Momila Joshi is a poet, essayist, and critic. She published her first poetry collection, 'Paiyu Fulna Thalepachi' in 1994, and since then, has published various essays and poetry collections. She is the chairperson for Nepali Kalashitya Dot Com Pratisthan and also teaches at Golden Gate International College in Battisputali, Kathmandu.
The writers share a special relationship and there is palpable camaraderie between the two. They are friends, confidantes, and advisors to each other and boast a bond fueled by mutual understanding. The Week's Sachi Mulmi caught up with the writers to talk about their writing, the books they love, and the Nepali literary scene.
Excerpts:
Do you remember how it was when you first met each other? Had you read the other persons' works before?
Usha: I knew Momila through her poems first. Later, it was in a writer's convention when I saw her. As much as her writing, her name had captured my attention. She was to recite one of her poems then and it was very impressive. It was actually me who remembered her and went to talk to her.
Momila: She was to speak in the program as well where we first met. I remember being inspired by her, and it was only after that the program had finished and I came home that I remembered my sister talking about her. She was and is pretty famous in Dhankuta, where I come from, and naturally, people involved in literature couldn't do without talking about the two Sherchans – Bhupi Sherchan and Usha Sherchan.
What impression did you have after meeting each other? Did it resonate with the image you had from her writings?
Usha: I had read her works and saw her on stage and was convinced that she was a very hardworking person. It also reflects on her writing as she can incorporate thoughts both as a writer and a reader, which is a huge plus point.
Momila: Her booming laughter and physical appearance is what made her stand out. I got to know her more by meeting her frequently, and I came to realize that she is a very warm person.
How would you describe each other's writings?
Usha: Momila is like fire. I think she has the ability to incorporate thoughts and feelings both as a reader and writer, giving the impression that she doesn't want to mislead or confuse the readers. That often makes me think that she puts in a lot of effort in her works, and as someone who's seen her observe the writing process, I can guarantee that. And for the final touch, she goes over and over the text to give it a beautiful finishing, bringing out her talent for editing her works in the way only she can. I can confidently say that she hasn't been recognized at a level that her works deserve.
Momila: She writes in a very simple yet beautiful way. They say that a poet's reach is even beyond that of the sun, and it couldn't be any truer in her case. She writes about the hidden issues in the social sphere that need to be talked about, and she does so very honestly. Whenever she's writing, her main objective is to tackle the issue rather than the plot or the story. She has a good command over the language and she tends to play with the words, which is laudable.
You two work together at Nepali Kalasahitya Pratisthan as well. Can you share your adventures so far?
Usha: It is an organization that was initiated by Momila, and we conduct literary programs regularly. We get to travel a lot together because of that and that has definitely shed some light on the woman that Momila is. I've found out that she likes to do things honestly and if disappointed, she expresses it. It's not good all the time, but I was glad to find out that she has mastered over the tendency to lose her temper. I'd definitely want her to be positive no matter what.
Momila: During these programs, I have a lot of pressure as I assume several responsibilities at once. But as long as Usha is there, I can manage everything, from arranging logistics for the various participants in the program to everything that comes my way. She makes things easy for everyone so that there are no awkward situations, and one can only imagine how important that talent is. During one of these traveling sessions, I came to realize that Usha is very honest about not sharing other's secrets. She is sensitive to other's plights and does everything to help them. I guess you could say she has this very sentimentality in her writing as well.
Which is your favorite work by her?
Usha: I like a lot of her works, but her poem 'Matra Euta Hanga Katein' has to be my favorite. People who've read that poem will know why I like it. Besides that, her 'Ishwor Ko Adalatma Outsiderko Bayan', an essay collection, is her best work. I daresay she deserves all the honor and appreciation for that. Every time I read it, it manages to leave a deep impression in my heart.
Momila: I think her latest publication, 'Tesro Rang', a collection of stories, is my favorite book. She is already a great poetess, but when she brought out a story collection all of a sudden, it surprised me. It is a seriously but simply written issue based book and it deserves to be read by everyone who cares.
What inspirations do you get from her?
Usha: She has a knack for surprising. I've known her for all these years and never thought that she could cook. She finds time and an excuse to take care of her responsibilities, no matter what or when. She has this dream of establishing an archive dedicated to Nepali literature where she wants to document and preserve everything related to it. While traveling to China, I found one such establishment where they had done something similar to what she wanted to do, but still, if her dreams of making such a place come true, then it would contribute volumes in this sector. She is a dreamer.
Momila: Usha has an intuition about how a piece of writing might turn out. I feel that she knows the quality of a writing piece, and I find that to be a valuable asset. She knows right from wrong, and gives people a certain space, which I'm sure has made people respect her even more. I think she knows the art of living life without any pains or sorrows as she doesn't believe in an uncomfortable living. And I think she's skilled enough to make it possible for herself and those around her to live such a life. Besides that, she is a voracious reader and knows a lot about her contemporaries, as well as about those poets and writers who came after her.
Is there anything that you wish she had written or ventured upon?
Usha: I've been asking her to write a novel for a long time now. It's just that she's too busy with the college and the organization. But I have a feeling that if she lets loose the writer in her by dedicating her entire time to writing, she has the potentiality to leave a deep impression in the Nepali literary scene. If not that, then I think that she should at least pen her own biography. I think life has tested her in difficult ways and she needs to be out with all that. She can write in a variety of social issues and I think it won't be a problem for her. Her writing and the story will surely move the readers and I hope she seriously considers it.
Momila: Usha is capable of many things, but I often worry that she gets occupied with her responsibilities at home and doesn't get to spend a lot of time refining her writing. I think what she needs more than anything is discipline and dedication so that her writing will be unbeatable.
Have you ever thought of collaborating?
Usha: Not really, because we both approach writing in different ways. However, I make her edit my writings and whenever she's done that, the piece is much refined. I think it's because she teaches Nepali and is meticulous with grammar and format.
Momila: We haven't thought of that. And my reason is that she's senior to me, both in age and writing level, and to think that I can write in her level would be nothing more than imprudence. For now, I'm happy editing her works if she asks me to and taking suggestions for my own writings.
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