Children’s Literature meet in Tilaurakot

By Our Correspondent, Kapilvastu, July 20: The 31st National Children's Literature Conference is set to take place in the historic town of Tilaurakot, Kapilvastu, closely associated with the childhood of Lord Gautam Buddha, on November 27 and 28.

Speaking at a press conference organised to brief the media on the preparations, the local organising committee stated that the conference is a historic occasion linked to the prestige and pride of Kapilvastu. 

Minraj Belbase, Coordinator of the Local Organising Committee formed under the leadership of Bhrikuti Community Learning Centre, Buddhabhumi Municipality-4, expressed confidence that the conference would not only promote children’s literature but also highlight Kapilvastu’s historical, archaeological, cultural and tourism significance at both national and international levels.

According to a press statement issued by the Nepal Children’s Literature Society, the National Children’s Literature Conference has been organised continuously since 2031.

 This year’s edition will be hosted in Tilaurakot, the ancient capital during the Buddha era. Around 15 writers and artists from seven Asian countries, 50 distinguished literary figures from across Nepal, and approximately 500 students from Kapilvastu are expected to participate.

The conference will feature workshops on children’s story writing, poetry, essay writing, literary review writing, painting, handwriting, acting and dance for students from Grades 6 to 12.

The programme will also include a book exhibition, the launch of new publications, a morning procession, cultural performances, discussions on children’s literature, a visit to the Tilaurakot Palace site, and a closing ceremony featuring the distribution of awards and the release of the Kapilvastu Declaration. Addressing the press conference, Padam Parabasi, Vice-President of the Nepal Children’s Literature Society, said the conference would help foster reading habits, creativity and an appreciation of literature among children.

Pashupati Mani Tripathi, President of Nava Sahitya Samaj Kapilvastu, said that the conference was a significant milestone in the district’s literary history and stressed that its success would require collective efforts from all concerned.

Literary figure Hariraj Sharma said the event should be regarded as an important programme linked to the prestige and identity of Kapilvastu, expressing confidence that it would become a milestone in promoting the district's literature, history and tourism.

Coordinator Belbase said the conference’s primary objective is to identify children’s talents and abilities while providing them with a creative environment to develop their potential.

He added that the total estimated cost of the conference is Rs. 1.2 million, of which Rs. 700,000 will be contributed by the central committee of the Nepal Children’s Literature Society, while the remaining Rs. 500,000 will be managed by the local organising committee.