Nepal lit fest discusses India's role in democratic struggle

India's role in Nepal's 2006 People's Movement that restored democracy and abolished monarchy and the country's influence in Nepalese politics were discussed during an international literary extravaganza that began here today.
Noted Indian literary personalities, including Shobhaa De, Ravinder Singh, Anna Zaidi and Indian Embassy's first secretary Abhay Kumar will also present their views during the four-day Nepal Literature Festival.
Senior journalist Yuvaraj Ghimire, leftist writer Mumaram Khanal, Sudhir Sharma, editor of Kantipur daily, expressed their views on contemporary Nepalese politics and growing interest of foreign powers, including India, in it.
Although Maoist insurgency built the ground for establishing republican system in Nepal, the play of foreign powers also played some kind of role in abolishing monarchy in Nepal, Khanal said.

Nepal's sovereignty and nationalism has become weaker as foreign influence is growing with the intervention of foreign diplomats in the decision-making processes of political parties, argued Ghimire.
Actor Rajesh Hamal, actress Nisha Adhikari, renowned litterateur Abhi Subedi, noted comedians Madan Krishna Shrestha and Haribansha Aharya are among Nepalese literary personalities participating in the literary extravaganza, organised by telecommunication company Ncell Nepal and leading publication house Book Worm.