Kathmandu, November 9
Emerging writer and storyteller Anushka Silwal launched her debut poetry collection, The Burden of Breath, at a special event in Kathmandu on November 8.
According to a press statement, the anthology features 117 poems exploring love, identity, and the fragility of human existence. Silwal, 24, who was born and raised in Kathmandu, graduated in 2023 from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Psychology.
Although her professional background lies in marketing and storytelling, Silwal described writing as her “quiet, steadfast companion,” a medium she has used since childhood to understand the world.
The title The Burden of Breath was inspired by Silwal’s trek in Manang, where she realized that “to breathe is to bear,” reflecting life’s first gift as its heaviest burden, a metaphor that shapes the collection’s emotional core.
The press statement added that the book was jointly unveiled by Prof Govinda Raj Bhattarai and Madhab L Maharjan of Mandala Book Point, who praised Silwal’s lyrical precision and emotional depth. Early reviewers also noted the authenticity of her voice and its resonance with readers navigating change and uncertainty.
Addressing the audience, Silwal expressed gratitude to her mentors, teachers, and family for their support and announced that proceeds from the book will go toward a philanthropic cause.
“I don’t consider myself a full-time writer,” Silwal said. “Writing has always been a quiet part of me, and this book is my way of offering that part to the world.”
The Burden of Breath is now available in major bookstores across Kathmandu.
