Kathmandu, October 15 — Agriculture Development Bank Limited has unveiled the 122nd edition of Samashti, its literary publication dedicated to promoting Nepali literature and creative expression.
The publication was launched at a ceremony held in the conference hall of the bank’s head office in Kathmandu on Ashoj 29. The programme was attended by bank Board of Directors member Binod Kumar Guragain as the chief guest and bank Chief Executive Officer Govinda Gurung, who is also the patron of Samashti, as the chairperson.
Addressing the programme, chief guest Guragain said that people who love literature tend to have gentle and good character. He expressed the view that everyone should develop an interest in literature. He also highlighted the publication’s significant contribution to Nepali literature and extended his best wishes for its continued publication.
Chairing the event, CEO Gurung said that although he had not been able to become a dedicated practitioner of literature, he maintained an interest in art, music and literature. He informed the gathering that Samashti had been changed to a four-monthly publication from the fiscal year 2083/84, with plans to publish it every two months in the coming days.
Gurung also recited a poem associated with the expression “Orali Jane,” which was used in the Lamjung region during the decade of the 1960s of the Bikram Sambat era. He thanked the editorial team members for their efforts in producing the publication and extended festive greetings on the occasions of the upcoming Bada Dashain, Tihar, Chhath and Nepal Sambat.
Senior literary figure Krishna Dharabasi, a recipient of the Madan Puraskar and former editor of Samashti, also extended his best wishes. He recalled his experience of working as the publication’s editor 16 years ago.
Similarly, Pratap Subedi, chairperson of the Samashti editorial team and deputy general manager of the bank, welcomed the distinguished guests and participants.
The event was attended by bank Board of Directors member Rita Subedi; storyteller Dilip Shah, a former member of the Samashti editorial team; poet Mohini Man, a former editor of the publication; deputy general managers, departmental heads and other bank employees.
The programme was conducted by Shantiram Bhattarai, editor of Samashti and a branch manager of Agriculture Development Bank Limited.
With the release of its 122nd edition, Samashti continues its role as a platform for literary expression and the promotion of Nepali literature.
