Kathmandu, Feb. 21
Eleven-year-old
Avik Gautam, a Grade 5 student of Nisarga Batika School, launched his novel The
Wilds and Wonders of Venua Island at a programme in Lalitpur on Saturday.
The
event was attended by publishers and authors, including Keshab Parajuli,
Director of Bhundipuran Prakashan. Shree Om Shrestha ‘Rodan’, Chairperson of
Shrasta Samaj, Pramod Pradhan, former Chairperson of Baal Sahitya Samaj, and
journalist Bindesh Dahal. Pradhan and Dahal critically reviewed the book on the
occasion.
Nisarga
Batika School Principal Chhabi Raman Silwal and child rights activist Krishna
Subedi also spoke at the event. Avik's parents, Rabindra Gautam and Sabina
Thapa, and grandfather Ram Kumar Thapa were also present at the programme.
According
to the publisher, Gautam began writing the book at the age of nine and
completed the first draft in June 2025. The publication process was completed
this year.
The
book presents a fictional story based on an island and a series of events
following a discovery. The narrative includes elements of adventure and
imagination. Avik said he was interested in writing and planned to continue. He
also said he wanted to become a cricketer in the future.
Speakers
at the programme discussed children’s reading and writing and the role of
schools and families in supporting such activities. The book has been published
by Bhundipuran Prakashan and is available through the publisher, selected
outlets and the online platform Daraz.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 22 February 2026.
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