English edition of former Nepal Army General Rookmangud Katawal’s autobiography is all set to hit the book stands.

Rookmangud Katawal was Chief of Army Staff of the Nepal Army (NA) during the tumultuous years of Nepal's transition from monarchy to republic. The original Nepali edition of the book, which remains a best seller, was released in 2014. 

The book covers the story of truly historic proportions told from Katawal's unique perspective and with his characteristic insight, perception and candor.

 “Outspoken and bold, the general’s life story is worth reading for more insight and understanding into the Nepalese Army and Nepal’s politics,” said Political Scientist Lok Raj Baral in a review.

Climax of his life story revolve around his tenure when he refused to succumb to pressure from either the last monarch, Gyanendra Shah, or the first prime minister of the Republic of Nepal, Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal. In an intense showdown, Dahal attempted to remove Katawal from office, resulting, ironically, in Dahal's own downfall. 

In addition to the insight from an insider during Nepal’s transition, the book covers Katawal’s life from a village boy in remote eastern Nepal, playing and growing in the hills of Okhaldhunga, his magical journey into Kathmandu, his career into the Army and reaching the top office where a common Nepali was yet to reach in the modern history of the Army. 

The book originally written in collaboration with Journalist Kiran Bhandari was liked for its language, content and storytelling. “Being an author has given me unique exposure to a level, and connected me to people,” says General Katawal. 

Writing the forward of the book, Mikel Dunham, a researcher and writer on Himalayan issues says, “Reading the General’s Autobiography is, in essence, reading the timeline of Nepal’s struggle to emerge as a modern day democracy.”

Summarizing the book in one line, Journalist Kunda Dixit writes, ‘Katawal’s memoir gives us another insider’s account of the events that shaped recent Nepali history.’ 

“I am extremely happy to share my story with the English readership,” shares Katawal. “I will be happy, if my life and experience can be useful to the young generation of the nation,” he adds.

The book titled – ROOKMANGUD KATAWAL – MY LIFE will be released on 2nd of April amidst a function where Journalist Kunda Dixit moderates a session with General Katawal and Mikel Dunham.

This latest book in nepa~laya’s publication list will be available in the market for Nepali Rs. 725. This publication is nepa~laya’s initiative to make Nepali stories available to the international readers. The list of Nepali books translated and published in Nepali includes, Palpasa Café, a novel by Narayan Wagle, Life Stories of Ani Choying Drolma and Billionaire Binod Chaudhary. “This is continuity to our effort to bring Nepali stories to the international readers,” said Publisher Kiran Krishna Shrestha.