Launch of Shivraj Shahi’s Debut Short Story Collection ‘One Maanth One Deity’ Successfully Held

The debut short story collection by young author Shivraj Shahi, titled ‘One Maanth One Deity,’ was launched in a special event held in Kathmandu on July 26. The launch ceremony saw collaboration between literary figure Nayanraj Pandey, former minister and author Madhav Chaulagain, actress Suraksha Pant, and the author himself, Shivraj Shahi.

Commenting on the book, literary critic Nayanraj Pandey highlighted the deep incorporation of Karnali’s themes in the works of emerging authors. Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of contemporary writers, he characterized Shivraj Shahi as having two distinct facets—‘Shivraj-K’ and ‘Shivraj-Kh.’ He explained, “The stories attributed to ‘Shivraj-K’ are excellent, whereas those of ‘Shivraj-Kh’ are somewhat different. In truth, Shahi is ‘Shivraj-K.’ This book is truly outstanding.”

Author and former minister Madhav Chaulagain remarked that the book encapsulates stories and pains of the Karnali region. “The narratives depict not only the Karnali community but also life’s myriad small and large aspects. This serves as a social science mirror reflecting Karnali,” he said. Actress Suraksha Pant noted that eleven stories from the collection could be adapted into films. She added, “After reading this book, I understood that there is a deity within every Maanth. Each story encapsulates relationships in life. All the tales possess a timeless quality, akin to classic cinema.”

Author Shivraj Shahi shared that his stories give voice to the mothers and sisters from Karnali. A native of Jaja, Rikotka, Shahi is also the winner of the 2082 Baahrakhari Story Competition and the 2081 Chakramani Chalisey Story Competition. ‘One Maanth One Deity’ is his first collection of short stories. Illustrated in color font based on the themes and images of the stories, this collection has been published by BookHill.