Kathmandu, 27 August
Ko Ho Tyo Manchhe, a collection of poems by LB Chhetri was launched amid a programme held in Kathmandu on Saturday. Page Turner Chairperson Bhuvan Hari Sigdel, Chief Guest, Chancellor of Nepal Academy Bhupal Rai, social worker Meena Lamichhane, writers LB Chhetri, Bhuwan Dhungana, Mahesh Paudyal and Prateek Dhakal jointly launched the book in a ceremony held at Nepal Academy, Kamaladi.
Speaking on the personality and contribution of poet Chhetri, critic Dr. Ashok Thapa said, Mr. Chhetri is also a literary campaigner besides being a creative writer, and his contribution on both these avenues have been commendable. Critic Paudyal said Chhetri’s unflinching faith in articulating the truth and his equal treatment of all subjects, both permissible and proscribed ones, constitute the identity of Mr. Chhetri as a writer. Commenting on Chhetri’s newly launched collection of poems, poet and fiction writer Bhuwan Dhungana said Chhetri, like Lekhanath Paudyal and Rabindranath Tagore, always stands with truths. She also commended the author for the eclecticism of voices and issues he has incorporated in his work. She however suggested poet Chhetri to rethink about including poems with direct and obvious political contents.
Addressing the gathering, poet Chhetri narrated the story of his upbringing in India, in a non-Nepali and linguistically mixed belt. He said he came into the company of writers and poets in Nepal and found opportunities to nurture his literary inklings. He also said he has tried to stick to truth and unrestrained articulation of thoughts as a poet.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Chancellor Rai said Chhetri’s poems are those connected to the ground and pertaining to the life and realities of the common people. He criticized the poets of earlier generation to be too remote from the day-to-day realities of the common people. He, however, expressed happiness that contemporary poets, including poet Chhetri, have been giving voice to the common people’s concerns. He also expressed the Academy’s willingness to collaborate with Kavidanda Sahitya Samaj, a literary organization led by poet Chhetri, for certain literary activities. Chair Bhuvan Hari Sigdel said he was familiar with poet Chhetri’s personality and writing for quite a long time and was always impressed with his energy and tireless work.
Poets Prajjwal Adhikari, Bhawani Khatiwada and Bhairabi Bhugol recited a poem each from poet Chhetri’s collection. Poet and critic Mahesh Kshitiz conducted the event at its master of ceremony.
The book has been published by Page Turner.
