US-based authors Dr. Neelam Karki, Dr. Chandra Giri and friends in the spotlight in Nepali literature
Residing in America—far removed from Nepal's geography—these four creators serve as goodwill ambassadors for Nepali literature, introducing the world to their childhood memories as well as Nepali life, culture, and traditions through their creative works.
LOS ANGELES:- Four Nepali creators who hold PhDs and maintain close ties to Nepali literature have launched their new works within the past year.
The publication of works by these four physician-authors, all based in the US state of North Carolina, is merely a pleasant coincidence rather than the result of any competition. Compared to other US states, North Carolina is considered a fertile ground for literary activities, hosting events such as home gatherings, poetry readings, and meet-the-author sessions on a monthly basis.
A brief introduction to those four creators who have contributed to the advancement of the Nepali language and literature, and to their recent works:
Dr. Neelam Karki ‘Niharika’ – ‘Rajmata’ (Novel)
Dr. Neelam Karki ‘Niharika’, winner of the Madan Puraskar (2074 BS), holds a PhD on the subject “The Influence of Vedic Philosophy on Sarvartha Yogavani.” Originally from Palpa and currently residing in Morrisville, North Carolina, Niharika saw the publication of her historical novel ‘Rajmata’ a few months ago.
She has crafted this novel based on in-depth research into the roles of queens and lesser-known historical facts from the era of the *Baise* and *Chaubise* (Twenty-two and Twenty-four) principalities. Her previous works—such as *Yogmaya*, *Arki Aaimai*, *Draupadi Awashesh*, *Beli*, *Chirharan*, and *43 Katha*—have already garnered significant acclaim.
Dr. Rishi Bastakoti – ‘Pani ko Rang’ (Poetry Collection)
Dr. Rishi Bastakoti, who holds a PhD in climate change and forest carbon trading, resides in Cary, North Carolina. Born in Aampipal, Gorkha, Dr. Bastakoti published his poetry collection titled ‘Pani ko Rang’ (The Color of Water) approximately a year ago.
Bastakoti, who was awarded at the National Poetry Festival in 2052 BS, has published a collection of *ghazals* and a collection of *muktaks*, in addition to more than two dozen songs and *ghazals*.
Dr. Chandra Giri – *Dunki Sapana Ko Kalbato* (Novel)
Born in Chimchim, Khotang, and currently residing in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Dr. Chandra Giri is an expert in remote sensing and GIS. Dr. Giri, who serves as a senior advisor to a US government environmental agency and as an adjunct professor at Duke University, released his latest novel, *Dunki Sapana Ko Kalbato*, just a few weeks ago.
Apart from this work, which depicts the perilous struggles of immigrants entering the United States via illegal (underground) routes, his autobiography *Maile Nadekheko Sapana* and travel memoir *Sansarko Serophero* are also widely acclaimed.
Dr. Sharad Parashar Marhatta – ‘Yata ki Uta?’ (Poetry Collection)
*Yata ki Uta?* (Here or There?), the debut poetry collection by agricultural scientist Dr. Sharad Parashar Marhatta—who was born in Aampipal, Gorkha, and holds a PhD in Plant Pathology—was published just a week ago.
Active in writing poetry since the 1980s, Marhatta currently serves as a coordinator for ‘Virtual Poetry.’ The poems in this collection poignantly capture the dilemmas, emotions, and the bittersweet life experiences shared between children living abroad and their parents back home.
Residing in America—far removed from Nepal’s geography—these four creators serve as goodwill ambassadors for Nepali literature, introducing the world to their childhood memories as well as Nepali life, culture, and traditions through their creative works.
