A symposium was organised to introduce as many as 16 female aspiring poets in Nepal Bhasa–Newa language–under the auspices of the Department of Literature, Nepal Bhasa Academy in Kirtipur on Saturday.

Motivated and inspired by interactions with renowned poets in a training workshop, held two weeks ago, they recited their poems on Saturday in the presence of a large audience.

The emerging poets were Hisilina Shakya, Shova Maharjan, Binita Shakya, Yukta Bajracharya, Sabina Maharjan, Ronika Shrestha, Rahena Nakami, Mandira Shrestha, Mimala Sharma, Kreeta Bajracharya, Bina Nemkul, Minerva Sharma, Gyan Keshari Shrestha, Dil Kumari Maharjan, Rupa Shahi and Manju Shrestha Singh.

The aspiring poets recited their poems on array of topics including female emotions, fears and aspirations experienced in their young lives.

Critics Dhruba Madhikarmi and Rash Joshi analysed their poems and provided feedback. Seven male poets had also been invited to recite their poems.

The initiative was conceptualised and coordinated by Jyoti Tuladhar, linguist and gender expert and poet Rajnimila implemented the programme.

The symposium was chaired by Chancellor Yagya Ratna Dhakwa. Vice Chancellor Malla K. Sundar, secretary Pushparaj Rajkarnikar and Head of Literature Department Triratna Shakya were also present at the workshop.