A discourse on Everest by Ashok Silwal was held in Kathmandu. Organized by Lekhan Kunja, the discourse connected words, mountains, and life, and participants described it as offering a fresh taste and style.
The discourse took place at Kunja Theatre in Thapagaun, where analyst Dambar Khatiwada opened the session. Tracing the writer’s journey, Khatiwada positioned Ashok Silwal as the author of Everest, after which the discussion focused on the book itself. Soon after, the author’s seven-year-old son, Trishan, sang 'Lekka Hami Ketaketi.' The continuous applause from the audience created a feeling as if the entire theatre had reached Everest itself.
During the discourse, the atmosphere grew emotional when the author’s teenage daughter, Aditi, shared her reflections as a writing observer. Malisha Sharma and others recited reviews of the book from foreign readers. The program was chaired by cultural expert Dr. Nirmala Pokharel. Savyata Nepal, Indira Neupane, Shakuntala Devkota, Manoj KC, Kamal Dhakal, and Shekhar Kharel engaged in insightful discussions on the many dimensions of the book.
Earlier, Everest, with the subtitle An Unfinished Story, was launched at the International Mountain Museum in the lap of Machhapuchhre, with Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu- three peaks over 8,000 meters- as its backdrop. Before that, Everest had been unveiled in Kyanjing, the last village in the Langtang region at an altitude of nearly 4,000 meters. 'Although Everest is based on the world’s highest peak, it is a journey toward the ground and at the same time a journey of emotions and geography,' said Silwal, who is also a Langtang Goodwill Ambassador.
Everest is Silwal’s fifth book. A Nepal guide and documentary filmmaker, Silwal has previously published Kalam, Lekhako Duniya, Sri Lanka Smriti, and the spiritually centered Kailash book Appo Deepo Bhavah.
During the discourse program, author Silwal also honored the newly elected executive committee of the Women Tourism Entrepreneurs Network, including President Jaya Baral, Secretary Sushma Tamang, and members Laxmi Karki and Geeta Sharma. Additionally, Everest’s book designer, Nagendra Lama, was also honored at the event.
