Beyond Borders (Nepali Literature in Translation) – Jayant Sharma

Nepal has a rich history dating back thousands of years, holding untold stories recorded in its literature. However, much of this past remains unknown to the world due to a lack of translation. translateNEPAL is an initiative dedicated to bridging this gap and bringing Nepali literature to the global stage.
BEYOND BORDERS is an annual publication by translateNepal that showcases classic and contemporary Nepali literature through translation. It features poems, short stories, essays, and dramas from distinguished Nepali writers.
“In the vast expanse of literary development, the evolution of Nepali language and literature has become notably significant only in the past two centuries. Yet, the pride we derive from this relatively recent literary tradition standing alongside the established literatures of millennia is undeniable. However, a pressing question arises: why have we been unable to elevate and disseminate Nepali literature to the same level as other world languages? The answer is straightforward-because we access other literatures through translation, but when it comes to our own literature, the challenge lies not in understanding it ourselves, but in making it accessible and appealing to others. Indeed, the challenges we face stem from a lack of skilled translations, competent translators, and the necessary mechanisms to promote our literature on the global stage. Yet, it is through dreams that the seeds of thought are sown; these thoughts, in turn, propel us toward our destination, with each step serving as a launchpad for achieving our goals. As such, this marks the beginning of that journey-Beyond Borders.”
Beyond Borders (Nepali Literature in Translation) – Jayant Sharma