Since its establishment in 2007, Kathalaya, under the leadership of Rajeev Dhar Joshi, has transformed from a modest children’s book publisher into a key player in promoting Nepal’s reading culture. What began as an initiative to fill a void in Nepal’s commercial pictorial book market has since sparked a nationwide movement, reshaping the way children engage with books.
Rajeev initially encountered resistance when approaching publishers to create picture books. At the time, most children’s books were produced by international NGOs (i-NGOs), like UNICEF and Room to Read, with local publishers considering the market unprofitable. Realising the importance of picture books in early childhood development, Rajeev took the challenge head-on and established Kathalaya, pioneering Nepal’s first commercial children’s picture book publishing house.
“Picture books are essential,” Rajeev emphasized. “They serve as the foundation for nurturing lifelong readers.” His passion for creating quality reading material resulted in a shift, with the private sector now producing over 350 picture book titles annually—an increase from the 100 previously dominated by i-NGOs.
The road to success wasn’t easy. Kathalaya had to convince bookstores to stock children’s books, even providing custom bookshelves and displays to make space for them. Today, Kathalaya regularly distributes books to around 60 bookstores, a dramatic improvement from when none would carry children’s titles. Some schools have even started incorporating these books into their curriculum, a testament to their growing importance.
However, challenges remain. Although Nepal’s government has allocated funds to establish libraries in public schools, many educators are unsure about which books to select or how to foster reading habits. To address this, Rajeev and his team developed a book development and selection guideline, which they hope will soon be endorsed by the Ministry of Education. This guideline could serve as a game-changer, encouraging schools to purchase high-quality, affordable books tailored to different age groups.
Beyond Nepal, Rajeev noted positive developments across South Asia. In countries like Bangladesh and India, picture books and young adult literature are booming, with English-language content gaining traction. However, he cautions against the declining focus on local languages, a trend that could affect cultural preservation.
Kathalaya’s success reflects the potential for growth in Nepal’s publishing industry. Rajeev envisions platforms like the South Asia International Book Fair as crucial in promoting regional collaboration and introducing Nepali literature to the world. With ongoing support from government policies and international publishers, he believes Nepal’s reading culture will thrive.
Rajeev concluded with a message for readers everywhere: “Keep reading. Books bring joy and knowledge, and they’re the gateway to discovering the world.”
Photo Courtesy of Kathalaya Publishing and Rajeev Dhar Joshi
