HARIKALA GURUNG’S DEBUT NOVEL CHHORI PUBLISHED

The novel Chhori was launched at a program organized by Antighar Pangilama Samaaj. Photo: LB Thapa

With the publication of her debut novel, Harikala Gurung has become the first woman to write a novel from her community (Aantighar Pangilama Samaaj, Pokhara).

By LB THAPA

The other day Harikala Gurung’s debut novel ‘Chhori’ has been launched amid a program organized by Aantighar Pangilama Samaaj at Chipledhunga, Pokhara.

Speaking about the book the author Harikala Gurung said, “In fact the book was written long ago but due to circumstances as such the manuscript remained in hibernation for over two decades. I am glad eventually the book could see the light of the day.

“I am much obliged to Phadindra Akinchan for editing the book. His painstaking job helped the book to acquire literary flavor and a professional look. I also give thanks to Gauri Gurung for her support and encouragement in the publication of the book”.

Addressing the audience, Phadindra Akinchan, working in the editorial team with Samadhan Daily, a national daily publishing from Pokhara, shed much light on the novel and said: “Although the novel was penned two decades ago, the subject of the novel is as relevant today as it was when the book was written. The story of the novel exposes social injustice and discrimination to women and a dualistic character our society plays against them. However, I had the opportunity to read the book and I thoroughly enjoyed the story of a beleaguered daughter who faced many challenges in society but never gave in before the adversity.

 

Harikala Gurung in a new avatar of novelist. Photo: LB Thapa

The author takes a photo with her friends. Photo: LB Thapa

“Though the book has a strong story, it lacks some artistic and linguistic tools which modern day writers employ to create vivid ambiences in novels. However, the author can be excused for such weaknesses because when the book was written the writer was much younger and lacked literary experience as well. Despite some weaknesses, the novel is still a good read and I am sure literature loving readers will find the novel interesting”.

Gauri Gurung, poetess and president of Gurung Literature Foundation (GLF) put her opinion about the book.

“It was a pleasant surprise for me when my colleague Harikala Gurung showed the manuscripts of her debut novel. No sooner had I read a few pages of the manuscript than I understood its literary merit. I was surprised in the sense that Harikala Gurung never shared literary talks with me and all of a sudden, she came up with her magnum opus and this was enough to startle me. However, I want to congratulate my friend on writing such a nice novel. I also wish for its commercial success”.

Captain Dhan Prasad Gurung, president of Aantighar Pangilama Samaaj (APS), gave congratulations to Harikala Gurung on writing her debut novel. He said, “With immense effort, Harikala Gurung has penned her debut novel Chhori. By publishing the novel, she has made Pangilama clan proud. Writing a novel is not everybody’s cup of tea. It demands tremendous amount of patience and concentration. On the behalf of Pangilama Samaaj, once again I want to congratulate Harikala Gurung on achieving such a scintillating success. Moreover, she deserves kudos for her seminal work”.  

Raj Bahadur Gurung, secretary of Aantighar Pangilama Samaaj and the host of the programme, said: “Over the last one decade or so, I can see a transformation in our community. In the past, Gurungs were known for their grit and fearsome fighting skill, but now time has changed. Many young Tamu boys and girls have shown their talents in diverse fields. At present, Harikala Gurung’s effort to publish her debut novel is the testimony to the fact that Gurungs are as creative as any other people in the country”.

Captain Naina Bahadur Gurung did also speak at the programme and congratulated the author for penning such a nice novel.

The novel is self-published by the author and its price is Rs.300. It is learnt that the income from the book will be spent on social activities. The book is available in the leading bookstalls in the country.

Thank you very much for reading this article. I hope you liked this article. I will be glad if you take little time and make a comment about this article. Your comment is highly appreciated.

LB Thapa is a freelance writer & author. 

LEGAL WARNING

All rights reserved. No articles and photos published in this blog can be reproduced without the prior written permission of the author. Legal action will be taken immediately if any articles or photos are reproduced without the author’s knowledge. However, articles or photos can only be reproduced by duly mentioning the author’s name and the blog's name (read2bhappy.blogspot.com). The author must be informed by sending an email. All articles and the photos published in this blog are the copyright property of LB THAPA