A Confluence of Natural Sanctity and Progressivity.
BIJAY RAJ ACHARYA is a renowned and well-recognized name in the field of Nepali Children’s Literature. Besides original writing, he also professes publication, editing and translating both children’s and adults’ literature. His works are originally published in Nepali, but many of them have also been published in other international languages, including English. Simultaneously with writing and managing a publication house, he also is a member with several social, educational and literary organizations, in many of which, his role is that of the leadership. He is also equally honored as editor and translator, though his authorial repute surpasses all others. He is more popular, recognized and hailed as an original writer.
ACADEMIC Background
BIJAYA RAJ ACHARYA had his early schooling from Dangwang Lower Secondary School, Pyuthan, where he studied from grade 1to 7. Thereafter,he moved to Janapriya High School at Khilji, Asurkot, Arghakhanchi District, where he studied until he passed his grade 10 examination. After his matriculation, Mr. Acharya moved to Kathmandu for higher education, where he was destined to carve his career in literature and education as a teacher, writer, publisher and literary activist In Kathmandu, he earned his bachelor and master degrees from Ratna Rajyalaxmi Campus, a constituent campus of Tribhuvan University,located at Exhibition Road, Kathmandu.
Bjiaya’s inclination towards academic and literary activities seems to have developed early on,whi e he was still in the schools. Hestarted writing while he was still a school boywithout knowing that later in his life, he would become a much sought-after writer for kids. Besides writing,he also edits literary works for chi dren,including books and magazines, translates them, publishes and distributes them. Healso conducts training and workshop oncreative writing. He is,ina way,afull-time custodian of literatureand education.
Acharya as a CREATIVE WRITER
As stated earlier,writing developed as a natural flair in Bijaya Raj Acharya. Hecarried this boyhood day passion through his adulthood and earned fame as a writer of high commitment, passion and professionalism. His first work, Shantiko Atmakatha, a biographical fiction was published in Nepali in 2001,which was translated into English and circulated in thousands of copies all over the country. That was just a beginning. He wrote and published more and more works, most of them being fictions for kids-both short and long-and a few biographies of inspiring personalities including writers, artists and politicians. To name a few, he has written book-size biographies of Kewalpure Kisan and Shyam Prasad,two progressive writers, and Kanchha Kumar Karmacharya,
a painter of high fame and repute in the country. His book Agraj Srashtaharoo (Pioneer Writers) is a col ection of short biographies of some of the reputed writers of Nepal Yet another book, entitled Hamra Adarsha (Our Ideals) companies short biographies of great personalities of Nepal He also excels in picture stories for kids. He is among the few Nepali writers who also write for young adults. For adults, he has written Ratki Rani and Pagliyeko Dharati, two collections of haikus and a book, Ke Kasari Lekhne, which is a manual for users intending to teach the nuances of writing various genres. Another trademark of Mr. Acharya’s writing is his art of adapting older content and re-launching in the language of our kids. Such abridged works
borrow from existing body of literature, but in his hands, they assume an altogether different beauty.To name a few, he has published two volumes of Hitopadeshka Kathaharoo and one volume of stories from the Panchatantra for children. The rest of his works are collection of stories and picture stories for kids.
Keyboard, a film has been made based on a story of the same title Mr. Acharya has written. He also has two plays for children to his credits: Harayeki Ma (As I Go Missing) and Tiniharu Kaha Gaya Holan? (Where Could They have Gone?) Bijaya Raj Acharya also has a few more publications in line, and they include some picture stories, stories, fiction for young adults, memoires and writing manuals.
ACHARYA AS A TRANSLATOR
Acharya is also a translator par-excel ence and most of his translations are for kids. He is interested in compiling works from various cultural spaces around the world and rendering them into Nepali.His major translations include Bal Bagaicha, a collection of stories for children. Next come four volumes of folk tales Vishwa Prasiddha Lokkathaharu (Volume 1 to IV). collected from all around the world Next, he collected famous Chinese folktales,translated them into Nepali and published in three volumes. He also published 7 volumes of world famous stories for kids under the series Vishwa Prasiddha Bal Katha. Ramaila Chiniya Bal Katha, a collection of Chinese stories for children is yet
another landmark in his volumes of translated works. He also translated the finest plays of Leo Tolstoy for children and some world famous Japanese stories for kids. The individual books he translated include Euta Naya Pulko Nirman (The Construction of a New Bridge1 Kharayako Puchhar Kina Chhoto Bhayo (Why a Rabbit Has a Short Tail?t Kritagya Bagh (The Grateful Tiger1 Dolphinko Ramailo Katha (Interesting Story of Dolphin1 Saphaltaka Sutra (Tips for Success), Pari (Fairy), Andhi Keti ra Syal (The Blind Girl and the Fox), Aanti Putali (The Bold Butterfly) and Mama Ghar (The Home of My Mother’s Parents). There are more translations in line due for publication in the near future.
Acharya as a TRAINER
For about more than two decades, Bijaya Raj Acharya has been imparting creative writing training to children and writers of children’s literature allover Nepal He has facilitated such sessions inmore than 45 districts of Nepa and ma of his trainees have entered the professional market as writers.
Being the former principal of a schoo he has also been training his own students in writing and performing, and his students have been prize-winning performers in various events. His book Ke Kasari Lekhne, published in 2021 is a manual for aspiring writers. Those who lay his or her hands on the
book willlearn the basics of almost allthe major genres of creative writing, including poetshort fiction, non-fiction, biography, essays, memoirs, plays, travel essays, etc. As a trainer,Bijaya has conducted orientation sessions in more than 45 districts of the country. These sessions have benefitted more than
10 thousand attendees, especialy in the art of writing stories. Of them, around fifty chi dren have published their first books by now, while more than 100 schools have compiled and published the collection of stories their students have written after attending Acharya’s story writing sessions.
Acharya as an EDITOR
Bijaya Raj Acharya has a long experience of working as an editor. One of his most commendable tasks as editor is his continuous editing and publication of Hamro Bal Bagaicha, a literary monthly for children, coordinated and published by Bibek Srijanshil Publication.
He has also edited Pratinidhi Bal Natakharu (Representative plays for children1 Pratinidhi Bal Kathaharu (Representative stories for chi dren1 Vishwaka Bal Katha, a collection of children’s stories from around the world, Nava Pratibha, a monthly periodical for kids and a series of schooltextbook titled Nirantar Hamro Serophero, parts 1, 2 and 3.
Acharya
In
ORGANIZATIONS
Besides being a creative writer, translator, editor and trainer, Acharya is also a born social worker and activist His avenues of activism are primarily literature and education. In the past three decades, he has worked for various organizations as a writer, trainer, member or office-bearer. One of his key organizational involvements includes his role as the founder Chairperson of Bibek Srijanshil Publication that excels in the publication of children’s literature though it also publishes works for adults. Founded in 1997,the Publication has outdone its counterparts in publishing works for children.
Acharya is a life member of Ramesh Bikal Literature Foundation, general secretary of Nepalese Society for Children’s Literature (NESCHIL1 former national treasurer of Progressive Writers’ Association Nepaformer secretary of Mid-Western Literary Council,vice president of Bal Vangmaya tatha Anushandhan Kendra, life member of Sahitya Parishad, Pyuthan, and life member of Shri Peetambar Mankala Smriti Kosh, Nepal. He is thelife member of Janamat Vangmaya Pratistan, Sahitya Parisad Pyuthan Kathmandu, and Rapti Sahitya Parishad.
Publications of BIJAYA RAJ ACHARYA
Original Fictions
Shantiko Atmakatha (picture story,also translated into English as Shanti’s Autobiography, and into Nepal Bhasha as Shantiya Nugaya Baankha), Naya Basti (translated into English as The New Villagel Hamra Aawaj (novel for children, also translated into English as Our Vaicel Ujyalako Khajima (a drama,translated into English as In Search of Lightl Parivartan (The Rising of the Dimstars,a novel Chituwasanga Jamkabhet( picture story, translated as An Encounter with a LeaparrfJ. Batuli (collection of stories for children), Kade Dumsi (picture story, translated into English as The Spiny Parcupinel Kokle Kyak Kokale (picture story, translated into English in the same title),
Ma ta School Janna (picture story, translated into English as I Won’t Goto School), Ramailo School (Wonderful School, a picture story1Aa-aafno Sur (Their Own Ways, a picture story), Babaka Maya (stories, also translated into English as Daddys’ Love1 Hajuraamako Maya (stories, also translated into English as Grandmother’s Lave), Chhoriko Maya (stories,also translated into English as Daughter’s Lave1 Aamako Maya (Mother’s Love, a col ection of stories), Chhattu Chankhe (storiesl Two Voiceless Girls from Sitlang (stories) Paap Pakhalne Gaa (a collection of stories, also translated into English as The Holy Gangal
Budhani (stories both in Nepali and Englishl Jenishko Janmadin (a collection of stories also translated into English as Happy Birthday; Jenish1Smart Ghar (stories, also translated into English as Smart House), Good Night (a collection of stories for young adults, also published in English) Rangeen Bish (Colored Poison, stories) Aakash Odne Jindagi (stories, also published in English as Life under the Naked Sky), Rangalai Jutta (Shoes for a He-Buffalo,micro-stories), Kuti{stories, also translated into English as Hermitage1 Ramailo Gaun (stories1 Sikshako Jyoti
(The Light of Education, stories1 Kasie ke Gardaichha? (Who’s Doing What?, stories1 Swoyambhuka Aankhaharu (stories, also translated as The Eyes of Swoyambhu), Anam (stories1 Tain Chup Main Chup (Silent Everyone, stories1 Gyanpurko Jatra (The Carnival of Gyanpur, storiesl Uchyaun Uchyaun (stories) and Nepal Ghumne Rahar(A Wish to See Nepal stories1Khelda Padhdai, Sikdari (Playing, Reading and Learning, stories) Bijaya Raj Acharya’s Children’s Stories (col ections in English translations, Parts I and 111 and Matsyakanya (a collection of stories).
Plays : Ujyaloko Khojima (also translated into Englishas In Search of Light)
Edited Works : Pratinidhi Bal Natakharu (Representative Plays for Chi dren), Pratinidhi Bal Kathaharu (Representative Stories for Children), Vishwaka Bal Katha (Children’s Stories from the World,part 2), Nava Pratibha (monthly magazine for children), Hamra Bal Bagaincha (monthly magazine for children), Nirantar Hamra Serophero, parts 1,2 and 3 (school textbooksi
Translated Works : Bal Bagaicha (stories for chi dren),Euta Naya Pulko Nirman (The Construction of a New Bridge,stories for children), Kharayako Puchchhar Kina Chhora Bhayo N/hy Is the Rabbit’s Tail So Short,a folktale), Kritagya Bagh (The Grateful Tiger,a story), Dolphinko Ramailo Katha (Interesting Story of Dolphin), Vishwa Prasidhha Lok Katha (World Famous Folktales, volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4), Hitopadeshka Kathaharu (Stories form Hitopadesh, volumes 1 and 2), Prasiddha Chiniya Bal Kathaharu (Famous Chinese Stories for Chi dren, parts 1, 2, 3), Vishwa Prasiddha Bal Kathasangraha (World Famous Stories for Children, volumes 6 and 7), Ramaila Chiniya Bal Katha (Interesting Chinese Stories for Kids, Part 1and 2), Leo Tolstoyka Utkrishta Bal Natak (Leo Tolstoy’s Best Plays for Children), Panchatantraka Ramaila Katha (Interesting Stories form the Panchatantra), Vishwa Prasiddha Japani Lok Kathaharu (World Famous Japanese Stories for Children), Saphaltaka Saya Sutra (Hundred Tips for Success), Pari (Fairy), Andhi Keti ra Syal (The Blind Girland the Foxt Aanti Putali (stories) and Mama Ghar (Home of My Mother’s Parents).
Interviews : Fourteen Bright Buds
Kewalpure Kishan (in both Nepali and Englisht Kanchhakumar Kanchha (biography of artist KK Karmacharya), Shyam Prasad, Jhamak Kumari, Agraj Shrastaharu (also published in English as Pioneer Writerst Hamra Asthaharu (also published in English as Our /desist Iman ra Laganka Prateek Pramod Pradhan (Pramod Pradhan, an Epitome of Honesty and Hard Work, a biography of Pramod Pradhan),Binayashil Vinay (Modest Vinay, biography of author Vinay Kasajoot
Theoretical Works :Ke Kasari Lekhne (Writing Manual for Different Genres)
Haiku : Ratki Rani (The Night Queen), Pagliyeko Dharti (also translated into English as Melting Earth)
Manuscripts Readyfar Publication :Atmaharuko Atmakatha (Biographies of Great Souls), Bal Sahityako Sambhavana ra Chunauti (Opportunities and Challenges in Children’s Literature, theoretical book), Chhauko Ghau (The Wounds of Menstruation, picture story), Phurse (novel for kids), Vishwa Prasiddha Lok Katha (World Famous Folktales, part 5), Jaduko Chhadi (The Magical Wand, famous Chinese novel for kids), Ramaila Chiniya Bal Katha (Interesting Chinese Stories for Children, part 3 in translation), Harayeki Ma (My Lost Self, a collection of stories for young adults), Ajambari Phoolharu (Immortal Flowers, biographies), Taudahadekhi Blackpoolsamma (From Taudaha to Black Pool, travel memoir), Siddhartha (play for kids), Hiloma Phuleko Phool (Lotus in the Mud, picture story based on the life of famous artist KK Karmacharya), Creative Writing, and Pushpakamal, a collection of haikus, Tiniharu Kahan Gaye Holan (Where Could they have Gone, picture story), Saras Ra Manish (The Crane and the Man, picture story), Jenishko Janmadin (The Birthday of Jenish, picture story), Keyboard (picture story) Khada Devi (picture story), Sanyasi Raja (The Recluse King, picture story), Chhauko Ghau (The Pain of Menstruation, picture story), Swargako Mobile (The Mobile in Heaven, picture story), Paap Pakhalne Ganga (The Holy Ganga, picture story), Bubako Maya (Fathers’ Love, picture story) and Pushpakamal (A Collection of Haiku).
बालबालिकालाई सही शिक्षा दिन सकियो भनेमात्र समाज राम्रो बन्छ । तर, किताबी शिक्षा मात्र पर्याप्त हुँदैन । यसका लागि प्रगतिशील बालसाहित्यको ठूलो भूमिका हुन्छ । कुनै बेला जीवनदेखि हार खाएर आत्महत्या गर्ने मानसिकतामा पुगेका विजय आचार्य अहिले यसै योगदानलाई कदर गर्दै बालसाहित्य प्रतिष्ठानले उनलाई २०६० को उत्कृष्ट बाल साहित्य पुरस्कार प्रदान गरेको छ । एकै दिनमा १६ वटा किताब विमोचन गर्नेदेखि दुई वर्षमै १ सय १० वटा किताब निकाल्ने र अनुवाद र मौलिक गरी डेढ दर्जन बालकृति निकाल्नुलाई विजयको सानो सफलता मान्नु हुन्न ।
विजयले धेरै लामो उतार चढावपछि काठमाडाँैमा नेपाल राजकीय प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठान, साझा प्रकाशनजस्ता संस्थाले पनि गर्न नसकेका प्रकाशनका काम गरेर एउटा उदाहरण प्रस्तुत गरेका छन् । इच्छाशक्तिका अगाडि अरू सबथोक फिका हुँदारहेछन् भन्ने तथ्य उनले दुई वर्षमा झण्डै तीन सय महत्वपूर्ण पुस्तक निजी क्षेत्रबाट प्रकाशन गरेर देखाइदिए । जनतालाई कामलम्पट फोहोरी विचारका घीनलाग्दा कुरा नबेचेर असल, असलमात्र पुस्तक बेचेको आरोपमा पक्राउ परे उनी । उनी भारतका गल्ली गल्ली खानका लागि मात्रै पनि भौँतारिइरहेका थिए । त्यतिबेलै उनले थाहा पाए कि ठूलो मान्छेकाा लागि मात्र धर्मशाला रहेछन् । पार्टी, पौवा रहेछन्, आखिर बालबालिकालाई धर्मशालामा प्रवेश निषेध छ, पार्टी पौवामा असुरक्षा छ । सबै संघ संस्था ठूला मान्छेका लागि मात्र काम गर्दा रहेछन् ।
बालबालिकामा पनि स्वच्छ वैचारिक चेतना जागरण गराउने उद्देश्यले केही समयपूर्वदेखि उहाँले बालप्रकाशन कार्य पनि आरम्भ गर्नुभएको छ । छोटो समयमा ४० भन्दा बढी बालउपयोगी पुस्तकहरू प्रकाशन गरी नेपाली बाल प्रकाशनकै क्षेत्रमा समेत अग्रपंक्तिमा उभिन उहाँ सफल हुनुभएको छ । आँट र मेहनत गरे के हुँदैन भन्ने कुराको शिक्षा उहाँको जीवन भोगाइले दिन सफल भएको छ । हामीले उहाँका तिनै सफलताका कथालाई लिपिबद्ध गर्न नसके पनि उहाँको सामान्य परिचय यहाँ प्रस्तुत गरेका छौँ ।