Poet Viplob Pratik’s debut novel, Abijit, was launched amid a function held at Club Déjà Vu in the Capital on Saturday. The book was unveiled jointly by lyricist Durgalal Shrestha, politician Pradeep Giri, scholar Kedar Bhakta Mathema, and author Pratik. 

Speaking at the event, singer Durgalal Shrestha said, “Once I got into reading the book, I felt like I was watching a movie, thanks to the book’s visual imagery. And it is written in a language that is at once readable and touching.” 

While scholar Mathema shed light on the socio-political scenario of the late 1980’s where the book is mostly set in. “Revolving around events in the run-up to the establishment of multi-party democracy, the book is also a literary exploration of the socio-political environment of Nepal of the time. And its protagonist Abijit is an unflinching idealist and I suspect a lot of readers will be able to relate to the character.”

Speaking at the event, Pratik said, “Even though I never set out to write a novel, it was fate that pushed me to try my hand at it. And once I decided I would write the novel, I struggled with the craft for a long time. Now the novel is in your hands, if liked I will feel blessed but if disliked, I will take this as a learning opportunity.” 

Pratik has been known in the Nepali literary scene as a prolific poet, lyricist and translator. He is the author of a collection of poetry, Nahareko Manchhe, and a translated poetry collection, A Person Kissed by the Moon. 

After the launch, the event saw singer Deep Shrestha perform the song Gaau ma Saayad Pahiro Gayo Ki, a song written by Viplob Pratik and originally sung by Shrestha himself. 

The book is published by BookHill Publications.