Bilingual Poetry Anthology ‘Of Motherland and Love’ Released in Kathmandu to Mark Tolstoy’s 198th Birth Anniversary

EDUCAST, The Nepal-Russia Literary Society (NRLS), in collaboration with the Russian House in Kathmandu, hosted a literary gathering at the Russian House Conference Hall on Friday, September 11, 2026. The program celebrated the launch of the bilingual poetry collection “Of Motherland and Love” (featuring contemporary women’s poetry of Russia and Nepal) alongside the 198th birth anniversary of legendary Russian author Lev Tolstoy.

The event was chaired by Er. Vishnu B. Singh, President of NRLS, with Rinchen Rakshaev, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation to Nepal, attending as Chief Guest. The ceremony was attended by prominent literary and diplomatic figures, including Anastasia Khokhlova, Director of the Russian House; Er. Chandra Kant Acharya, Vice President of NRLS; author Ram Bindu Shrestha; reviewer Prof. Dr. Geeta Tripathee; poet Avaya Shrestha; senior poet Usha Sherchan; and Nai Prakashan founders Narendraraj Prasai and Indira Prasai. A video greeting from Moscow was presented by Tamara Viktorovna Potyomkina, President of the Literary Commission of the Society for Cooperation and Friendship with Nepal (OSDN), while Bhabana Nyoupane of the Russian House moderated the proceedings. Published to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Russia–Nepal diplomatic relations, the newly launched anthology brings together works by 21 Russian and 20 Nepali women poets.

Each entry is translated into both languages, with Nepali poems rendered into Russian and Russian poems into Nepali, exploring themes centered on womanhood, love, homeland, peace, and shared human values. During the ceremony, writers and translators who contributed to the publication were honored with Certificates of Appreciation from the Russia–Nepal Cooperation and Friendship Society in Moscow, presented by Chief Guest Rinchen Rakshaev and Director Anastasia Khokhlova. The literary portion of the program featured insightful addresses and book reviews.

Author Ram Bindu Shrestha shared reflections on Tolstoy’s enduring legacy and the core themes of the anthology. Detailed review speeches were delivered by Prof. Dr. Geeta Tripathee and poet Avaya Shrestha, both of whom were later presented with Tokens of Love by the Russian House in recognition of their contributions. Additionally, author Dheeraj Amatya presented the Russian translation of his children’s book “Mitraban Ko Gufa”—which emphasizes peace, unity, and friendship—to representatives of the Russian Embassy, the Russian House, and NRLS. The program concluded with formal addresses highlighting the importance of cultural diplomacy.

Chief Guest Rinchen Rakshaev described the collection as a literary bridge between the two nations, while Director Anastasia Khokhlova praised literature’s power to inspire positive global change. In his closing remarks, NRLS President Er. Vishnu B. Singh emphasized moving beyond ceremonial exchanges toward sustained literary translation and dialogue, after which guests gathered for a group photo and refreshments.