IAACP UK Celebrated the Power of Storytelling in London

नेपाली लिङ्क जुन २१, २०२६

LONDON – Writers, poets, cultural practitioners and community leaders came together in London on 18 June for Literary Voices of Change: Poetry, Prose, and Narrative Perspectives, an evening dedicated to exploring the power of storytelling, literature and cultural dialogue.

The event, hosted by the International Association of Art and Culture for Peace (IAACP) UK and the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) UK, brought together authors, speakers and guests to reflect on how literature can foster understanding, identity and positive social change.

The programme opened with welcoming remarks from Robin Marsh, Secretary General of UPF-UK, and reflections on the organisation’s cultural initiatives from former UPF UK Director Margaret Ali.

Dr Sangita Swechcha, Chair of IAACP UK, introduced the organisation’s work and highlighted the importance of storytelling in peacebuilding and human connection.

“As Chair of IAACP, I am deeply encouraged by how each of these programmes has shown that peace is not an abstract concept. It is something we actively create through listening, through expression, and through the courage to share our stories,” she said.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of two books: Pokhtak by Dr Rupak Shrestha and Going to Darjeeling with My Father by Nabin K. Chhetri.
The launches were supported by reflections from invited speakers, including Dr Todd Stanley Swift, Editor and Director of The Black Spring Press Group (UK), who spoke about Nabin K. Chhetri’s literary journey, and Mr Lindsay Barnette, who shared insights on Pokhtak and its themes.

The programme also featured a literary presentation titled Where the Line Breaks: The Freedom of the Prose Poem by Uday Shankar Durjay, who explored the evolving form and expressive possibilities of prose poetry.

An inspirational talk, The Work No One Sees: Becoming the Person You Were Always Meant To Be, was delivered by Shahd Karaeen, focusing on personal growth and purpose through creative expression.

The panel discussion, Literary Voices of Change, moderated by Dr Swechcha, brought together participating writers and speakers to explore literature, identity, and storytelling as tools for social impact.

Reflecting on the discussion, Uday Shankar Durjay said, “The discussion provided a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives on literature and its role in society.”

Author Nabin K. Chhetri emphasised the importance of inclusive creative platforms. “Such creative platforms, where diversity is celebrated and all forms of division and hatred are dropped, so that we can think purely without any constraints, are necessary in today’s world.”

The evening had a special address by international broadcaster and UPF UK Patron Ian Pelham Turner, who spoke on the role of media in cultural expression and the importance of fostering global understanding.