Release of Kedar Sanket’s Latest Story Collection ‘Antim Saanjh’

The latest short story collection ‘Antim Saanjh’ (The Final Evening) by author Kedar Sanket, who has established his identity through war literature while residing in the UK, has been released.

The book was launched during a special program organized by Milap Publication and coordinated by ANESAS Darpan on Sunday at Aila Lounge in Kumaripati, Lalitpur. 

The event was presided over by epic poet Khem Nath Dahal. During the program, Ramesh Dahal, Executive Editor of ANESAS Darpan, delivered the welcome speech, while Gita Adhikari, Executive Editor of Milap Monthly, facilitated the event.

The Chief Guest of the program, Shreeom Shrestha ‘Rodan’, senior litterateur and President of the Nepal Creator's Society, remarked that the existence of some writers who become famous based on hype is not long-term. 

He stated that a long-term destination is guaranteed for those creators who remain continuously engaged in their poetic duty and creative reflection.

He further noted that Kedar Sanket stands out in a crowd of creators who seek to establish themselves solely through awards, competitions, and publicity. He added that due to the experimental style, diversity of subject matter, and gravity of the narrative, a good work naturally gains evaluation and discussion over time.

Reviewing the work, writer Pragati Rai mentioned that Kedar Sanket’s stories have emerged in a distinct vein, giving precedence to realism and experimentalism. 

She noted that by the time they reached the form of a published collection, the stories had become sufficiently refined and sophisticated, and she expressed her best wishes for his future writing to be even more powerful.

Record-breaking musician and novelist Santosh Shrestha compared the birth of a child to the birth of a literary work. He stated that the book’s attractive cover and design, along with the involvement of eminent literary figures in its introduction, confirm the quality of the work. 

He expressed confidence that Kedar Sanket’s artistic presentation and stories would significantly contribute to the enrichment of Nepali literature.

Chairperson Khem Nath Dahal delivered an in-depth critical speech, noting that the stories were written in a new style and that he was deeply impressed by them.

Although the author, Kedar Sanket, could not be physically present, he shared his remarks via a video call. He stated that since a writer expresses their thoughts through their creations, there is no need to speak extensively. 

Mentioning that feedback from readers is the greatest award for an author, he said he would continue to refine his future writing based on the responses received.

On the occasion, Pratik Ghimire, editor of the literary bimonthly Rachana, and Uttam Katij of the Sunuwar Sewa Samaj, among others, offered their congratulatory remarks.

The program saw a significant presence of writers and litterateurs, including Ganesh Thapa, Bishnu Bahadur Basnet, Umesh Sharma, Uttam Kumar Sunuwar, Sanu Shrestha, Sojuhang Kirat, Ganga Prasad Bhetwal, Jayaram Bidari, and Akkal Kunwar. 

The event concluded with remarks from Krishna Bhusal, editor of Milap Monthly.