Vice President of Nepal to release Abhay K's collection of poems

Indian poet-diplomat Abhay K's collection of poems on Nepal titled 'Jatra' will be released by Nepal's Vice President Parmanand Jha in Kathmandu on April 22.

An exhibition of poetry-paintings on Nepal by Abhay K and Italian artist Tarshito will also be inaugurated on the occasion.

Among the noted speakers slated to speak on the occasion are Ambassador Ranjit Rae, Pradip Giri, film director and lyricist Chetan Karki, poet and playwright Abhi Subedi, poet and chancellor of the Nepal Music and Drama Academy Sarubhakta Kishore Nepal.

'Jatra' is a collection of poems on major landmarks and heritage sites of Nepal as well as key historical personalities and festivals by Abhay K written during his three-year stay in the country.

Originally written in English under title 'The Eight-Eyed Lord of Kathmandu', he attempts to paint a poetic-portrait of Nepal.

The collection of poems has been translated into Nepali by noted author Kishore Nepal and has been published by We Read - an imprint of Kathalaya Inc.

The book has been beautifully illustrated by well-known Italian artist Tarshito. He had earlier collaborated with poet Abhay K on poetry-paintings on Delhi.

"Abhay K's poems present a fresh Nepal - his source of love, respect and inspiration," said poet-playwright Abhi Subedi.

"Abhay K has a special gift. His poetic mission, rare today, is simply to praise. His poems shimmer with deep human appreciation of the gift of life and its fragile tapestry. I see them as Vedic hymns of praise in contemporary dress," said Irish poet Gabriel Rosenstock.

Abhay K, a noted Indian poet-diplomat, is a recipient of the SAARC Literary Award and nominated for the Pushcart Prize 2013.

Author of two memoirs and five poetry collections, his recent poetry collection 'The Seduction of Delhi' has turned out to be a poetry bestseller.

His poems have appeared in major literary journals across the world and have been translated into Russian, Italian, Chinese, Hindi and Nepali.

Tarshito (Nicola Strippoli) is a reputed Italian artist, who works on spirituality, creativity and tradition between the East and the West. His materials and symbols belong to ancient cultures but his works are situated in present.

Tarshito, who has exhibited his works across the world, is a professor at the Academy of Fine Art in Bari, Italy.