The ‘Himalaya to Ocean’ book journey, led by author and traveler Ashok Silwal, was successfully conducted at Peace Angels’ School, Gokarneshwor, aiming to connect knowledge to real-life experiences beyond the boundaries of textbooks. The program provided students with a unique opportunity to interact directly with the author and engage in discussions about life, literature, and learning.
Exploring Three Inspirational Works
During the event, students explored Silwal’s three acclaimed works: Everest: An Unfinished Story, Appa Deepo Bhava, and Sri Lanka Smriti. Through interactive discussions, the students reflected on the messages conveyed by the books and their relevance to the teaching–learning process.
- Everest: An Unfinished Story encouraged students to consider life’s struggles, paths, and human values against the backdrop of Mount Everest.
- Appa Deepo Bhava highlighted the importance of self-awareness and introspection, emphasizing the message that “one must become one’s own light.”
- Sri Lanka Smriti offered insights into understanding the world through travel and exposure to diverse cultures.
The program fostered attentive listening, critical thinking, and personal interpretation, allowing students to connect the lessons from the books to their own lives.
Author-Student Interaction Highlights
“Finding students who can sense the soul of a book even before reading it is a big thing for an author,” said Ashok Silwal, expressing his joy at the engagement and enthusiasm shown by the students.
Principal Rajesh Kumar Bista also remarked, “Students were able to carefully listen to and understand the messages within the books. Direct interaction with the author greatly helps expand their thinking, expression, and outlook on life.”
The discussions were designed not just to introduce the books, but to serve as an interactive platform that inspires students to question, think, and reflect on their own experiences. This approach highlighted the connection between literature, personal growth, and creative expression.
Promoting Reading Culture and Creativity
The school community expressed confidence that programs like the ‘Himalaya to Ocean’ book journey have a positive impact on students’ creative thinking, life perspectives, and overall reading culture. Such initiatives encourage young learners to view reading as a tool for personal development rather than just an academic exercise.
Similar programs have been conducted previously at Golden Horizon Academy, and Peace Angels’ School officials emphasized the importance of continuing such efforts to cultivate a culture of curiosity, learning, and self-reflection among students.
Inspiring a Generation
The program’s success underscores the potential of author-led initiatives in shaping young minds. By engaging students in meaningful dialogue about literature and life, the event bridged the gap between reading as a classroom activity and literature as a source of personal insight and inspiration.
With events like these, authors like Ashok Silwal continue to encourage students to explore, question, and understand the world through stories, travel experiences, and reflection, nurturing a generation of thoughtful, creative, and informed learners.
