Journalist Damodar Neupane’s second book, Karma: Sikaai ma Gahiriyeko Khadal, was discussed amid a function in Dhulikhel on Monday. The book, an anthology of reflective essays on the condition of differently-abled children in Nepal, was launched last October.

The event, organised by Network of District Children’s Club, saw members of clubs and activists speak about the book. 

Safalta Bhandari, former chairperson of the Jilla Baalclub Sanjal, Sindhupalchok, hailed the book for raising issues related to children, especially differently-abled children. “We have been raising our voices through various initiatives and author Neupane did it by writing. And we know, written words are more effective than spoken words. It feels good to see our voices being anthologised in a book,” said Bhandari. 

Bhandari also offered critique on the book: “While I was paging through it, the issues and anecdotes it deals with struck me as ones I have seen with my own eyes, like stories of my own brothers and sisters. Anyone who reads it can relate to it and, moreover, for those like us who are working in this field, it encourages to do more.” 

Meanwhile, Rajaram Basnet, chairperson of Kathmandu District Children’s Clubs’ Network, who is also featured in the book, said the book was a great medium to bring the issues related to children to the fore. “We do encounter problems while working on different issues, but we lack proper outlet to let the problems be known. The book not only teaches us that but also has volumes to tell about how to help children, especially differently-abled children, to explore their talents. The book, however, does not dictate but leads us by example.” 

At the event, author Neupane talked about the genesis of the book. “The book was conceived as part of a campaign on how to rear children so as to turn them to effective citizens once they grow up. It’s of paramount importance to be attentive to the children of today while formulating plans for tomorrow.” Neupane went on, “But how are we faring? To speak in general, children are not given the care they deserve. This is sad. We have to change our perspective on how we see children.”