Two Works by Bishnuman Shrestha Launched at a Single Event

Dragon Media Correspondent

The Srijana Art and Literature Foundation held a literary event that placed discussion and critique at its centre, moving away from the customary long speeches often delivered as formal greetings.

The programme, chaired by the foundation’s acting president, Jeet Bahadur Shah, featured the launch of two works by Bishnuman Shrestha: the short-story collection Niyati Ko Khel and the play Jeevan Chakra. Each work was reviewed by a critic specialising in its genre. Story writer Sumitra Neupane reviewed the collection, while Dambar Bahadur Khatri, a lecturer in drama and criticism at Gyan Bahumukhi Campus, reviewed the play.

The reviews focused more on the works’ creative qualities than on theoretical aspects, examining their writing, themes and distinctive features. Participants said this approach made the discussion more meaningful.

In the second part of the programme, invited speakers addressed specific literary topics instead of giving extended formal remarks. Narendra Jung Peter spoke on “Why and for What Should We Write Literature?” Mahananda Dhakal discussed “Debates in Ghazal: Then, Now and in Banke.” Prajna Sabha member Khagendra Giri Kopila shared his experience of the Academy, while fellow member Kiran Acharya spoke on “Agni in the Yajurveda.” Poet Prof. Dr. Krishna Prasad Ghimire addressed the relationship between society and literature.

Chief guest Sanat Regmi was not assigned a topic, but chose to speak about literature in the present era and the use of artificial intelligence. He reflected on how changing technology is affecting literary creation.

Participants said the topic-based format encouraged discussion on different aspects of literature and gave the programme a distinct character. Despite its length, the event drew a steady audience through to the end.