Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: A photobook titled ‘Life in the Pandemic: Kathmandu During COVID-19′ has hit the store shelves.
The book by photojournalist Keshav Raj Thoker was officially launched by Speaker Devraj Ghimire during a special event held in Kathmandu on Wednesday. Speaking at the launching ceremony, Ghimire said the book serves as a poignant documentation of life in Kathmandu during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Similarly, Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, Chief of the Clinical Research Unit at Sukraraj Tropical & Infectious Disease Hospital, said the publication evoked memories of the challenging days of the COVID-19 crisis. “It brought tears to my eyes as I recalled some of the unfortunate incidents of that time,” he added.
Thoker, an experienced photojournalist, has skillfully captured the realities faced by Kathmandu residents in the grip of the pandemic. The book portrays the dedication of health workers, security personnel, and media professionals who courageously served on the frontlines during the epidemic.
Moreover, Thoker has provided a personal perspective by including moments from his own life in his book. He documents his experiences when his pregnant wife, Sangmo Yonjan, contracted COVID-19 and the challenges they faced while living in isolation.
The launching event was attended by Bal Krishna Basnet, Chairman of the Press Council Nepal; Guna Raj Luitel, Editor-in-Chief of Nagarik daily; Chandra Shekhar Karki, a senior photojournalist; Bikash Karki, former president of the Photojournalists’ Club Nepal; and Amrit Yonjan, a Member of the Language Commission, among others.
