BOOK On History

A book that chronicles bravery of late Bhakti Thapa

By A CORRESPONDENT

Nepalese history is full of events related to courageous warriors and heroes but only a few authors have tried to highlight their roles in the process of uniting the country.

The war of Nalapani reminds us of the great contribution of Sardar Bhakti Thapa, who became a martyr fighting against the army of East-India company. For several days, Thapa fought bravely against the strong army of East-India company. Instead of surrendering he chose martyrdom. Even his enemy hailed him as a brave soldier in a small mountainous country.

At a time when Nepalese were facing humiliating defeat before East-India company, he defended Nepal's territory by demonstrating great courage and patriotism. In history, the war of Nalapani is regarded as one of the memorable wars between the two armies.

In this context, the name and contribution of Sardar Bhakti Thapa is not new in Nepalese history as he led Nepalese battalion in the famous Nalapani war.

Published by Puwar Thapa Chhettri Welfare Commitee, the book is a collection of some very important documents and articles and poems written on him.

One can still see his story of heroism and bravery in the memorable statue at Kangda of India. Born in Lamjung district, Thapa fought side by side with the Gurkhas showing his love for the country.

Although it is a small book, it includes some important documents about Bhakti Thapa and the war of Nalapani.

On Religion
Dasavtar

Keshar Bahadur Maskey's new book explains the importance of Dasavtar

By A CORRESPONDENT

Lord Vishnu is regraded as one of the supreme gods in the Hindu religion. According to the Hindu legend, god Vishnu takes incarnations whenever human beings are terrorized by devils. This is what writer Maskey tries to explain in his new book, Das Avtar.

Maskey's book is full of devotion and faith toward lord Vishnu. The new book will help the readers to understand what different roles lord Vishnu played during his different incarnations.

Maskey also describes Indian concept of religion and international thinking on god. Although the book focuses its attention on the ten different roles of god Vishnu, it also makes attempts to write about various sects of Muslim, Jain, Christian and Hindu religion.

Maskey holds views that religion is a inner felling through which an individual learns the ways to respect other human beings and nature. The god, as a creator, stands to protect the human being from evil.

The collection serves to remind us of our religious values and its importance in human life. From the first role of fish to second role of tortoise and the last role of Kalki, the author describes differnet incarnations of god Vishnu and their significance.

It also shows various roles the Hindu gods have played in destroying evil to protect human beings. The book is an attempt by the author to pay his respect to Vishnu.