Vijaya Chalise:

Books written especially for children are relatively a new kind of literature in the history of world literature. Children’s literature first emerged as a distinct and independent form of literature in the second half of the 18th century.

The literature available for children reflects the attitudes of society during a particular period, as books have always been viewed as instruments for transmitting traditions and culture as well as for indicating attitudes and values. Literature for children has reflected changing cultural patterns through the centuries. In an era of rapid social and technological changes, therefore, it is difficult to predict the future of children’s writing. It is, however, possible to discern trends, which will influence children’s literature tomorrow, as fantasies like Spiderman are interfering with the children’s interests.

The popular Panchatantra fables — a combination of moral fairy and folk tales — are still packed with homely practical wisdom as examples of children’s interest and good reading. Who is not familiar with the wise old crow and the cunning jackal, whose antics have been entertaining children of all ages in many countries including Nepal? The ancient Sanskrit texts are believed to have influenced some of the more lively characters of the Arabian Nights. The stories of popular ancient fables not only encapsulate worldly wisdom for children but also present insights into human and animal behaviour, fit to amuse children of both sexes, teaching moral lessons in the process. Even works of ancient Western literature, such as the stories by Greek poet Homer, are often adaptable to children’s reading because of their simple narrative forms.

Nepal has a rich literary tradition, but literature for children has not yet developed adequately. We have almost a century-long history of children’s literature; however, the early children’s books lack diversity and psychological aspects. Today we have been overwhelmed by the number of titles published each year for children. There are more good books for children in Nepali today than ever before. But the general quality of writing and book production is still not very high.

Until recently, the main sources of children’s literature in Nepal were the Ramayana, the Mahabharat and Jataka tales from Buddhist literature. Even in the Western world, the main sources of children’s literature were the Bible and the Greek and Latin classics, until the Renaissance. Writers like Gopal Pandey, Nandikeswor, Damaru Ballahav Pokhrel, Ganghadhar Drawid, Sikhar Nath Subedi, Ganga Dhar Shastri contributed to Nepali children’s literature in the early stages. But Jayaprithvi Bahadur Singh should be regarded as the pioneer in institutional development of children’s literature in Nepal. The effort of writing and producing children’s reading materials in an institutional way was taken forward by Gorkaha Bhasa Prakashini Samiti after its establishment in 1972 BS.

Besides, many writers from within and outside the country have contributed significantly. This was followed by some other works like translations of Panchatantra and Aesop’s Fables. However, no distinction was made between textbooks and children’s literature. Lekhanath Poudyal should be regarded as one of the first poets who adapted their style to writing for children. In the second phase of writing for children, Madhav Prasad Ghimire made a great contribution, followed by writers like Siddhi Charan Shretha, Yuddha Prasad Mishra and Shyam Prasad Sharma. The third and modern era of children’s literature perhaps began with the writing of prominent writers like Lekhanath Poudyal and Laxmi Prasad Devkota.

In contemporary writing for children, many writers have made a name such as Viswombhar Chanchal, Prema Shaha, Bunda Rana, Khagenda Sangraula, Sarada Raman Nepal, Kavita Ram, Daivagya Raj Neupane, Ram Babu Subedi, Gopal Parajuli, Tej P Shrestha, Vijaya Chalise, Pramod Pradhan, Kalp-ana Pradhan and many others. In addition, many artists and illustrators have made significant contributions. So have book publishers and magazines for children.

Children’s publications represent a big business. New developments in printing technology have made possible the publication of more books, attracting talented writers and artists. Yet, the available literature consists mainly of biographies, short stories, folk tales, classical tales and poems directly preaching morals to the children. Most of these works are retold versions of Sanskrit and folk literatures from Nepal and abroad. Many children’s books do not deal with facts and situations that are meaningful to the children. Literature for children embraces their entire imaginative world, including their environment, as well as certain ideas and sentiments characteristic of this world.

Writing for children is not easy. Kids are very sensitive, so it is important to provide the right materials and to build an environment where children’s creative talents could be cultivated. Nepal, which is undergoing a rapid modernisation process, is in a stage of transition. In such a situation, new social tensions emerge and even the value system undergoes a change. To remain relevant to the child, children’s literature must draw upon contemporary experiences in the lives of the people. A child who cherishes his or her textbooks will want to move on to other books, and we have to be ready for that.

Chalise is executive editor, Gorkhapatra daily