New book 'Sandhikal' explores the foundations of Nepal's democratic transition

 Kathmandu. The book 'Sandhikal: Samajik Parivartanko Aadharbhumi', which tells the story of the arrival of democracy in Nepal, has been launched. The book, written by historical sociologist Lokranjan Parajuli, was unveiled on Saturday morning at the Nepalaya Arshala.

The book was launched as author Lokranjan Parajuli presented copies to historian Maheshraj Pant, Gen-Z activist Raksha Bam, and sociology student Yadav Aryal. While launching the book 'Sandhikal', author Parajuli stated that the change of वि.सं. २००७ was the biggest turning point after the construction of modern Nepal.

'After 2007, the subjects were accepted as sovereign citizens. An independent environment was created where people could speak, read, write, print, and organize,' said author Parajuli. 'The year 2007 brought great enthusiasm to the grassroots level. It brought upheaval in areas like social organizations, media, schools, colleges, and libraries.'

Author Lokranjan Parajuli mentioned that while explaining the anti-Rana regime movement, the contributions of social, literary, radio, education, and cinema sectors were often overlooked. 'Just as the final blow of an axe is not the only reason a tree falls, any change does not happen solely due to the final visible cause,' said author Parajuli. 'Poets, artists, cinema halls, radio, newspapers, and many others play a role in change. I have explored that foundation in Sandhikal.'

Bimal Acharya, editor at Publication Nepalaya, said that the book 'Sandhikal' covers the story of the democratic path Nepal walked 75 years ago. 'I used to read book interviews regularly. There was a permanent question there - what kind of books should be written in Nepal? And the answer was also permanent - books written after deep research on Nepal's history, politics, society, education, culture, geography, etc. should be written,' said editor Acharya. 'The book Sandhikal is a strong answer to that permanent question that many people give.'

'Sandhikal' author Lokranjan Parajuli is a historical sociologist associated with Martin Chautari, an organization for social studies and research. He holds a PhD in Sociology from Bielefeld University, Germany. More than a dozen books have been published under his authorship, co-authorship, editing, and co-editing.

His latest co-edited book, 'Nepal in the Long Nineteen Fifties', has been reviewed by Indian historian and author Ramachandra Guha. He is the editor of two prestigious journals in Nepal, 'Studies in Nepali History and Society' (SINHAS) and 'Samaj Adhyayan'. Parajuli possesses deep knowledge of Nepali society, education, history, and politics.

The 308-page 'Sandhikal' is priced at 675 rupees. 'Sandhikal' can be easily purchased from major bookstores across the country as well as through 'Thuprai.com' and Amazon starting Saturday.