Seven New Children’s Storybooks Released to Amplify Marginalized Voices

Seven new children’s storybooks aimed at enhancing the voices and accessibility of marginalized communities were released in Kathmandu. These books, crafted to empower and increase the visibility of marginalized groups through children’s literature, were unveiled at a program held on Sunday at Nepal Academy of Fine Arts in Naxal.

The launch event featured eminent figures including educator Kedarbhakta Mathema, senior children’s author Ganga Karmacharya, artist and former vice chancellor of Nepal Academy of Fine Arts KK Karmacharya, children’s author and critic Pramod Pradhan, rights activist Gauri Nepali, alongside the authors of the books.

The newly published titles include Sushila Tamang’s “Aitiko Bihe”, Bina Thing’s “Namko Katha”, Hansawati Kurmi’s “Indreni”, Shanti Sapkota’s “Mitini”, Sanjog Thakuri’s “Mamighar”, Asmita Wadi’s “Haitamako Himmat”, and Sangita Uraw’s “Surjiko Ujyalo”. These stories were published under the “Aparajita Katha Project”, a part of the British Council’s gender-related arts initiative “Gender Arts: Equal Together 2025”, coordinated by journalist Sushila Tamang. The project also involved collaboration with the Children’s Literature and Research Center and the Hum Daajubhai organizations.

The books feature illustrations by artists Rabindra Manandhar, Anamika Gautam, and Prajwal Thapamagar. The project’s core goal is to use children’s literature as a medium to promote girls’ empowerment, gender equality, and reduce discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, class, and culture that persists in society. The stories capture the cultural and social life, experiences, and practices of marginalized communities.

During the event, educator Mathema emphasized the importance of encouraging children to read such diverse stories to help enhance their intellectual capacities. He noted that developing a reading habit broadens horizons of knowledge, urging efforts to motivate children towards greater literacy.

Activist Gauri Nepali, while reviewing all seven stories, highlighted that these narratives diverge from traditional storytelling styles by embedding moral lessons and ideals while authentically depicting societal realities. She remarked that the stories resonate deeply because they are not about elites but feel like relatable tales for many, a factor she believes will make them popular among Nepali readers.

Contributing their perspectives, children’s authors Pramod Pradhan, Ganga Karmacharya, Professor Dr. Taranidhi Bhattarai, British Council’s “Gender Arts: Equal Together 2025” director Yukta Bajracharya, author Bina Thing, and illustrator Anamika Gautam expressed optimism that these books will have a positive impact on the domain of children’s literature.