Noted journalist Purushottam Dahal's novel, 'Kalpatra' released

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha has released a novel 'Kalpatra' penned by noted journalist Purushottam Dahal in the federal capital today.

Releasing the novel amidst a function, DPM Shrestha viewed the country was facing a crisis due to the people who run only after power and property.

He viewed the network of corruption and commission-seeking should be ruptured in order to build the country. New values should be established, DPM Shrestha said, adding that the novel 'Kalpatra' has been written in the background of our political and social aberrations.

He wondered why our values are eroding. He shared that the novel has strongly advocated for fair politics. DPM Shrestha informed he had set the slogan- Clean politics to make country prosperous.

DPM Shrestha further viewed unless the political parties and leaders are changed, the country would not see meaningful change. The novel by noted journalist and rights defender Dahal has underscored the same theme.

On the occasion, critic Gyanu Adhikari viewed the novel is a blend of politics, journalism and philosophy. "It can be dubbed a political novel. For the non-political readers, it is a political abyss," she said, adding that eroding professionalism in journalism is also exposed here.

According to her, the novel begins from politics and ends at politics. Even a complete philosophy is found in this novel. Interestingly, philosophical thought is realized in the character in his late age.

The critic further viewed how such evil characters are created in society. It is grim reality of present politics which is plagued by immorality, corruption, commission-seeking and setting.

Another commentator of the book, former lawmaker and political leader Shovakar Parajuli viewed biting reality of contemporary Nepali politics is presented in the novel. Humanism is stressed by writer Dahal.

"What duplicity of politics- even a dead body is discriminated and class/strata is reflected there," he exclaimed, adding that there is sex, but no love, neither lover nor beloved but politics. Vivid mention of anomaly and aberrations galore in the novel, Parajuli explained.

Undoubtedly, it is an unrivaled political novel. Power, property ad position are yearned in the politics that lacks morality which is depicted by novelist Dahal, he reminded. However, good people reemerge and light vanquishes darkness, he hoped.

Novelist Dahal, who wears multiple hats- human rights defender, professor of political science, poet, and essayist, shared that it is his second novel, which dwells largely on Nepal's politics, to which he observed minutely for over four decades via journalism. Deviation and digression, immorality and illogic have prevailed in politics which has paralyzed other sectors- administration, journalism, and security too, he said, such anomalies made him write a novel. He requested everyone to reach this book to all political leaders and cadres.

Former Vice Chancellor of Nepal Sanskrit University, Prof Dr Kul Prasad Koirala, said the novel is a true mirror of politics which is full of debauchery and decadence. Time has come for political correction which the novel urges for, Dr Koirala added.

The novel is published by Impression Publications and Media Pvt. It cost Rs 525.

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