Writer and journalist Sudheer Sharma unveiled his two new books at the Yak and Yeti Hotel in Kathmandu on Sunday. The two works come after the twin successes of ‘Prayogshala’ and ‘The Nepal Nexus’.

This time, his ‘Bhikshu, Byapar ra Bidroha’, and ‘Himalpari Ko Huri’ have been published by Kitab Publishers.

These two books explore the historical relationship between Nepal, Tibet, and China. They span 1,500 years and detail the evolution of these ties up to the present day.

The book was launched in the presence of four guest speakers: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa, CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, Rastriya Swatantra Party vice-chair Swarnim Waglé, and Lila Nyaichyai, an expert on Nepal-China ties.

At the launch, Nyaichyai said, “A journalist has become a historian.” She praised the book for its account of the Tibet-Nepal relationship and its use of Nepal Bhasa and Tibetan language.

Pokharel remarked that the books offered a multi-dimensional perspective on the Nepal-Tibet relationship, highlighting the economic highs and lows influenced by this connection. He also offered feedback to the author, noting that the book focused on the Kathmandu Valley–and perhaps the area under review could have been widened.

Waglé meanwhile termed the book a ‘page-’turner. He praises the meticulous research, sources, citations, and interesting storytelling.

Thapa provided a chapter-by-chapter review of both books. He emphasised the need for Nepal to leverage its relationships with its two neighbours, India and China, both of which are major players in the global economy. He also pointed out that Nepal has not made significant efforts to understand China and vice-versa. Thapa recommended that young people interested in economics and politics read these books.

At the end of the event, writer Sharma thanked everyone present. He addressed the books’ shortcomings and asked for more feedback from readers. He said he wrote these books so that the youths can analyse Nepal’s past and understand the country’s present and future. He said he would be happy if the book served as a platform for discussions about Nepal’s role vis-a-vis the growing economies of India and China.

At the end of the formal event at a jam-packed Yak and Yeti hall, Sharma was surrounded by a hoard of people wishing him to sign the books. He did it all with his trademark smile.