When the string of patience breaks, even a conscious force that had remained silent in the hope of light can surge forth like a devastating flood. We have become witnesses to this proven riddle. In this course, Nepal lost 75 promising youths on the 8th and 9th of September 2025. Advancing with the demand that their rights to expression are not be stripped away and that corruption-free, employment-oriented good governance be ensured, the thunderous cry of these youths compelled power itself to kneel. Within just two days, the country’s governing system underwent a radical transformation. It is a rare and unprecedented event in world history.

Yet amid the floodwaters of that moment, a torrent of fire that mingled midway reduced numerous physical structures to rubble, including historic heritage sites such as Singha Durbar, court buildings, and sensitive documents housed therein. Criminals took the opportunity to break out of prisons and fled, thereby posing a threat to internal security and also tarnishing the country’s international image to an extent. Even after the looters had stripped the margins bare and there was nothing left to plunder, we still consider ourselves fortunate because, at the very least, we did not wake up from sleep to find ourselves in another’s territory. We still hold to the strong faith that as long as the nation exists, the doors of possibility remain open. We are preparing to rise again. Indeed, many challenges lie before us now. But by embracing challenges as opportunities, we ready ourselves to move forward again. May both our steps and our strides now lead the country to its destination in time! We, lovers of art and literature, offer this wish as a heartfelt tribute in the name of the nation.

It seems that among all realms of creation, the only sphere where human beings can encounter nature, the supreme and masterful planner of existence, directly, and assert their being is in art, literature, and culture. In this regard, the patron of the Foundation and poet-essayist Bimal Koirala has long articulated that art, literature, and culture are not ornaments to be worn at will and shelved away when inconvenient; rather, they are a soft power that animates the visible structures of society, nation, and world in a healthy and dignified manner. To distrust or devalue this invisible soft power is to consider only the visible body as truth while scorning the conscious force that keeps the body alive and in motion. In this sense, practitioners of art and literature are the soul of a nation. That is why we have always said: a nation without a soul is like a collapsed corpse. There is no living metaphor that could possibly be offered to it beyond ruins!

We have continuously advocated that state academic institutions must not be turned into recruitment centers for political henchmen. We also emphasize that it is high time to provide moral education from an early age to the students who are the human force needed for a civilized and dignified future for the nation. It is only through moral education and cultivated values that a refined and civilized image of family, society, and nation is shaped, imbued with a sense of responsibility. To this end, abandoning the culture of sycophancy and keeping the nation’s pulse at heart, it is necessary to incorporate appropriate literature-related content into future school and university curricula. Those in power must not turn public institutions into private property of their party. They should consider power as a trust of the people and rise above self-interest. The new leadership should guide the nation toward prosperity with proud respect for art and literature. This is our earnest wish.

After all, art and literature are enthroned with a near-divine authority that reveals the dark truths prevailing in society! Nepali Kalasahitya Dot Com Foundation is dedicated in every way to honoring and uplifting art and literature, the bearer of life’s truths. Through special effort and with the support of creators and supporters, we now present the print magazine Kalashree and the sixteenth issue of www.nepalikalasahitya.com / www.nepaliartnliterature.com, an annual e-magazine devoted to Nepali art, literature, and music. They feature curated literary pieces in both English and Nepali versions.

Even if words cannot fully capture the fragrance of life, we salute the rainbow-like words that truly render its colors. No matter how much darkness descends upon this world, we salute the creators who, bearing witness to luminous possibilities, ignite fireworks of words within the dark. Kalashree, an annual literary magazine, and this e-magazine have become living testimonies to such luminous and righteous endeavors. We hold the proud belief that this sustained virtuous journey of ours will stand as a living monument of faith and trust. In this journey of good deeds, Nepali Kalasahitya Dot Com Foundation, with the affectionate support of NLG, shall remain forever unforgettable in the world of creators.

Nepali Kalasahitya Dot Com Foundation extends its gratitude to all contributors and well-wishers who have supported the discovery of life’s harmonious rhythm through creative endeavor. We also take this opportunity to thank creative writers Keshab Sigdel and Mahesh Paudyal for their loving support in English translation.

We reiterate our desire for a beautiful life and our support for art, literature, and their devoted practice…

- Momila