‘Kranti and the Coup: A Personal History (1945-1963)’, the English translation of Khagendra Bahadur KC’s memoir, was launched at Nepal Army Officer’s Club in Sundhara, Kathmandu, on Saturday. Translated by Prawin Adhikari, the memoir provides a unique perspective on the pivotal political shifts in Nepal.
Published by Sutra, a Quixote’s Cove imprint, the book delves into the historical transference of political power in Nepal from an extraordinary viewpoint. Balancing entertainment and information, it unveils a lesser-known chapter of Nepali history.
During the event, professor Khagendra Prasad Bhattarai, former vice chancellor of Pokhara University, commended the meticulous research undertaken by the late KC. He highlighted the author’s dedication to offering a clearer understanding of historical events. Bhattarai also shared intriguing anecdotes from the book, revealing unique insights into King Tribhuwan’s early years.
Starting with Chandra Shamsher, the book casts Bishweshwar Prasad (BP) Koirala as its hero. Kedar Bhakta Mathema, former vice chancellor of Tribhuvan University, praised KC’s portrayal of BP as a charismatic yet flawed leader. He noted the book’s novel-like quality, attributing it to the author’s reflections, comments and anecdotes.
Available at major bookstores for Rs1,000, ‘Kranti and the Coup’ is not merely a recounting of events but a rich account of history, accessible to readers of all ages. According to the publishers, KC, who is remembered as a beloved family man and influential teacher, played a crucial role as the ‘English secretary’ during Nepal’s transformative era in the 1950s.
