Dhan B. Seling Subba 

निर्बाध उज्यालाहरू (Published in 1999)

निर्बाध उज्यालाहरू is a compelling collection of twenty-four evocative Nepali short stories written during the 1990s by Dhan B. Seling Subba under his literary name, Dhan “Nirdosh” Subba. Emerging from a period marked by social transition and introspection, these stories reflect a writer deeply attuned to the rhythms of ordinary life and the quiet struggles of common people.

The narratives are rich in human emotion—tenderness, resilience, longing, moral conflict, and hope—woven seamlessly with sharp social insight. Through simple yet powerful storytelling, the author captures the lived realities of rural and semi-urban communities, revealing the unseen tensions within families, the aspirations of youth, the dignity of labour, and the moral dilemmas that define human relationships. Each story becomes a window into the social fabric of its time, illuminating both its fragility and its enduring strength.

What distinguishes निर्बाध उज्यालाहरू is its emotional authenticity. The characters are not distant literary constructs but recognizable figures drawn from life—teachers, farmers, mothers, children, dreamers, and strugglers—whose voices resonate with sincerity. The prose is accessible yet layered, allowing readers to experience both the immediacy of the moment and the deeper philosophical undertones embedded within everyday events.

The collection struck a deep chord with readers and critics alike, earning wide appreciation for its artistic merit and social relevance. In recognition of its literary excellence and contribution to Nepali short fiction, the book was honoured with the Dr. Shova Kanti Thegim (Lepcha) Memorial Award in 2002, firmly establishing Dhan “Nirdosh” Subba as a distinguished and respected voice in Nepali literature.

In the later years, the impact of the book extended beyond literary circles. Some short stories from the collection were incorporated into school and university curricula, allowing a new generation of students to engage with its themes of humanity and social reflection. Some of the stories were also translated into English and various Indian languages, broadening their readership and enabling cross-cultural appreciation. This academic recognition and linguistic reach further affirmed the enduring relevance of the work.

Adding a deeply personal dimension to its publication history, निर्बाध उज्यालाहरू was published by his wife, Mrs. Rupa Sharma (Subba) in 1999. Her role in bringing the manuscript to print reflects not only familial support but also a shared commitment to literary and cultural expression.

Ultimately, निर्बाध उज्यालाहरू remains a luminous contribution to Nepali short fiction - its “unobstructed lights” continuing to shine through stories that celebrate humanity, confront social realities, and inspire thoughtful reflection across generations.

A CHALK LINE ON THE WALL: An Educational Memoir (Published in 2026)

A Chalk Line on the Wall is a reflective memoir that chronicles a 33-year journey in education- beginning with a decade of classroom teaching and extending into more than two decades of academic leadership in Sikkim. Rooted in lived experience, the book traces the evolution of a teacher who gradually stepped beyond the four walls of the classroom to engage with the wider canvas of educational planning, reform, and institutional development.

The memoir offers an insider’s account of how elementary education in the hills of Sikkim evolved through sustained effort, experimentation, and collaboration. It reflects on classroom innovations, pedagogical renewal, curriculum engagement, teacher mentoring, cluster-level initiatives, research activities, reading movements, community outreach, and participatory school management. Through these narratives, the book reveals how reform is not born from policy alone, but from the quiet, consistent labour of teachers and local leaders who believe in change.

At its core, A Chalk Line on the Wall foregrounds the voices of teachers, students, parents, and community stakeholders. Their stories, conversations, doubts, and aspirations become central to the narrative, illustrating that meaningful transformation in education emerges from collective participation. The memoir highlights how school development in the hills was shaped not by isolated authority, but by shared responsibility - where teachers became change agents, communities became partners, and students became the living measure of progress.

More than a personal account, the book serves as a documentation of educational change from within the system. It captures the challenges of implementing reforms in geographically dispersed and culturally diverse settings, while celebrating the resilience and commitment of those who worked tirelessly to strengthen elementary education.

Ultimately, A Chalk Line on the Wall is both a tribute and a testimony - a tribute to the countless co-travellers in the journey of educational transformation, and a testimony to the belief that even a simple chalk line drawn on a classroom wall can mark the beginning of lasting change.