Author Shiva Prakash’s second book, Ghagi—a collection of short stories—was launched on January 2, amid an event held at Shilpee Theatre, Batisputali. The book was launched by Dr Govinda KC. 

The launching ceremony was attended by personalities such 

as ex-COAS Rukmangad Katwal; ex-Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, Lilamani Poudel; scholars Sanjeev Uprety 

and Archana Thapa; and author Krishna Dharabasi, among others.

The book is an anthology of 

22 short stories—all of which 

are based in the US—and tell the story of the Nepali Diaspora living in the country.

Speaking during the event, Archana Thapa said, “The book encapsulates the anxiety of Nepali Diaspora in the US, wrought out by modernity and the chasm between the native culture and its foreign counterpart within its character’s mindframe... Ghagi lingers on themes ranging from female sexuality and human relationships, to freedom and utopia.” Thapa also added, “The 

book has managed to give a critical philosophical stance on the 

absurdities of human lives with the employment of myriad characters from the Nepali Diaspora.”  

Speaking at the event, Shiva Prakash said: “The stories are more than just plain stories; they carry a common opinion on how widespread Americanism has overtaken our 

cultural identities in negative ways.”