Nepa~laya has released the book Sat Sal ko Katha on Saturday, February 15, marking the 75th anniversary of Nepal’s democracy. The book is a historical reportage by renowned post-Premchand Hindi writer Phanishwar Nath Renu. Originally published in Hindi in 1977 as Nepali Kranti-Katha (The Story of Nepal’s Revolution), it has been translated into Nepali by Tulasi Bhattarai.
Renu, born in Bihar, India, 104 years ago, was actively involved in Nepal’s fight against the Rana regime. His firsthand account of the revolution is now available in this report-style narrative.
Political scientist Bhaskar Gautam launched the book, calling Renu a humanitarian writer who saw no borders between nations. “His works highlight humanity and the essence of freedom,” Gautam said, adding that the book would further enrich Nepal’s democratic history.
Translator Tulasi Bhattarai shared his thoughts on Renu’s universal appeal, stating that the book vividly captures the struggle for freedom. “I translated this book 25 years ago because both Renu and B.P. Koirala had an open-minded approach to writing,” he said. “This book reinforces the value of democracy and freedom.”
Renu spent much of his life in Biratnagar and had a close friendship with B.P. Koirala. After Renu’s passing, Koirala described him as a younger brother, deeply involved in Nepal’s 1951 revolution.
The launch event featured Indira Koirala, a family member of Tarini Prasad Koirala, who handed over the first copy. The book also highlights Renu and Tarini’s role in establishing Biratnagar’s first Democratic Radio, which predates Radio Nepal.
Editor Bimal Acharya explained why Nepa~layadecided to republish the book. “When an important book becomes unavailable, we bring it back under our ‘NeNepa~laya Classic’ series,” he said. “It’s an honor to republish this book on the history of Biratnagar, the heart of Nepal’s democratic movement.”
Sat Sal ko Katha (120 pages) is now available for Rs. 345 at major bookstores and online via Thuprai.com. International readers can also order it from Amazon.
