‘रमाको नमूना गाउँ’ माथि छलफल सम्पन्न

काठमाडौं, पौष २६ गते/ आज नेपाल साहित्यिक पत्रकार संघको सभाकक्षमा साहित्यकार लक्ष्मी उप्रेती लिखित ‘रमाको नमूना गाउँ’ कृतिको पाण्डुलिपिमाथि छलफल सम्पन्न भयो । सबै साहित्यकार/समीक्षकहरुलाई यथास्थानमा आसन ग्रहण गराएपछि प्रतिष्ठानबाट पुरस्कृत प्रतिभा ज्वाला ढकालले अतिथिहरुलाई खादा लगाइदिएर कार्यक्रम सुरु भएको थियो । यस कार्यक्रममा उपस्थित सबै साहित्यकार/समीक्षकहरुलाई साहित्यकार लक्ष्मी उप्रेतीले स्वागत गर्दै उपन्यास रचना गर्दाको अनुभव सुनाउनुभएको थियो ।

‘रमाको नमूना गाउँ’ (बालउपन्यास) कृतिको पाण्डुलिपिमाथि भएको आजको छलफल कार्यक्रममा वरिष्ठ साहित्यकारहरु गीताकेशरी, डा. गार्गी शर्मा, डा. शैलेन्दुप्रकाश नेपाल, प्रमोद प्रधान, डा. रामप्रसाद ज्ञवाली, प्राज्ञ नर्मदेश्वरी सत्याल, प्राज्ञ मातृका पोखरेल, महेश पौड्याल, जलेश्वरी श्रेष्ठ, विन्दु सुवेदी, महेश क्षितिज, नारायण तिवारी, गोपीकृष्ण ढुङ्गाना, युवराज सापकोटा, चित्रकार योगेश खपाङ्गी, बालअधिकारकर्मी नवीनचन्द्र घिमिरे, किशोर प्रतिभा ज्वाला ढकाल र बालप्रतिभा प्राज्ज्वल जोशीले आ–आफ्नो विचार व्यक्त गर्नुभएको थियो । कार्यक्रम कविताराम वाङ्मय कोष र बुकआर्ट नेपालसँगको सहकार्यमा बालसाहित्य प्रतिष्ठान नेपाल (सिएलएफएन) ले आयोजना गरेको थियो । यस कार्यक्रम सिएलएफएन चिल्ड्रेन्स लिटरेचर डिस्कसन क्लबको प्रस्तुतिमा सम्पन्न भएको थियो ।

कार्यक्रममा बालसाहित्यमा यथार्थ हुनुपर्छ वा स्वैर कल्पना भन्ने विषयमा साहित्यकार/समीक्षकहरुबीच बहस भएको थियो । रमाको नमूना गाउँ कृतिको पाण्डुलिपिका राम्रा पक्षहरु र सुधार गर्नुपर्ने पक्षहरु बारे समीक्षकहरुले आआफ्नो विचार खुलेर प्रस्तुत गर्नुभएको थियो । यस किसिमका खुला बहस र छलफलले बालसाहित्य लेखनको अवस्थामा सुधार गर्न र बालसाहित्य लेखकहरुलाई अझ बढी व्यावसायिक बनाउन र लेखनमा अझ बढी जिम्मेवार हुन हौसला मिल्ने विश्वास प्रतिष्ठानले लिएको कुरा अध्यक्ष कार्तिकेय घिमिरेले बताउनुभएको छ । आज छलफल गरिएको पाण्डुलिपिका सर्जक लक्ष्मी उप्रेतीले पनि यस कार्यक्रमले आफूलाई लेखनमा थप उत्साह थपिएको धारणा व्यक्त गर्नुभएको छ ।

छलफल कार्यक्रममा कसले के भने ?

बालसाहित्यमा स्वैर कल्पना होइन यथार्थ प्रस्तुत गरिनु पर्छ । बालबालिकालाई विश्वासको आधार बनाएर मात्र पत्याउन सकिने कथावस्तुमा बालसाहित्य रचना गर्न सके राम्रो होला भन्ने ठान्दछु ।

- वरिष्ठ आख्यानकार गीताकेशरी

बालसाहित्यमा भाषालाई विशेष महत्व दिनुपर्छ । मिठासपूर्ण सरल भाषाशैलीमा लेखिनु राम्रो हुन्छ । कथावस्तु खजमजिएको भन्दा सरर बगेको भयो भने पढ्न मजा लाग्छ । साथै परिवेश अनुसारको जीवनशैली देखाउनु पर्छ । उदाहरण्का लागि तराईका बालबालिकाले मुरै खाजा बोकुन् अनि पहाडकाले मकै भटमास वा यस्तै अन्य घरमै बनाएको खाजा बोकुन् । साथै बालउपन्यास रचना गर्दा घटनाक्रमहरु चाँडचाँडो दौडाउने भन्दा पनि विस्तृत रुपले वर्णन गर्दै, संवाद थप्दै अघि बढ्दा राम्रो हुन्छ ।

- वरिष्ठ समीक्षक डा. शैलेन्दुप्रकाश नेपाल

बालसाहित्य लेखनमा बालबालिकालाई मनोरन्जन दिने एक मात्र उद्देश्य हुनुपर्छ । उनीहरुलाई उपदेश थोपर्ने पक्षमा म छैन । साथै बालउपन्यास रचना गर्दा अध्यायहरु विभाजन गरेर, हरेक अध्यायमा मूल कथासँग सम्बन्धित कथाहरुलाई मिहिन ढंगले गाँसेर रचना गर्न सकियो भने राम्रो हुन्छ । संवाद कम भयो र वर्णन मात्र बढी भयो भने पढ्न मजा आउँदैन । यसमा रचनाकार सचेत हुनुपर्छ ।

- वरिष्ठ समीक्षक प्रमोद प्रधान

बालसाहित्य लेखनमा बालबालिकालाई मनोरन्जन दिने नाममा स्वैर कल्पनामा मात्र उडाउनुपर्छ भन्ने कुरामा म सहमत छैन । उनीहरुका पनि कर्तव्य हुन्छन् । जिम्मेवारी हुन्छन् । एउटा बालकलाई कस्तो बनाउने भन्ने कुरामा लेखक सचेत हुनैपर्छ । मनोरन्जन दिने नाममा उनीहरुलाई परिवार, समाज र देशप्रति वफादार हुनबाट उसलाई विचलित गराउनु हुँदैन । सपनाकै माध्यमबाट भनिए पनि उनीहरुको चरित्र निर्माणका लागि उपयोगी खुराकहरु बालसाहित्यका माध्यमबाट आउनु पर्दछ भन्ने म ठान्दछु ।

- वरिष्ठ समीक्षक डा. रामप्रसाद ज्ञवाली

बालसाहित्य लेखनमा एउटा किताबमा एउटै शैली अपनाउनु राम्रो हुन्छ । जस्तो स्वैर कल्पनामा आधारित हो भने त्यो पुरै कथावस्तु फेन्टासीमै सकिएको हुनुपर्छ । स्वैर कल्पना र यथार्थ दुवैको प्रयोग एउटै किताबमा गर्नु राम्रो हुँदैन । साथै लेखकले नयाँ–नयाँ कथावस्तुको खोजी गरी पुनरावृत्तिको दोषबाट बच्नु जरुरी छ । लेखकको आफ्नो लेखनमा शैलीगत रुपमा पनि आफ्नोपन जरुरी छ ।

- चर्चित समीक्षक महेश पौड्याल

बालसाहित्य लेखनमा एउटा बालपात्रले कतिसम्म परिवर्तन गर्न सकेको देखाउने भन्ने कुरामा लेखक सजग हुनुपर्छ कि जस्तो लाग्छ । साथै नयाँ किसिमका पात्र, परिवेश र विषयवस्तुको खोजी गरी लेख्न सके राम्रो होला कि भन्ने मलाई लाग्दछ ।

- वरिष्ठ कथाकार उपन्यास लेखक जलेश्वरी श्रेष्ठ

बालसाहित्य लेखनमा स्वैर कल्पनामा पनि शक्ति छ । मैले छोराहरु हुर्काउने क्रममा पढेका फेन्टासी बुकहरु अझै रमाइला लाग्छन् । हो, जीवनमा अघि बढ्दै जानेक्रममा तथ्यपुस्तक पनि दिनुपर्छ तर उनीहरुको कल्पनाशीलता बढाउन काल्पनिक उडन्ते कथाहरु पनि प्रशस्त पढ्न दिइनुपर्छ जस्तो मलाई लाग्दछ ।

- वरिष्ठ लेखक विन्दु सुवेदी

बालसाहित्य लेखन गम्भीर लेखनमा यसमा फुर्सदमा लाग्ने भन्ने मानसिकतालाई लेखकहरुले त्याग्नुपर्छ । अहिले बालसाहित्यमा आएको बाढीमाथि पनि विचार गरिनुपर्छ । हामीले सधैं स्तरीय बालसाहित्यलाई प्राथमिकता दिनुपर्छ ।

- प्राज्ञ मातृका पोखरेल, प्रमुख, आख्यान विभाग, नेपाल प्रज्ञा–प्रतिष्ठान

बालसाहित्य लेखनको परीक्षण बालबालिका माझमै हुँदोरहेछ । मेरा नातिनीहरुले एउटै किताबमा स्वैर कल्पना र यथार्थ मिसाएकोमा प्रश्न गरे । वास्तवमा आफ्नै परिवेश अनुकूलको बालसाहित्य सिर्जना गर्न सके राम्रो हुन्छ जस्तो मलाई लाग्छ ।

- प्राज्ञ नर्मदेश्वरी सत्याल, प्रमुख, बालसाहित्य विभाग, नेपाल प्रज्ञा–प्रतिष्ठान

बालसाहित्यमा बालबालिकाले ठूलठूला कार्य सम्पन्न गर्न सकेको देखाइनुलाई अतिशयोक्ति मान्नु हुँदैन । ठूलो सपना देख्नु राम्रो कुरा हो । सपना पूरा गर्न पात्रहरु इमान्दार छन् र मिहिनेत गरिरहेका छन् भने सपना अवश्य पूरा हुन्छ । बालसाहित्यले आपसी भाइचारा र सहकार्यको संस्कारलाई मलजल गर्नुपर्छ ।

- बालअधिकारकर्मी नवीनचन्द्र घिमिरे

बालउपन्यास लेखनमा जीवनको लामो खण्डको चित्रण आउनु जरुरी छ । किनकि कथा गमलाको फूल हो भने उपन्यास बगैँचा हो । बालसाहित्य लेखकमा विधागत सचेतता हुनु जरुरी छ ।

- युवा समीक्षक महेश क्षितिज

बालसाहित्यमा आफ्नो माटो अनुकूलको कथा पनि हुनुपर्छ । सबै विदेशीको नक्कल गर्नुपर्छ र मनोरन्जन मात्र दिनुपर्छ भन्ने कुरामा म विश्वास गर्दिन ।

– वरिष्ठ कथाकार नारायण तिवारी

बालसाहित्यमा सपना मात्र होइन यथार्थका कुराहरु पनि गरिनु पर्छ । परीका कथा धेरै लेखियो अब अरु पात्रका कथा पनि लेखिनुपर्छ ।

– चित्रकार योगेश खपाङ्गी

मलाई बालसाहित्यमा फेन्टासी मनपर्छ ।

– किशोर प्रतिभा ज्वाला ढकाल

मलाई रमाको नयाँ गाउँ कथामा आमाले पोखरीमा हामफाल्न आँटेको मन परेन अनि नानीपरीले बचाएको मन पर्यो ।

– प्राज्जवल जोशी, कक्षा ४ मा अध्ययनरत बालक

यस किसिमको छलफल र अन्तरक्रियाले लेखनलाई परिष्कृत बनाउन र नयाँ नयाँ विचारहरु सुन्ने एवम् बुझ्ने मौका मिल्दोरहेछ । आज मेरो कृतिको पाण्डुलिपिमाथि भएको छलफल कार्यक्रमले मलाई धेरै उर्जा प्राप्त भएको छ । धेरै कोणबाट सुझाव आएका छन् । यीमध्ये मलाई उपयोगी लागेका सुझावहरु ग्रहण गरी आफ्नो बालपुस्तकलाई पुर्नलेखन गर्ने विचार गरेकी छु ।

– वरिष्ठ लेखिका लक्ष्मी उप्रेती

बालसाहित्य लेखनका विषयमा हुने यस किसिमका खुला बहसहरुले लेखकहरुमा थप उर्जा प्राप्त हुने रहेछ । यस्ता कार्यक्रमले लेखनप्रतिको जिम्मेवारीबोध अझ बढी महसुस हुने रहेछ । त्यसैले यस्ता गोण्ठीहरुलाई समय समयमा आयोजना गरिरहने कुरामा हामी प्रयत्नशील रहने छौं । यस अवसरमा म कविताराम वाङ्मय कोष, बुकआर्ट नेपाल र सिएलएफएन चिल्ड्रेन्स लिटरेचर डिस्कसन क्लबका साथीहरुलाई धन्यवाद दिन चाहन्छु ।

- कार्तिकेय घिमिरे, अध्यक्ष, बालसाहित्य प्रतिष्ठान नेपाल ।

गोठाले किशोर साहित्य पाण्डुलिपि पुरस्कारबाट अन्जना राजवंशी, महेश पौड्याल र गङ्गा पौडेल पुरस्कृत

गोविन्द बहादुर मल्ल गोठाले किशोर साहित्य पाण्डुलिपि पुरस्कार कोषले वर्ष २०७० का लागि अन्जना राजवंशी      (सृष्टिको कथा, किशोर उपन्यासका लागि), वर्ष २०७१ का लागि महेश पौड्याल (तादी किनारको गीत, उपन्यासका लागि) र वर्ष २०७२ मा गङ्गा पौडेल (सरस्वती, किशोर उपन्यासका लागि) पुरस्कृत गर्ने भएको छ ।

यो पुरस्कार वरिष्ठ लेखक गोविन्द बहादुर मल्ल गोठालेको स्मृतिमा वि. सं. २०६९ मा साहित्यकार÷समाजसेवी जलेश्वरी श्रेष्ठज्यूको सहयोगमा २ लाखको अक्षयकोश स्थापना गरी शुरु गरिएको हो । वि. सं. २०६९ मा पहिलो पटक यो पुरस्कार साहित्यकार लक्ष्मी उप्रेतीलाई प्रदान गरिएको थियो । 

यो पुरस्कार किशोर साहित्यको उत्कृष्ट पाण्डुलिपिलाई हरेक वर्ष प्रदान गरिन्छ । यस वर्ष वि. सं. २०७०, ०७१ र ०७२ सालमा पुरस्कृत तिन प्रतिभाहरुलाई एउटै मन्चमा आगामी २०७२ असोजमा पुरस्कृत गरिने कोषबाट जानकारी प्राप्त भएको छ । साथै यही समारोहमा साहित्यकार गोपाल पराजुलीलाई किशोर साहित्य विशेष सम्मान पनि प्रदान गरिने भएको छ ।

पुरस्कृत कृतिको पाण्डुलिपिलाई पुरस्कार कोषको सम्पादन र संयोजनमा अन्तिम रुप दिई व्यवसायिक प्रकाशन संस्थाबाट प्रकाशन गरिने छ । कृतिका लेखकलाई लेखकस्व प्रदान गरिन्छ । यस पुरस्कारबाट पुरस्कृत लेखकलाई नगद रु ११ हजार १ सय ११ र ताम्रपत्र सहित  पुरस्कृत गरिने गोविन्द बहादुर मल्ल गोठाले किशोर साहित्य पाण्डुलिपि पुरस्कार कोषले जनाएको छ । कोषका संस्थापक जलेश्वरी श्रेष्ठ, पहिलो वर्ष पुरस्कृत स्रष्टा लक्ष्मी उप्रेती र पुरस्कार बितरण समितिका संयोजक कार्तिकेय सम्मिलित तिन सदस्यीय मूल्याङ्न समितिले यो निर्णय गरेको हो ।

                                                       जलेश्वरी श्रेष्ठ 

                                                          संस्थापक

4th Children Expo 2011

4th Children Expo 2011 features over 60 exhibitors showcasing quality children’s products & services. This will be the complete, one-stop shopping opportunity for every children’s need which includes educational products, toys and hobbies, health products and services, furniture and accessories, apparel and footwear, music and entertainment, arts and crafts, food, safety products and services, schools and day care services, gifts, vacation and travel, parenting publications, counseling on child psychology and much more. Visitors, parents will find an abundance of useful information on a wide range of products and services. The exhibitor roster is packed with quality organizations that have come together to help make all the fun and excitement of the 4th Children Expo 2011 possible.

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

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'

Children prepare for the great (Story by Kartikeya Ghimire, Translated by Mahesh Paudyal Prarambha)

“I won’t accept Tika from the hand of this mean sister. How bad she is! She always scolds me.”

Pondering over this matter, Sandeep goes straight towards the ground, where his friends await him for their game of Dandibiyo. No one had thought that Sandeep would take such a serious decision following a trivial disagreement on marbles. But when a minor feels harassed by a senior, reasoning of all kinds fail.

“Oh! Did you arrive, Sandeep? Come on. I was waiting for you,” says Shyam, warmly receiving his friend. Sandeep smiles gently and soon both of them get absorbed in Dandibiyo.

“Sandeep, catch strongly. I am going to hit hard.”

Shyam throws the biyo, the shorter of the two sticks, swiftly. Though Sandeep tries to escape from it, it hits one of his eyes. He shouts in pain and starts crying. Thin red blood starts flowing down his cheeks.

“What! How come I am in a hospital bed? And who is this person placing his head upon my chest?” he vacantly questions, as he comes round in his hospital bed, the next morning.

Sandeep gets up slowly and looks around. He sees his sister, the least expected of all, sitting by his side, displaying a very considerate and caring look in her eyes. Love was almost overflowing her eyelids.

Sandeep feels pity on his her. His eyes turn to hers, and after a real long interval of time, they observe one another with such closeness. A love, boiling each moment and suffocating for want of an outlet, metamorphoses into a gusty torrent when the hurdles transpire, and it gets its freedom of expression.

There, Sandeep can see spots of dry tears, vaguely scattered around all over her cheeks swollen eyes. He can easily make out; his sister cried for a long time since he was admitted to the hospital and waited for his sense to come back.

“Sandeep, you woke up?” a new voice asks. He looks around, and there is his mother, pale and worked up.

The affectionate words of his mother distract him. Nevertheless, he continues gazing at his sister. As all mothers do, Sandeep’s mother can read her son’s feelings in his looks.

“Look my son, how much does your sister love you? I told her to go home and take rest. But she ignores me. She passes her hours crying, and keeps us asking when you would return to you senses.”

Before his mother completes her words, tears pour down Sandeep's face. He runs to his mother, sits on her lap and says, “I don't hate my sister anymore. I love her very much, okay mom! Please mom! For my sake, buy for Bhai Tika, the goods of her choice.”

His sister, who pretends to be asleep, finds it hard to control her emotion, as she hears her ailing brother speak. She rushes with a sudden start, and hugs Sandeep. “Brother! She exclaims, “You are worth a million of brothers on earth. “

On the day of Bhai Tika, the two children look merry, as they have never been before. They look like eternal brother and sister, truly blessed by God. “Wish! All brothers and sister on earth live in love like these kids,” the mother contemplates, as she watches her children prepare for the great Bhai Tika.

* Bhai Tika - A great festival when sisters put red mark of love on their brothers' forehead.

* Dandibiyo - The national game of Nepal played with a long and a very short stick.

Heaven was My Last World, Samrat Chaudhary, Age 13

The earth was my home and the planet too. I was living in the earth. It was the only planet where human beings lived. I was a small astronaut who used to work in a big building named "The Blue Planet". I was like the other astronauts but some were senior to me and some were junior. At that time nobody was my friend because I was a big failure who was never happy. Nobody would talk with me. I was alone in the whole world.

One day while I was coming towards the office, a man asked me, "Are you a man?" I got very angry and replied, "Yes, I am a man because I have a brain like you." The man went without telling anything.

After some hours, in the office a news came and I hurried to hear the news. After some minutes, the boss came and told me that a new planet named Sulfrin was found. I was surprised listening to the news. Many astronauts were discussing about going to the new planet. I was also thinking to go. I decided to talk with my boss about the topic and I went to his office for the proposal. When I presented the proposal, the boss said, "Are you mad to think of such a dangerous work?" I was not able to give any answer at that moment.

I went home and thought about it. I slept and saw a dream about the new planet. I suddenly woke up. "I will complete my dream in the new planet," I said. I went to the office and saw many astronauts getting ready to go to the new planet by a rocket. I got ready in the uniform of an astronaut and made plan to go secretly.

An hour was gone; the astronauts were ready and went towards the rocket. I did as I had planned and went inside the rocket before them. Then the astronauts came inside the rocket and got ready for flying. They started flying the rocket. All of them were happy and I was happy too. After half an hour, the rocket landed in the new planet.

The astronauts were ready to go down with their things. I was also ready to go down with them. All the astronauts came down and I was also one of them. They were surprised looking at the new planet. For a while, I stood looking from different angels at the new planet. When I returned nobody was behind me.

And I went searching my own road. I walked for two hours and saw a big village where people were fighting with each other, killing and eating the meat of human. I heard them talking in different languages. When I saw their faces, they were like those of the wild animals. They were shouting without any reason. After some minutes, a big and tall man came riding a strange animal like an elephant. All the people were quiet. When he came down, two people were brought. When I saw their faces, they were of my office. Right in font of me a strange man cut their heads off and ate. My heart started beating faster and faster.

I went to the back side of a house because I would not tolerate to see that happening in front of me. I saw a man crying and I went in front of him. I got a little afraid but also I asked, "Why are you crying?" He replied, "That person killed my brother." "Don’t cry," I said, "From today, I'll be your brother."

I shared dinner with him. I told, "For tonight, let's sleep here and tomorrow we will go to the next world which is full of human beings, happiness and kindness."

We slept for a few hours. After sometime, I suddenly woke up. I thought it was morning but I saw darkness all around. Then I asked him, "Why is the sun not rising up?"

"This is a planet where the sun never rises," he informed.

"Let's go from here then. Tomorrow, let's take the rocket and get out of this hell. We can find a better world."

When we were walking many people came and got around us. They were the same people and took us to the same village where they used to kill human beings by cutting their heads.

Now it was the turn of my brother and me. I was not afraid of being cut but, my brother was crying. I told, "Don’t cry my brother. One day we have to die anyhow." After sometime, the same strange man came with a long sword to severe our heads. At first he killed my brother, cutting his head. Two drops of my tears fell down onto the leg of my brother. Thereafter, my turn came and I closed my eyes and thought, 'God, save me!'

He was as quick as a flash. He took his sword and chopped off my head.

After our death, some one took us in the new planet where we would get love, kindness and happiness. We wished, our country would one day be as beautiful as the lovely heaven above!

Education in Nepal

According to government statistics almost 14% of children of primary-school-age are not enrolled (Government of Nepal 2006a:43-45). Moreover, a major challenge at primary school level is retention. Enrolment figures in class 1 are high, but a large number of these one-enrolled children drop out of school before completing primary level. Furthermore, despite primary school figures showing a positive trend in enrolment, at lower secondary level the number of enrolled children drops significantly, with more than 50% out of schools. Enrolment levels of particular groups, such as marginalised-caste and Muslim communities are still below of others.
Although the gender gap in school enrolment in Nepal has declined, it still exists and increases as children get older. Besides a gender gap, literacy rates vary among regions and districts across Nepal. Interestingly, literacy rates are not per definition lowest in remote areas. The dramatic low enrolment rates in the Terai are caused especially by low enrolment of girls in those areas.
There are two groups of factors that influence the school attendance of children. The first group includes factors like poverty, often increased due to recent change in circumstances at home such as divorce, illness or death of one or both of the caregivers; and discriminatory practices leading to social exclusion. As long as there is poverty and social exclusion, there will always be children out of school. The second group of factors includes those that impede school attendance, but which are never the sole reason for a child to be out of school. These factors, such as work and school quality and accessibility factors such as a convenient location of the school, proper facilities, and the presence of female teachers, should not be underestimated. A combination of such factors does lead to children out of school. If these factors are kept in mind and are tackled appropriately, the strategy may positively contribute to retaining children in schools.
Many children drop out in their early teens after having received a few years of schooling. It is around this age that children are able to contribute to the household's income by working or by getting marries, which is still common in particular communities. These activities still compete with schooling. The school should offer children an environment that is attractive to them and which keeps motivated to attend them daily in order to complete primary level. It is essential to provide supportive incentives aimed at removing direct causes for parents to take their children out of school at this age. This includes affordability incentives, but also asks for a focus on increasing accessibility of (lower-) secondary school, instead of increasing enrolment at primary level only.
Source: http://www.cwinnepal.org/

Children's Literature Promotion Awards Declared

Kavitaram Children's Literature Promotion Venture, Children's Forum Nepal has decided to decorate Mrs. Sharada Adhikari with the Children's Literature Promotion Honour-64. The venture has also declared to honor two organizations Bal Sahitya Pravardhan Kendra Bal Sansar and Tempus International and provide two child-talent awards to two children writers from Udayapur Miss Vinaya Basnet and Miss. Pratibha Khaling.
Writer Sharada Adhikari, born in 021 Magh 3 in Sundarijal, Kathmandu has 13 books published. She also has edited 4 volumes of literary works. She is now involved with Nepal children's Literary society as Secretary, Sajha Prakashan as Board Director, Runu Prakashan as Vice chairperson, Nepal bangmaya Pratishan as secretary, and Padmakanya Campus under TU as professor. Bal Sahitya Pravarthan Kendra Bal Sansar has been promoting the Nepalese children's literature since a decade, organizing books exhibitions, books distributions and promotional workshops. Tempus International has been organizing 6 various national level children's literary writing competitions every year for boys and girls students separately for higher secondary, secondary and lower secondary levels. It has organized two national level competitions in last years for essay and story writings. The two child-talents from Udayapur Miss Vinaya Basnet and Miss. Pratibha Khaling were the first and second winner of the national level story writing competitions-64, for secondary level girl students organized by Tempus International and Read Nepal.
This venture established by Dr. Kavitaram Shrestha in 054, has honored and awarded 10 writers, 11 institutions and 9 child-talents up to now. The honored writers are Mr. Shantadas Manandhar, Dr. Prof. Chudamani Bandhu, Mr. Ramesh Vikal, Mr. Shyam Prasad Sharma, Mr. Janak Prasad Humagain, Mr. Krishna Prasad Parajuli, Devkumari Thapa, Durgalal Shrestha, Victor Pradhan and Vishowmbhar Chanchal. Similarly, the honored institutions are Basu Secondary School Bhaktapur, Budhanilkantha School, Kathmandu, Hindu Bidya Pith, Kathmandu, Subhatara, Secondary School, Lalitpur, Noble Academy, Kathmandu, Chitwan English Secondary Boarding School, Bharatpur, Room To Read, Kathmandu, READ Nepal, CWIN and Ratna Pustak Bhandar. The child talents are Miss Jhamak Ghimire, Miss Bibhuti Singh, Mr. Niraj Balami, Miss Rashmi Amatya, Miss Sleshma Kshetri, Miss. Asmita Panthi, Mr. Udesh Pandya, Miss Anjana Rajbanshi and Nibha Sharma.

A two-day Conference on Children's Literature

A two-day Conference on Children's Literature and Journalism was held at Bharatpur-7 Chitwan on August 1 and 2, 2008. Organized by Kalpabrichha Chitwan and facilitated by Children's Literature Foundation Nepal (CLFN) the program was attended by more than 100 students from various schools in the district.
On the inaugural day, author and journalist Kartikeya Ghimire oriented the participants with norms and essences of children's journalism and trained the trainees on preparation of wall magazines. Towards the close of the day, a competition of preparing wall magazine was organized among the group.
On the second day, author and story-teller Mahesh Paudyal told two stories and kept the audience spell-bound for about two hours. He also trained them on short-story writing.
Sagar Karki, the chairman of Kalpabriccha Chitwan gave away the prizes and certificates to the participants in the concluding session.

Ketaketi Book Club Observes First Anniversary

September 14, 2008

The Ketaketi Book Club Nepal, established by Children's Literature Foundation Nepal (CLFN) in August 2007 to help needy and underprivileged children of various communizes in Nepal, is one year old now. The annual program was celebrated on September 14, 2008 at a program in Kathmandu amidst children of various classes and communizes.

Established with an objective to help under-privileged, and civil war affected children with books and basic study materials, the club undertook a number of philanthropic projects. The beneficiaries of its projects include government school children belonging to parents, whom the twelve year long civil war uprooted from their native places and forced to live in slum-settlements in Kathmandu in the midst of abject poverty. In the course of a year, the Ketaketi Book Club has been able to circulate as many as 200 books on various disciplines among the children. A press release from the office of the Club claims that many children have started authoring stories and poems in Nepali, some of which have been published in the children's column of the local newspapers and magazines. The club also collected old books and study materials from the children of well-to-do parents and distributed to as many as 103 underprivileged children this year to ensure a continuity of their study.

Even at present, there are many more children in Nepal who are barred by poverty from attending schools since their parents cannot afford. Governmental efforts alone have not been adequate, and organizations like the Ketaketi Book Club are coming forth to deliver the society out of such an appalling social reality.

Farcical Speeches

On the occasion of Children's Literature Conference Dhading on September 13, 2008, we spoke a lot on children's rights. Speaking about children from well-embellished stage, raised above the ground in a very comfortable government hall was really pleasing. We were excited, and equally excited was the CDO of the district. We talked of a Nepal of our dreams, where every child shall go to school, and every one love and respect. After the program we were taken to a hotel, where rooms had been booked for our night stay.

Tired, we rang the bell, and ordered cold drinks and snacks. Within five minute a child of around ten walked in with both of his hands packed up with our stuffs. He moved in, placed the snacks on the table and gently said, "Sir, Khaja!" Khaja is what we say in Nepali for snacks.

His voice went straight into our hearts and reminded us of the program during the day. We did not however say anything. The child moved out.

Thereafter every bell we rang was answered by the child. Our foods and water came with him. He collected the used dishes and the left over. When we could no longer bear, one of our team member said, "Bhai, you are so small; why do you work in a hotel?"

The child did not speak a word. He looked at us in turn and moved out.

There are thousand children in this country, who cannot answer this question. We are also equally helpless in seeking answers? Can we all join hands and do something?

I want to be the Prime Minister…

[Ganesh Dhungana of Dhading Bensi was awarded with Kartikeya Child Talent Award 2065. In fact, Ganesh is the icon of everyone's eye in his locality. He is the pivot around which the whole network of students and youths works. My friend Mahesh Paudyal 'Prarambha' talked with him after the Award Distribution]

Prarambha: Congratulations Ganesh, how are you feeling?
Ganesh: Fine thank you. Many years back, ghazal writer Gyanuwakar Poudel had told me about this every award. Today, surprisingly, it came to me.
Prarambha: What are the types of activities you are involved in?
Ganesh: Social work and literature. I coordinate and lead Youth Network Dhading. I began publishing when I was in class VII. Writing made me a youth leader. Writing is my mother, and leading is my father.
Prarambha: What do you write?
Ganesh: Basically I write poems. My first collection 'Baal Boli' was published in 2003, when I was in the seventh class. The very next year, I published "Aawaj Mutuko" , also a collection of verses. The third collection "Timro Aagaman" catches moments of pain when a family breaks. Presently, I am readying another collection of poem, to be published jointly with Sagar Karki, my bosom friend from Chitwan. Occasionally, I also write articles on youth and children related issues. You know, a lot of problems have arisen among youths these days.
Prarambha: Like…
Ganesh: Like drug addiction, drinking and teenage pregnancy. My Goodness, how rampant has all these things become in my district. Give gives me a lot of pain.
Prarambha: What do you think is the reason behind the perversion of these youths?
Ganesh: Conservative family cultures. It is a reaction you know. They are not understood at home, and their changing needs according to their ages are forcibly curbed. In reaction, they become delinquent. This is my understanding about the problem.

Prarambha: How did your career as a writer begin?
Ganesh: When my brother's poem 'Kalam' was published in a local newspaper many years back, I was inspired. Later, my teacher Nabin Bandhu Pahari caught my hands and taught me with love. There is no one, who knows me more than Nabin Sir. I also want to remember my teacher Rajendra Pratap Shah and Devi Prasad for their constant guidance.
Prarambha: Why do you write?
Ganesh: It gives me company when I am alone. Secondly, I am always among senior intellectual whose very company keeps inspiring me to write.
Prarambha: Is your family happy with you? May be they had other hopes with you.
Ganesh: They are perfectly happy. Yes, my father had wanted me to study science. On that day after my SLC when I was slated to go to Kathmandu with my father for admission to a science college, I ran away from home and admitted myself to Nilakantha Higher Secondary Dhading as a student of Humanities. My dad was initially upset. But now, he is happy with my progress. My mother has always been happy with me. In fact, my mother made me what I am today.
Prarambha: What is your aim in life?
Ganesh: I want to enter politics. I want to be the Prime Minister of this country. My aim might sound ridiculous now, but if I work hard, it is not impossible.
Prarambha: In fact, it is not. Lastly, you are working for children. How comfortable are you with children?
Ganesh: O, I love them so much. Children of my locality run to me and share their family woes. I tremble to remember my long childhood days in a hostel. It was a terrible time. I advocate both love and freedom for children.
Prarambha: Thank you for your time, and good luck for coming days.

District Level Poem Competition in Nuwakot

September 9, 2009

Nuwakot District Level Poem Competition was held at the premises of Shakti Higher Secondary School, Madanpur, Dangmai, Nuwakot. Organized by Shakti Youth Centre Madanput, the program was participated by 15 students from various schools from the district. Bhagawati Pandey of Shakti Higher Secondary School won the first prize comprising of 3500 rupees and a certificate.

The program was basically facilitated by Children's Literature Foundation Nepal. Two of the Foundation's official, Mr. Kartikeya Ghimire, Vice President and Mr. Mahesh Paudyal, General Secretary walked all the way from Barahi, Nuwakot throw a trail of around ten kilometers on foot along a hilly topography amidst rain fluctuating between drizzles and torrents to attend the program, judge the participants, and give away the awards. It the first time the village saw a literary event of that magnitude.

Other dignitaries to attend the grand literarily events were Byakul Maila the author of the National Anthem, Mr. Pushkar Lohani, Senior Author and Mr. Shreeram Shrestha, social worker and writer and, Mr. Raj Kumar Baniya, journalist.

Children's Literature Conference Held in Dhading

September 14, 2008

The Youth Network, Dhading, along with Children's Literature Foundation Nepal and District Children's Welfare Committee Dhading organized a one-day Children's Literature Conference at Dhading Bensi on September 13, 2008. The conference was inaugurated by Mr. Drona Pokharel, Chief District Officer Dhading.

Senior Children's Litterateur and Journalist Mr. Kartikeya Ghimire, and writer Mahesh Paudyal oriented 67 school children on the techniques of story writing. Model story telling, consisting of eclectic selections from the work of native and foreign writers formed the central attraction of the program.

On the occasion, Kartikeya Child Talent Award 2065 was jointly awarded to Mr. Sagar Karki of Bharatput –7, Chitwan, and Mr. Ganesh Dhungana of Dhading Bensi, Dhading The Chief District Officer Dhading Mr. Drona Pokharel gave away the awards that contained citations and cash sums of twenty-five hundred and one rupee each.

Sagar is the chairman of Kalpabrichha Chitwan, an organization of children, involved in many social and creative activities in and out of the district. He has authored two books of verses so far, and the third is ready for publication. Ganesh is the main coordinating mind behind the functions of Youth Network Dhading, and is actively involved in social works, journalism and literary activities. His first volume of verses 'Baal Boli' [Children's Voice] was published in 2003 when he was in the seventh class. The second collection 'Aawaj Mutuko' [The Voice of the Heart] came out the next year, and at present, he is planning a collection jointly with Sagar Karki of Chitwan.

The award was established by author and journalist Kartikeya Ghimire in the year 2058, and since then, it has constantly been going to children of extraordinary talent and potentials.

On the occasion, the Children's Literature Foundation Nepal (CLFN) also displayed children's books in order to inculcate the habit of reading among children of rural area. Taking in account the difficult economic condition of the children, the foundation made every book available to them at a nominal price of ten rupees. The collection included books as costly as the one priced Rs. 85. A great enthusiasm to buy books was detected among children. The CLFN representative who distributed books among children had extensive interaction and counseling with the potential readers, and took an assessment of their interest and the type of publication they are looking forward to. More than two hundred children from rural localities visited the stall.

Gorkha: A Symbol of Unity & Beauty

Friends! Do you have any special wish or dream? Go to the temple of Manakamana in Gorkha and pray to the Goddess. She will make your dream come true. The cable car service from Cheres to Manakamana not only entertains us, but also gives us a lot of excitement and pleasure.
Gorkha, the ancestral home of the Shah dynasty, is situated at a distance of 131 kilometers to the west of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, at an altitude of 1135 meters. Scholars believe that the district is named after the Hindu deity Gorakhnath. According to another source, the district had many kharkas or grasslands and the name Gokha developed as a corrupted form of kharka.
The total area of the district is 3610 square kilometers. The total population, according to the National Census 2001 AD, is 2,88,134 consisting of 1,34,407 males and 1,53,727 females. In this district sourrounded by Dhading in the east Tanahun to the south, Manang and Mustang to the west, and Tibet to the north, there are 66 village development committees and one municipality.
The old Royal Palace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah is situated on the top of a hill some thirty minutes walk from the main town. The Gorkha Durbar is visible from all around amidst the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the Manaslu range. The small town of Gorkha is famous as the original place of the Gorkha soldiers, known throughout the world for their bravery.
The Gurung and Ghale settlements in the northern part of the district really draw the attention of the tourists. Every year, a large number of domestic and foreign tourists visit the district to view its beauty, study its history, and express their wishes to Goddess Manakamana.
The district has been blessed by nature with fertile soil and very friendly environment for the growth of fruits and vegetables. The oranges of Gorkha are world-famous.

Dr. Achhyut Mani Acharya

A medicine man, visiting seven temples in seven daybreaks? How does it sound? There is more to come. With stethoscope and surgical instruments at hand, he recites Gita and picks invaluable spiritual and philosophical teachings of the great Lord Krishna. "I don?t eat anything till I feed corns to the bevy of pigeons that visit my courtyard every morning." This is his love for souls; this is his faith in the divinity of creation.
Dr. Achhyut Mani Acharya, a sixty six years old pediatrician, is a complex book in himself. He has so many inspiring facets of his personality. This is how he recollects his early life.
"I passed my babyhood in and around Chabahil, playing with lifelong friends like Ramesh Vikal and Vinod Dhungana. I recollect how the latter stole a coin from his father and fed bread to his group, when we were studying together at Padmodaya High School. Later, his father caught and named us "Pauroti gunda" (bread pirate)

" I lost my mother when I was two. I was never intimate with my father. Till I was grown up, I never knew who my father was. Once I even beat a man for asking me about my father when I believed, I had no any father. I used to call my father Dai and did not know that he was my progenitor. Emotionally too, we were never close. My grandmother took all my care and inspired me to pine for something great in life. She is the source of all my intellectual and spiritual health. She gave me the Gita which taught me how to look at the world."
"That was a wonderful time. It was haven. Although we lived in poverty and scarcity, we all knew and loved each other. True equality prevailed then. Everyone was everyone's near and dear one. The Bagmati carried pure water, where we would swim and quench our thirst. We could even pick up coins if they fell in it. Compare it with today's Bagmati. Impossible!"

"I had a literary talent but my profession as a doctor didn?t allow me to nurture it. Bal Krishna Sama gave me an award once and called me 'future poet'. Laxmi Prasad Devkota was my teacher and I used to pass times hearing his poems. Bhimnidhi Tiwari is another name, who encouraged me in literature.
Dr. Achyt loves old people and children. A large portion of his earning goes to the orphanages and old age care centers around the city. He visits them regularly, examines and treats them free of cost, distributes food, sweets and clothing.
He does not believe in accumulation of wealth. Spiritual fulfillment is in his priority. He believes that our great cultural and spiritual legacies should not corrode. Life, like the one we see in the west, is monotonous and tedious, because it has no spirituality in it, he believes. Life is a divine gift to do something for the country, for the family and for the society. Wealth is ephemeral, earn name and fame though the service of humanity. Learn to be happy with the little you have.