Acharya and Priya Thapa, shared their views on the importance of producing inclusive and engaging literature for young readers.
The organizers expressed confidence that the newly published books would inspire children to read more while encouraging writers to create stories that reflect Nepal’s diverse cultures and communities.
