Prof. Dr. Govindaraj Bhattarai’s dystopian novel Naya Muglan has been officially launched. This significant work comes 50 years after the publication of his debut novel, Muglan.
The launch event was held at the Nepal Academy on Saturday, where the novel was jointly unveiled by Dr. Bhattarai along with Prof. Dr. Abhi Subedi, LB Chhetri, Prof. Dr. Kumar Prasad Koirala, critic Mahesh Paudyal, and Januka Khatiwada
Chief guest Prof. Dr. Subedi described Bhattarai’s novel as a profound literary work. He also reminisced about the memories he had shared with the novelist.
Critic Mahesh Paudyal presented a comparative analysis of Muglan from 50 years ago and the newly released Naya Muglan. He observed that migration in the past was faith-driven, whereas it is now driven by comfort. He also highlighted a significant paradigm shift over the past five decades, with life transitioning from the simplicity of villages to the complexities of urban centers.
Prof. Dr. Kumar Prasad Koirala discussed the style and craftsmanship of the novel, asserting that the country’s suffering inspired the author to write this work. Novelist Khatiwada shared her thoughts from a reader’s perspective, highlighting various aspects of Naya Muglan.
Dr. Bhattarai shared his reflection on how a once-thriving hill village of 300 households now has only 12 homes, emphasizing that the harsh realities of the present compelled him to write Naya Muglan.
The event was chaired by LB Chhetri, President of Kabidanda Sahitya Samaj, and moderated by Dr. Ashok Thapa.
Published by Page Turner, the book is priced at NPR 375.