Architect and rural development planner Milan Bagale’s essay collection, Deshdristi, was launched amid a function in the Capital over the weekend. The book was released jointly by Mohan Murti Panta, professor of architecture at Khwopa Engineering College, and author Amber Neupane.

Deshdristi includes essays that touch upon subjects such as the decline and poor maintenance of Nepal’s heritage sites, unscientific urban planning, and the current status of Nepali architecture and civilisation. Divided into two categories, the book compiles 57 essays by Bagale published in Himal Khabar Patrika from 2012 to 2016.

“There is little literature that delves into subjects such as rural planning and modern-day architecture. Bagale’s work is especially important because he has tried to address seldom-explored subjects,” said Panta, adding, “And he does so in a language that is jargon-free and accessible to non-academic readers as well.”

Speaking at the programme, writer Neupane said that the book, even when dealing with subjects requiring intensive research, has managed to be engaging and readable. “The book is a collection of non-fiction essays, which is among the least read genres in the Nepali literary sphere. But Deshdristi doesn’t just pack a lot of facts and research outcomes. It engages the reader with vivid descriptions and lucid prose,” Neupane said. 

Deshdristi is Bagale’s second book. Prior to this, he published Ek Ghar Ek Rojgaar, also a collection of essays, in 2012.

Deshdristhi is published by Shangri-La Books.