English.Sahityapost
Kathmandu, Jun 29
Marking a historic step in exploring mountains and their various aspects, Creative Literary Forum (CLF) organized a seminar titled “Alpine Talks: Decoding the Himalayas with the Summiteers and Writers” on Friday at the Central Department of English, Tribhuvan University. The seminar featured senior travel writer Prateek Dhakal, Everest climber Nima Doma Sherpa, mountaineer and author Lakpa Phuti Sherpa, and mountain researcher Sherku Sherpa as guest speakers who shared their insights and experiences about the mountains.
During the talk, Sherku Sherpa, who is also a guide and author, highlighted the cultural and religious significance of mountains in Nepal. He said that Sherpas understand mountains differently than the rest of the world. “Mountains are not only seen as protectors, but they are also worshipped as gods and goddesses among the Sherpa community and Himalayan dwellers,” he said. He also highlighted existing issues related to the mountains in Nepal and stressed the importance of addressing them promptly.
Similarly, Nima Doma Sherpa, an Everest summiteer, shared her mountaineering journey with the audience. She recounted the tragic story of being widowed by the disastrous avalanche in 2014, the hardships she faced, and her eventual success in becoming an Everest summiteer. “I have accomplished my husband’s unfulfilled dream of summiting Everest,” she said with tearful eyes, moving the audience with her story of struggle and achievement.
Author and mountaineer Lakpa Phuti Sherpa recounted her 40 years of mountaineering experience. She shared her 1993 Everest expedition with Pasang Lamu Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to climb Everest, who sadly did not return from her journey but created a historic feat. Lakpa Phuti also criticized the government’s inadequate attention to mountain preservation and promotion. “No country but Nepal should have the patent for mountain studies,” she claimed. “But sadly, we seem to be least interested in branding our mountains and taking ownership,” she pointed out.
Travel writer Prateek Dhakal shared several interesting anecdotes from his travels around the world. He recounted an early visit to Japan where he was asked about Sagarmatha and Lumbini, despite not having visited them at the time. “I had to cook up my answers, which made me feel guilty. Later, I visited Lumbini and summited Everest Base Camp,” he confessed. Dhakal emphasized that every Nepali’s pride lies in the mountains and that every Nepali should visit their mountains at least once in their lifetime.
During the event, travel writer Bhawani Khadiwada also presented her insights and experience on mountaineering and applauded CLF for holding such a commendable event.
The event also featured a Q&A session where guest speakers addressed relevant questions from the audience.
Writer Prateek Dhakal also handed over some of his books to the CLF.
Moderated by Shilash Thapa Tamang, the coordinator of CLF, the event was attended by faculty members of English department, students of MA English and other mountain enthusiasts . Sahityapost remained the digital media partner of the event.
Creative Literary Forum (CLF) is a student club under the English Department at Tribhuvan University, responsible for organizing various creative activities within and outside the department.
