Kathmandu, February 19

The English version of the historic book Sandeya Lisah, which was originally written in Newari language by Dharma Ratna Yami, was released today amidst a ceremony.

The English version is titled Reply from Tibet.

The author of the book was the father of Naya Shakti Party leader Hisila Yami. He had written the book while he was doing time in prison from 1941 to 1946. Yami was also a businessman and lived in Tibet for 17 years, which gave him the opportunity to know about the culture and tradition of Tibetans.

Speaking at ceremony former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai, also a son-in-law of Yami, said that the book reflected the psychology and socio-cultural aspects of Nepali people during the authoritative Rana regime. He also said that during the Rana regime, minority languages were not given any recognition and importance.

Similarly, cultural expert Satya Mohan Joshi compared the book with Muna-Madan, a short narrative epic considered a literary masterpiece in Nepali literature. He, however, expressed his doubts whether the translated version would carry the essence of the book written in the Newari language.

The translator of the book DB Gurung expressed gratitude for providing him the opportunity to translate one of the greatest books ever written in the Newari language.

DB Gurung has written numerous poems and some of his poems are included in the curriculum of Tribhuvan University.

Late Dharma Ratna Yami has written eight books in the Newari language, 15 in Nepali, three in Hindi and three in the English language.

The translated book was jointly released by Hisila Yami, Professor Abhi Subedi and former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai. With this, the book has been now translated into three languages — Nepali, English and Tibetan.