Literary Symposium Organized by Global Federation for Nepali Literature (GFNL), Western UK Chapter Successfully Held in Sweden Town

Sweden Town, UK – July 20, 2025:
Global Federation for Nepali Literature (GFNL), Western Chapter UK, successfully conducted its third annual in-person literary symposium on July 20, 2025, in Sweden Town, UK.

The event was graced by renowned Nepali writer Yubraj Nayaghare, who had recently arrived from Nepal, as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, Nayaghare emphasized the importance of truth and aesthetic expression in literature. “Literature should not rely on deception; it must present truth beautifully,” he remarked. He metaphorically compared good literature to well-presented Thakali cuisine, stating that harmony in diversity makes literature meaningful. He also noted that although many literary works are being published in Nepali literature today, only a few are truly worth reading.

Biswasdip Tigela, Vice President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association’s International Coordination Council, served as a special guest. He shared his perspective that Nepali literature should not be confined to works written in Devanagari script alone but should include the entire body of literature produced in all languages spoken within Nepal.

Another guest speaker, Bijaya Hitan, highlighted the role played by the GFNL in promoting environmental literature (Parya Sahitya) in the global Nepali literary landscape.

Professor Dr. Sumaya Rai praised the association as a strong platform for fostering creative literary expression. Similarly, Mrs. Ganga Thapa elaborated on the purpose and relevance of the program.

The symposium featured poetry recitations, reflections, and presentations by a diverse group of writers and creators, including Goma Rana, Ram Kumar Thebe, Kalpana Chamling, Manu Paija, Lok Thapa, Rudra Paija, Shanti Limbu, Pratima KC, Rajen Rai, Mahananda Limbu, Taramati Limbu, Sunita Rai, Hom Sunuwar, Surya Kulung, Hom Thapa, and Lal Lingden.

A highlight of the event was the group unveiling of the new book titled “Ma:Ma:ka Pailaharu” (Steps of Momo) by internationally known chef and author Binod Baral.

The overall literary review of the program was presented by Bijaya Hitan.

The program was chaired by Lalsundar Rai, President of the Western UK Chapter of the GFNL, and moderated by Secretary Jeet Chhantyal.

Established in 2016, the Western UK Chapter is one of three regional chapters of the Global Federation for Nepali Literature (GFNL) in the UK, alongside the South-Eastern Chapter and Midlands Chapter.