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Saturday, July 17, 2010

ketaketi: A Magazine with a History

(Continuously in operation since 2003 for the promotion of Nepali Children’s Literature)
Ketaketi.com.np is the first online magazine of Nepali Children’s literature, formally registered and launched in 2003 AD, and promoted by Children’s Literature Foundation, Nepal.Evolving through names like ketaketi.org, and ketaketinews.com, it is presently operating as ketaketi.com.np.
It is a pure literary magazine, serving the nation with a few marked objectives. First, it attempts to preserve, promote and internationalize Nepali Children’s literature, created over time in all genres. It gives representation to authors – both adults and children, who create reading tonics for young citizens. Secondly, it is engaged in developing and promoting reading habits among Its chief editor, renowned author Kartikeya Ghimire, and editor, author and storyteller Mahesh Paudyal ‘Prarambha’ have been collecting, editing and publishing materials and experiences through direct participation. They go from places to places, from the remotest hinterlands to the far-off regions; sit among and interact with children, and bring home original materials directly from them. For last seven years, they have been devotedly involved in organizing story-writing and storytelling workshops at various places. Till now, they have been to as many as 24 districts of Nepal, majority of which are remote.
Besides publishing magazine on the web and conducting live programs, the Foundation also publishes books by renowned authors, and distributes to study centers, libraries, schools, clubs, children’s homes, youth development centers, hostels, orphanages, rehabilitation centers, day care centers and all those establishments that concern children. Its publications and other publications collected and distributed by the Foundation, have been made available to children who do not have easy access to books and publications.
The Foundation has ambitions to reach out further, and encompass all districts. It is on the move to extend story-writing and story-telling workshops, wall magazine publication training, competitions, and awards to as many districts and places as possible.
It might also be mentioned that its editors have established awards for children in their names. The chief editor Kartikeya Ghimire awards Kartikeya Child Talent Award with the sum he collects as remuneration and royalty for his publications. He has been awarding the same for last 13 years. The talents awarded so far have been performing very well in their careers, and are on the move to uphold the glory of the award. Child talent Sleshma Chhetry has already established herself as an author and singer, and is currently in the US, pursuing her higher academic degrees. Child Telent Anjana Rajbanshi, who was the SLC topper of the year 2063 BS, too is studying abroad, and is all set to be a doctor. Child Talent Ganesh Dhungana is studying Journalism in Bangalore, India and is the President of Youth Network Dhadhing, a social network that coordinates youths and organizes social welfare and awareness programs.
Similarly, Editor Mahesh Paudyal Prarambha has established Prarambha Child Talent Award in 2009, and till now two talents have received the same. Pratibha KC of Parbat, who was awarded for her exceptionally brilliant skills in story writing, is heading towards a glorious literary career, especially in short fictions. Child Talent Rahul Bhujel, selected for Prarambha Child Talent Award 2010, is a born-singer, exceptionally talented. He has given his voice to a few songs in Nepali cinema, and is now all set to launch an audio album “Bright Future.” A few of the songs from the same album have also been visualized. A student of Bright Future School, Naikap, Rahul has never been second in any musical competitions of his level.
Shouldering such commitments and responsibilities, the Foundation has come all the way long from 2003, serving and promoting Nepali children’s literature and Nepali children. With more helping hands, it can strengthen its reach, and further its philanthropic mission. We request
Generous support and assistance in the larger interest of the children, who are going to inherit the future we pass to them in legacy.
For additional information
Ketaketi Online Nepal
PO Box: 25859, Katmandu, Nepal
Phone: 977- 9751003531, 9841067601, 9841477515
Email:childacademy43@gmail.com, ketaketinews@gmail.com

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Interview With Professor Dr. Yoo Jeong Yi

Professor Dr. Yoo Jeong Yi teaches Korean Literature at Hong Ik University in South Korea. In July/August this year, she toured Nepal with thirteen Korean school children. ketaketi found time to talk with her.
ketaketi: Professor Yi, is this your first visit to Nepal ?
Yi: No, second. I had been here in February this year with some Korean authors.
ketaketi: Why a repeated tour in such a short gap, that too with children?

Yi: I like my children and those of my neighbors to see Nepalese teenagers going to college in smart uniforms. Nepalese teenagers are disciplined, and Koreans need to learn this.
ketaketi: Who sponsored the tour?
Yi: I paid for my children's expense, and my neighbors did for theirs.
ketaketi: Besides teaching, what else are you involved in?
Yi: I am a professional writer of Children's Literature. I have published novels and story collections for children. I am planning books on the issues of Nepali children now.
ketaketi: Your inspiration?
Yi: You know; Korea is a developed country. But because of war, many Korean children are leaving the country for the West as adopted children. This is a shame on us. The fact touched me and I took to writing. I foreground this issue in my writings. 'Child Rights' is the most preponderant theme in my works.
ketaketi: Did you notice any marked difference between Nepalese and Korean children?
Yi: Children are children everywhere, sweet and lovely. Yet, Nepalese children are more outspoken, while Koreans are rather reserved and introvert. However, they are creative.
ketaketi: Thank you professor!

By Mahesh Paudyal 'Prarambha'