GANGTOK: A day before the renowned Nepali folk-rock band Nepathya’s live concert in the city, Salamander Imprints launched the Indian edition of the band’s acclaimed biography, “Nepathya: Lokapriya Yatrako Antaranga,” at a book cafe in Siliguri on Friday.
A press release stated that the event was attended by prominent figures from the fields of art, music, and literature.
Nepathya’s renowned voice, Amrit Gurung, was the main attraction. The biography, written by Girish Giri, was officially released during the ceremony by Amrit Gurung, Girish Giri, Kiran Krishna Shrestha, Abhas, Gyanendra Khatiwada, Badri Kharel, and Durga Kharel.
Nepathya is a renowned rock band that blends original Nepali melodies with contemporary musical expressions. Its music revitalizes the Nepali language and culture and spreads a message of peace and harmony. The band’s songs, which traveled across Nepal during its “Peace Music Journey” during Nepal’s time of conflict, offer a poetic glimpse into the times and circumstances of the country.
Since the 1980s, Nepathya has consistently performed on stage both in Nepal and abroad, and this remarkable journey is beautifully narrated in the book.
The publishers said, “A widely read book in Nepal, this biography is loved not only as the story of a band but also as an inspiring tale that fosters positive thinking and strengthens mental strength. Curated for readers of all ages, this book serves as a motivational account and a creative approach to looking at life and the world constructively.”
Addressing the audience, Nepathya’s lead vocalist, Amrit Gurung, said, “Writing the truth is never easy. This book courageously reveals the true stories of our band.” He also expressed hope that just as the biography has been well-received by readers in Nepal, it will receive similar acclaim in India and be read by many more.
Raja Puniyani, Director of Bookant Publication House, said, “After the launch of Dr. Sonam B. Wangyal’s Darjeeling to Distant Destinations and Sharada Chhetri’s A Legacy of Sorrow: A Story from Darjeeling, Nepathya: Popular Travelogue is the Salamander imprints’ third title. We hope to strengthen the exchange of stories between India and Nepal with this important book biography.”
He further added that the book is already available on the Bookant e-commerce website and Amazon India and will soon be available in major bookstores in Darjeeling and Sikkim.
In his speech as the original publisher from Nepal, Kiran Krishna Shrestha, Chief Publisher of Publications Nepalya in Kathmandu, said, “Publishing is a field that connects readers and authors. We hope that the publication of Nepalya through Salamander Imprints will open a new avenue for readership in India.” He emphasized that the exchange of ideas and creative works is essential today, in a world where boundaries are gradually disappearing.
Author Girish Giri expressed his delight at seeing his book published in Darjeeling, a city known for its rich artistic and literary heritage. He shared his experiences during the process of writing the biography and his close association with the band.
Poet-musician Abhas emphasized the importance of inculcating the habit of reading in one’s mother tongue among children and youth to stay connected to their roots. Poet-critic Gyanendra Khatiwada praised the book’s publication in India and said that promising publishing initiatives are creating a promising cultural environment in Darjeeling.
Following the formal release, readers eagerly lined up to receive their own copies of Nepathya: The Popular Journey of the Invisible, signed by Amrit Gurung.
The event was attended by numerous renowned personalities from various fields, including folk singer duo Badri-Durga Kharel, historian Dr. Sonam B. Wangyal, lyricist Puran Giri, musician Divas Gurung, artist Neelmani Thapa, singer-composer Pujan Lohagun, theater artist Lalit Gole, singer Sannidhya Thapa, theater artist-poet Raju Pradhan Himanshu, singer Junu Gautam, content creator-singer Anir Tamang, writer-journalist Anuradha Sharma, poet-critic Basudev Thapa, and others.
The release states that the program was hosted by poet-musician and owner of Studio Soundtrack, Sameer Sharma.
