The third day of the Nepal Literature Festival consisted of eight sessions of discussions on politics, identity, arts, literature and media, at Nepal Tourism Board in Pardi, Pokhara on January 31. The annual festival is being attended by more than 100 authors, artists, politicians, media persons, intellectuals, economists and sociologists among others.

The day’s highlight was the session titled This Unquiet Land with noted Indian journalist and writer Barkha Dutt, who shared her insight of the workings of the media with Nepali Times Editor Kunda Dixit. The session focused on Dutt’s experiences about writing, journalism and the prevailing conflict in contemporary society.

It was followed by the session with writer Yug Pathak who conversed with social analyst Aahuti and journalist Prashant Jha on the consequences of exclusion (Bahiskaran ko Dalan). The speakers presented a different viewpoint on the history that influenced Nepali society. This was followed by The Hangover of Social Realism, in which poet Saraswati Pratikshya probed writers Kumar Nagarkoti, Amar Nyaupane and Sharada Sharma on the influence of social realism and modern writing techniques and usages.

The event also saw two book launches—Sanu and the Big Storm, by Bandana Tulachan and Yatra: The Journey, by Ubahang Nembang. The children’s books were launched by actor Rajesh Hamal. During the launch, he said, “I always carry three or four books with me when I travel, they make me feel secure. A person who reads is never lonely.”

The fourth session, moderated by Sudheer Sharma, Editor of Kantipur, had former Chief Secretary Lila Mani Poudel and CA Member Gagan Thapa, focus on the crisis of able-leadership facing the country today. Following this was a discussion on Media in Madhes, where political analyst Jhalak Subedi talked to journalists Yubaraj Ghimire, Kiran Nepal and Chandra Kishore. A parallel

session had writers Richa Bhattarai and Ira Trivedi in conversation about the intricacies of love, marriage and sexuality in the 21st century.

The final session of the day, moderated by Amrit Subedi, was a medley of gazals where more than 15 poets recited a variety of gazals that enthralled the audience.

The festival, organised by Bookworm Foundation and co-organised by Random Readers Society of Nepal, is holding more than 31 panel discussions on a variety of topics. It will continue till February 1.