Chhetriko chhoro yo pau chhunchha, gheenale chhundaina
Manis thulo dilale hunchha, jatale hundaina.
–“Muna Madan” by Laxmi Prasad Devkota [break]
Being an emotional person I easily get touched by the poignant anguish of any common man. I also get inspired to raise a voice against the transgressions of the society by expressing about the same through my poetry and writings.
One of the most celebrated names in the Nepali poetry, Mahakavi Laxmi Prasad Devkota’s expressions on nationalism and humanity also inspired me and my woks.
The lines I’ve chosen are from Devkota’s epic poem, “Muna Madan.” These lines written by Devkota show how he supported the idea that all men are created equal.
He admits that though he is a son of a Chhettri, he doesn’t hesitate to touch the feet of a Bhote (Tibetan). He powerfully states that he doesn’t believe in caste system but in humanity.
The whole poem is a tragic story about Madan, a lower-class worker who, due to poverty, is forced to go to Lhasa, Tibet, to work. He leaves behind his lonely mother and wife Muna, with a promise to come back.
Tragedy, however, befalls him on his way home. The whole epic speaks a lot about the heartrending tales of the struggles of man.
About the author
Poet and writer Thapa says that it was some fifty years back when she saw a poem of four lines written about Nature published in a newspaper that really touched her. “Though I still don’t know the author of that poem, it was that particular poem that really inspired me to write,” says Thapa.
She has two published works to her credit till now. Her collections of poems, “Shristiko Sangalo” and “Shantiko Deep” are mostly about nature, humanity and the realities of society. She regularly writes for various newspapers as well.
Talking about her most popular poem “Jaat” which talks about the idiocy of differentiating a person based on his caste, she explains, “From the time I understood what caste means, I got to know and realize that there’s no such thing as high and low caste. This was what inspired me to question the society through my poem about why do we even make such discriminations?”
Also a social worker and a religious person, Thapa likes writing non-fiction based on the harsh realities of the society.
“I also write gajals and I’m currently working on a few more poems. I’m also planning to make a collection of all my published works and make a book of it,” says Thapa.
As told to Nistha Rayamajhi
Shri Swasthani Brata Katha
This religious book is based on Lord Shiva, the Hindu deity, and Parvati, his wife. The book touches the subjects of love, hatred, anger and the incidents that take place in society. There’s so much depth in this book, and it teaches about how if one is patient, he’ll ultimately get what he wants.
It also talks about how in times of pain, one shouldn’t panic, as patience leads to success. The verses written in the book are chanted by all the Nepalis during mid-January every year. This is why I really respect this scripture.
Ramayan
By Tulsi Das
This is a story about the Hindu Lord Ram who is the embodiment of truth, of morality, the ideal son, the ideal husband, and above all, the ideal king, and Goddess Sita, consort of Ram. The book talks about why we should respect our parents; why discipline and being responsible are important; and how we should never lose hope in times of sadness and despair, as ultimately, sadness turns into happiness.
Aragya Anka
I really look up to this book since it is a collection of writings from all the learned people from India. This non-fiction book has a lot of themes like Vastu Sastra which is the Indian art of placement or the science of construction, about herbals, ways to find cure to diseases, about Ayurveda and different other themes which are useful in our everyday life.
Chanakya, Jiwani ra Nitishastra
By Madan Prasad Aryal
This is a book based on the biography of Chanakya, who was a teacher to Chandragupta, the first Maurya emperor in the archaeologically recorded history to rule a complete Indian Subcontinent. Chanakya is known to be the pioneer in the field of political science and economics. This book deals with his persona and also about how he maintained peace and formed a law of abolishing discrimination in society.
Mukhtiyar Bhimsen Thapa ra Tatkalin Nepali Sahitya
By Gyanu Dhungel
The book is about Bhimsen Thapa who served as Nepal’s first prime minister for 31 years. During his time in power, he introduced a number of important social and military reforms. This book is really inspiring as it talks about how selflessly he had served the country even by sacrificing his own needs. It also talks about how he reformed things in society to make it better.
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