The integrity of words
“I’m not a young man anymore, so I feel like I have to get out all the writing that is in me,” says Gopal Parajuli. Many Nepali readers know him from the stories they have read, the plays they have witnessed and the poems they have savored.
From school textbooks to newspapers, his writing has found a place throughout the decades. But clearly, he doesn’t take the position for granted. He elaborates that he is planning to publish another book. This time around it’s going to be a collection of poems. The release date hasn’t been set yet but it apparently came about because of late he has been feeling the need to reflect. Parajuli sat down with The Week’s Priyanka Gurung to talk about that and more.
What do you like to write about these days? What’s your current subject of interest?
I find myself very much occupied with the global issue of terrorism these days. Things about peace and humanism intrigue me a lot these days so I have been writing a lot about that.
I wonder if this can really be called a new interest because my very first published work, The Two Extremes, also depicted conflict. Even though nobody had prompted me to pick this topic, I wrote championing the need for solidarity.
Anyways, terrorism and violence is such a raging current threat. Just take the example of North Korea, a couple seconds of bad decision on their part could plunge the world in terror so I feel like it is my duty to write about and advocate peace right now.
Do you really believe that writing about it will have an impact?
I think when we write about peace, in many ways, we also end up addressing human fears. It’s not like writing about terror will help cease war but still we can’t stop advocating peace. When we address these matters, it feels like we are giving recognition to the victims. Who knows, we might even be able to console them.
We, of course, can’t guarantee an impact but as writers I want to pick topics that have such influence on our world and lives. Even though it might take a while for the message to spread through to the masses, this is something that needs to be done.
Is there a specific reason why you choose to write your views via literature?
My concerns are often about humanism and society but, if I were to talk about them directly, there is always that chance that I will come off as a politician. There is always that chance that my sentiments will be taken as a written speech. But when I write about these issues through literature, it doesn’t come off as mere rhetoric.
As for choosing different mediums, different forms of literature have their own style of expression. I feel plays portray conflicts the best. When I feel like being more introspective, I lean towards poems more and so on it goes. I also like being an experimental writer because then I have the freedom to bring out a fusion of thoughts and styles.
Are there any works that you draw inspiration from for your own experimental writing?
Since I write in experimental form, I don’t follow any writers. Besides I think more writers need to come out with their own styles of writing be it on the literary, academic or philosophical front. New thoughts and new forms of presentation should be encouraged. So while I enjoy the works of many writers, I choose not to follow them.
What do you think of our current literary scene?
Over the years there have been many positive developments. There are more educated people. The attention and interest in books , writing, and reading are also increasing but along with the developments there have been some negative influence as well.
Sometimes, it feels that rather than writing for humanitarian purposes, the writers have their own agendas. Some are opportunistic. Before they write, they ask who is the person I am writing about? Which party do they belong to? How will it serve me? There are those who don’t get tangled in this but there are many who do as well.
I miss the kind of literary works that were being published in the times of Mohan Koirala or Gopal Prasad Rimal. These days it seems commercial literary works are being more championed.
Do you feel like you have managed to maintain the integrity of your work and, if so, how?
When I started writing and publishing in the early 1970s, I was told by seniors in the field that this would be a difficult sphere to enter. They warned me that there would be many who wouldn’t let me progress, try and pull my leg at every opportunity and all that. But I wasn’t writing because I was being told to do so. Writing for me is like meditating. Those who want to do it can’t be stopped or distracted.
But it’s not easy. You certainly have to persevere. But I write because I want to do my part to contribute to society. If the future generations were to analyze these decades, with my work, I want to help them understand. That’s all. I don’t worry about other things. I don’t know what will become of my work but I want to finish writing all that is left in me.
Were you always certain that you would gain all this recognition?
I have confidence in my work. I think the effort is worthy but as we know sometimes those who deserve to win, don’t and those whose work are below par, do. You can’t guarantee these things so I don’t write for recognition. It’s best not to make it your priority.
On Parajuli’s bookshelf
Bhagavad Gita
Paradise Lost by John Milton
Vichar Vigyan by Khaptad Baba
Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
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