Pratibimba showcases climate and housing injustice

The Pratibimba photography exhibition, held last week at the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, shed light on the struggles of marginalized communities facing climate change and housing injustice. Organized by the All In Foundation in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Nepal, the exhibition provided a platform for vulnerable groups to share their experiences through photography.

Featuring images captured by 10 youth participants from Rohingya refugee communities, informal settlements, and daily wage workers, the exhibition highlighted stories of resilience, survival, and hope. The young photographers used mobile phones to document their daily realities, offering a powerful perspective on the challenges of displacement and environmental threats.

A key theme of the exhibition was its decolonial approach, allowing marginalized voices to reclaim their narratives. As participant Nirmal Aryal noted, “This exhibition became a decolonial act, a mirror that centered our stories, perspectives, and truths, amplifying them in ways that defied the limits of language.”

A panel discussion on climate change and housing injustice featured experts such as Rupa Basnet, Srichchha Pradhan, Tashi Lhazom, and Sushila Diyali, moderated by Arnab Chaudhary. Discussions focused on legal frameworks, youth advocacy, Indigenous knowledge, and the role of visual storytelling in raising awareness. Additionally, Tashi Lhazom’s documentary ‘No Monastery, No Village’ was screened, further emphasizing the struggles of Indigenous communities affected by climate change.

While the physical exhibition has concluded, a virtual version remains available, allowing a global audience to engage with the impactful narratives. Organizers hope the exhibition will continue to inspire conversations and action on climate justice and housing rights.

Discussion on Niraula’s “Gupta Prem” held

The 63rd edition of the ‘Literary Awakening Campaign’ of Jagaran Library featured a discussion on the novel ‘Gupta Prem’ by young writer Mani Niraula. The event was chaired by Bhairav Prasad Sapkota, president of the library, with Krishna Adhikari as the chief guest. The program was hosted by poet Kalidas.  

Among the distinguished guests were senior journalist and writer Krishna Binod Lamsal, event coordinator Tika Milan, Prales Sunsari President Bimala Pokhrel, and artist Krishna Prasad Nepal, alongside various other literary figures and attendees.  

During the discussion, poet and writer Tika Atreya described Gupta Prem as a novel that captures the essence of teenage years and young adulthood, resonating deeply with the youth. Another speaker, writer Ram Prasad Kharel, noted that having a youth-focused literary work from Koshi Province was a significant achievement. He also praised the novel’s suspense-thriller genre, highlighting Neupane’s ability to craft unique narratives.  

Artist Krishna Prasad Lamsal entertained the audience with a humorous poetry recitation. Meanwhile, senior journalist Krishna Binod Lamsal emphasized the growing interest of young people in Nepali literature, calling it a positive development for the literary landscape.  

Author Niraula shared the challenges he faced in publishing the novel and expressed gratitude for the positive reception his book has received.

Youth Federation honors four individuals

The National Youth Federation Nepal recognized four outstanding individuals for their contributions to inspiring Nepali society across various fields. The honors were presented during a national cadre gathering held in Kathmandu on Saturday.

The recipients were Shishir Pachhai, CEO of Kantipur Television; cricketer Paras Khadka; taekwondo player Palesha Govardhan; and IT entrepreneur Asgar Ali. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli presented them with certificates of honor and dosalas.

Speaking at the event, the federation’s central vice president, Krishnahari KC, highlighted the significance of the honorees’ achievements. “In times when despair is being cultivated systematically in Nepali society, these creative individuals have demonstrated that it is possible to succeed in Nepal. Their message is clear—initiatives by the youth can make a difference,” he said.

Thapa receives ‘Thaha Journalism Award’

Senior correspondent for Annapurna Post, Mamata Thapa, was honored with the ‘Thaha Journalism Award 2081’ on the occasion of the 91st birth anniversary of Thaha philosophy pioneer Rupchandra Bista and Thaha Day. The award, which includes a cash prize of Rs 10,000, was presented at a ceremony held on Friday in Thaha Municipality, Makwanpur.

Thaha Municipality Mayor Bishnu Bahadur Bista presented the award to Thapa in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the field of journalism. The organizing team, Farak Soch, highlighted Thapa’s long-standing commitment to independent journalism, which has significantly contributed to the development of both Thaha Municipality and the broader journalism sector. The organizers stated that the Thaha Journalism Award acknowledges the role of journalism in upholding citizens’ right to information, aligning with the core values of the Thaha movement.

On the same occasion, elderly individuals who have contributed to various sectors within the municipality were honored. During the event, Mayor Bista emphasized the urgent need to tackle corruption for the transformation and prosperity of the nation. “To make the celebration of Rupchandra Bista's birth anniversary meaningful, we must eradicate corruption from its roots. Bista himself was a staunch opponent of corruption,” he said.

Mayor Bista also announced a budget allocation of Rs 500,000 to promote Thaha philosophy among younger generations. He stated that a committee would be formed to effectively disseminate and promote the principles of Thaha philosophy.