Pokhara: Pokhara Pragya Pratishthan has launched the ‘Lekhchha Pokhara’ (Pokhara Writes) campaign to support the creative journeys of both emerging and established writers living in Pokhara.

Under the first phase of the initiative, the Pratishthan plans to invite manuscripts every year, select at least three outstanding works and publish them as books. The selected authors will also receive awards on the occasion of their book launches.

Through this initiative, the Pratishthan aims to support the literary journeys of at least 12 writers over the next four years.

Saraswati Pratiksha, Chancellor of the Pratishthan, said applications had been invited for the ‘Lekchha Pokhara–2083’ campaign, subject to certain criteria.

Manuscripts can be submitted in any genre, including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, philosophy and research. There are no restrictions on the genre or subject matter.

Applicants may come from any part of the country but must currently be living in Pokhara and pursuing their writing activities there. Both temporary and permanent residents are eligible, and there is no age limit.

Of the submitted manuscripts, a selection committee will choose the three best works for publication by the Pratishthan. The committee will have full authority over the selection process.

The Pratishthan will also take full responsibility for organising the book launch events.

On the occasion of publication, first-time authors will receive the Pokhara Pragya Emerging Writer Award, while those who have previously published books will be honoured with the Pokhara Pragya Award. Each award carries a cash prize of Rs. 30,000.

The Pratishthan will retain 50 per cent of the published copies, while the remaining half will be handed over to the respective authors as their author’s share. Books sold on the launch day will be taken from the copies allocated to the Pratishthan.

However, the copyright of each published work will remain with its author.

The deadline for manuscript submission is February 18, 2027 (Magh 18, 2083), three months from the date of publication of the notice.

As part of the second phase of the ‘Lekchha Pokhara’ campaign, the Pratishthan plans to organise workshops focused on writing and literary development.