Kathmandu, April 18
Patal, a novel by US-based Nepali writer Padam Bishwokarma was launched amidst an event organised by the Nepal chapter of International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) in Kathmandu on Sunday. Bhupal Rai, the Chancellor of Nepal Academy as the Chief Guest of the launching ceremony chaired by INLS Nepal Chapter Present Rajendra KC.
Speaking on the occasion, critic Mahesh Paudyal commended novelist Bishwokarma for constantly raising this graph of fictional refinement. Recalling his earlier fictions Tamsuk and Quarantine, he rated Patal much higher, readable and informative. He said Patal chronicles the stories of Nepali migrants who illegally enter the United States via Delhi and many South American nations, enduring untellable hardship, police hunt, fear from the pirates, extortion by brokers, ailments, thirst, hunger, handicap and even death. Once inside the US, they are hunted by the American police, and many times, they end up in prisons. Only a few lucky ones find lawyers to forward their cases as asylum seekers, and ultimately grant them legal status as refugees. Even then, there is no end to their hardship. Another speaker, lawmaker Ranendra Baraili commended novelist Bishwokarma for bringing into limelight an under-explored aspect of migration.
Chief Guest Bhupal Rai commended Bishworkarma for lending leadership to INLS as its former General Secretary, former President and current President of its Board of Trustees. He said, it was a great thing for a US-based emigrant and literary leader to find time and make contributions to creative writing.
Senior writers Gita Khatri, Prateek Dhakal, Radheshyam Lekali, Renuka Solu and Baba Basnet delivered good-wish messages.
Addressing the gathering, author Bishwokarma said he was obliged to write this story as the characters depicted in it are real, and he is connected with them even today. He said, “I have seen them suffer. I have been to their aid at difficult times. I cannot let the story go unwritten for a long time. By featuring those characters here, I want to immortalize them and their experiences.”
The book has been published by Page Tuner. It is Bishwokarma’s second novel, following his debut novel Qurantine.
