Bhagna Premashala, a collection of stories by journalist and writer Khagendra Giri, has been launched. The book, Giri's first story collection, was jointly unveiled by the author, along with literary figures Nayan Raj Pandey, Saguna Shah, and Basanta Basnet, at the Lekhnath Auditorium of the Nepal Academy on Friday.
The collection features nine stories covering various subjects, including Nirmukta Stri, Makhmal, Adrishyasa Atasnihattha, Kima Paratha, Chiso, Smile Please, Khukuri, Hapsilo, and Hagan Gaunda. The book is published by Indigo Ink and is priced at Rs 549.
Basanta Basnet, the author and Editor-in-Chief of Onlinekhabar, praised the work, remarking that "Khagendra has made a dangerous entry as a storyteller." He noted that while novels have been dominant in recent years, this collection can significantly "reduce" that dominance. Basnet expressed high hopes, stating, "I can say that he is a reader and writer who can elevate Nepali literature and one can have great expectations from."
Theatre artist Saguna Shah added that the stories span various eras, featuring the narratives of women from historical figures to the present, and discussing issues like the People's War, child marriage, and various forms of discrimination. She emphasized the unexpected strength of the narratives, "At first, the stories seem simple. As you read on, there are unimaginable stories. Struggle, obstacles, and mystery unfold... that comes in a very strong, unimaginable way."
Author Nayan Raj Pandey shared that Giri's work made him very optimistic about the state of Nepali short stories. He found the book "very beautiful," noting, "The stories do not feel artificial; the language is naturally sweet... I feel he has presented a great context for how stories should be written in the current scenario." He advised readers to read the book without stress, as it is "mind-blowing." Giri, a journalist for Nepalkhabar, explained that the collection covers stories of broken love and other forms of longing.
He also shared that a phone call from Narayan Dhakal after his story 'Case Number 4' was published in Kantipur Koseli gave him the impetus to compile and publish the collection.
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