Jornalist/author Ganesh Rai’s fourth book, The Wambule Writers and their Works, has been released. The book, published by Janajati Utthan Rastriya Pratishthan, was launched by Speaker of Parliament Ansari Gharti Magar on the occasion of Dhwangkumo, a major festival of the Rai community.

Wambule is one among a variety of Rai languages, with more than 13, 000 people speaking this language currently. The book summarises the lifestyle, arts and languages of the Wambule community. The book also comprises a brief introduction to a variety of Nepali indigenous communities, such as Rai, Limbu, Sunuwar and Yakkha. Although a first book that provides an in-depth look into the lifestyle and culture of Wambule community, there were a plenty of literature written on the Wambule language, such as Wambir (Sunakhari), Kaksi (Mato), Pitankeng warsi (Aansu ko Barsaa), and Eek Hirkati (Hamro Kalam), among others.

Based on the Wambule language, a total of three albums of songs, two documentaries and one movie have been released so far.

Rai’s book also introduces a host of personalities who helped promote the Wambule language and culture.

The book includes a foreword by poet Bairagi Kainla, where he hails the book as being very useful to promote the Wambule language and culture. “With the book, the writer has rendered a message that the language and culture of any community will thrive up till the people are determined to preserve it and keep admiring their mother-tongue,” Kainla writes. Prior to this, author Rai has already published books such as Eek Hirkati (an anthology of essays), Wambir (poetry anthology) and Kirant Wambule Lok Barta.