Third ‘Kitab Jatra’ Concludes in London; Five Authors Honored

LONDON:- The third ‘Kitab Jatra’ (Book Festival), organized by the Kitab Yatra Foundation, has concluded at the Nepali Embassy in London.

The event was held in the presence of former British Members of Parliament, diplomats, literary figures, journalists, and prominent members of the Nepali community.

Speaking at the event, UK Labour Party leader and former MP Virendra Sharma stated that diversity is the UK’s greatest strength. Praising the contributions made by the Nepali diaspora to British society, he emphasized the need to connect the new generation with their language, culture, and history.

“If a language is lost, much else is lost,” said Sharma, emphasizing the need to encourage the learning of mother tongues. “Young people growing up in the UK should be inspired to learn their mother tongue.”

Noting the significant role played by the Nepali diaspora in strengthening relations between Nepal and the UK, he expressed the view that there should be collaboration among Nepal, India, and the UK for global peace and prosperity.

Sanjog Rai, Second Secretary at the Embassy, ​​stated that books and literature serve as a powerful medium for exchanging ideas and connecting people across borders. He pledged the Embassy’s continued support for such creative initiatives. Kul Acharya, former President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), noted that ‘Kitab Jatra’ has played a significant role in connecting the diaspora with the new generation.

Senior journalist Suman Kharel stated that the main challenge today is to draw the younger generation growing up abroad toward Nepali books and the culture of reading. Senior television journalist Tikaram Yatri praised the efforts being made to preserve the Nepali language and culture in the diaspora, noting that books encompass not only written material but also lived experiences. Tarun Gulati, Chairman of St. John’s Wood Capital, expressed the view that since language connects people, Nepalis should take pride in their culture and language.

Rishiram Adhikari, Director of ‘Kitab Jatra’, stated that the event was organized with the aim of connecting authors and readers. He also mentioned plans to organize ‘Kitab Jatra’ in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and European countries by the year 2083 BS.

On that occasion, the ‘Kitab Jatra Award’ was presented to five individuals for their contributions in various fields. Entrepreneur Rabindra Jung Lamichhane received the Diaspora Social Initiative Honor; Kul Acharya, the Diaspora Entrepreneurship Honor; Lex Limbu, the Youth Icon Honor; poet and novelist Dr. Sangita Shrestha ‘Swechchha’, the Diaspora Literature Honor; and journalist Bhagirath Yogi, the Diaspora Journalism Award.

An interactive session titled “Nepali Diaspora Literature: Opportunities and Challenges” was held during the program, facilitated by journalist Nirbhikjung Rayamajhi, with Tikaram Yatri, Dr. Sangita Shrestha Swechchha, and Dr. Rabindra Samir participating as panelists.

Similarly, Sushil Prajapati (President of Pasa Puchah Guthi UK), Rashmita Singh Darlami (President of the Nepalese Nursing Association UK), and Rishi Ram Adhikari recited poems, while artist Deepak Thapa performed a patriotic song. Products related to Nepali literature, handicrafts, and cottage industries were also displayed during the event.