The collection includes varieties of lyrical odes in the form of hymns, prayers and elegies. The songs have been based on real as well as fictional incidents of my life and what I have observed so far from my extensive travels around the country and abroad as well.
Odes from the Himalaya” is an English translation of the collection of my lyrical poems and my first ever published book which has been translated by Jayant Sharma. There are 106 lyrical poems focused on the subjects of Nepali culture, history, love, festivals, national integrity and the beauty of our country.
The poems have basically been inspired by daily events, various incidents and patriotism, among others, with the intention to provide a message to the readers. The collection includes varieties of lyrical odes in the form of hymns, prayers and elegies. The songs have been based on real as well as fictional incidents of my life and what I have observed so far from my extensive travels around the country and abroad as well.[break]
There can be many definitions of songs but for me, it is a rhythmic mirror of incidents. Some people use direct speech to impart their messages but I express using an indirect speech and I try to give out positive message as much as possible. I have also presented the idea of love with a philosophical theme.
The first lyrical poem is, “Save Our Himalayas,” where I have taken out the issue of global warming to raise awareness. In the poem, “How beautiful is Nepal,” I have praised the beauty of Nepal. I have also written on subjects focused for the Nepalis who are abroad but love their country, there are songs on the theme of humanity and also addressing the importance of why we should end racial discrimination. Besides that, there are songs of tourism development, happy wedding song and tragedy as well. In this way, the collection of songs are sometimes subtle or at the same time rebellious with a deeper message.
I also plan to use this collection of lyrical poems to record into English songs in future. I also prepared this collection with the intention of introducing Nepali literature and culture through poetry to international arenas.
About Gurung
A pilot by profession, Gurung is also a poet and a lyricist. Born in Bhojpur, he first came to the capital in 1985 for his higher education. It was since his schooldays that he was drawn to literature and it has been more than two decades since he started writing.
In the initial days, his interests directed him to songs, poems and novels, and in 1988 it was for the first time that he wrote a poem for a competition organized by Red
Cross Society as a support to the flood victims in the eastern Terai. He secured third position in the competition.
He likes writing lyrical poems on both real as well as fictional aspects of life and believes that lyrical poems are the most difficult but comprehensible. He prefers poetry as even through a few words or within a short time, many things can be expressed through poems. His theme is usually about patriotism even in love songs.
Photo: Bijay Rai
“Our country is diverse and if there’s no unity, it’ll be hard to save our identity,” explains Gurung who tries to put down his feelings into words whenever he can manage a free time.
He has eight song albums to his credit for which he has written all the lyrics. “Writing is an individual feeling which is presented in a systematic way through literature.
Some may agree or some choose to disagree with what you have to say but it is merely an outlet of your inner feelings. It is also expressing people’s emotions in a creative way,” says Gurung.
He is currently working on his war novel on the subject of search for peace.
Gurung’s five picks
All roads lead to Baghdad: Army Special Operations Forces in Iraq by Charles H. Briscoe
This is a kind of a military book which shows how the American Special Forces came to Baghdad and worked there. It also talks about how the American forces planned their operation and the hurdles they faced. It shows the importance of the Special Forces and special operations as well and shows how the local people of Iraq created problems during the Americans Forces’ work period. I recently completed reading it and it is a page turner.
Yudha Ambushma Rifleko Sangeet by Ganesh Rai
There are only a few Nepali books written on the subject of war, and this novel by Rai is worth a mention. The book talks about how Nepali soldiers, especially Gorkhalis in the British army, fought against their enemies, their memories about home and their bravery. Along with that, their daily activities have been compiled and presented well. It has been a few years since this book was published and remains one of my favorites.
Jiwan Kada ki Phool by Jhamak Ghimire
I think everyone is aware of this popular book which even got awarded with the Madan Puraskar. The way the book has been presented is really beautiful where the writer has even included poems in between the story. The subject that it has tried to bring out is very heartrending. Even tears fell down when I read some of the parts. A physically challenged person creating something as beautiful as this which many normal people haven’t been able to is something to be proud of. The book touches the subject of humanity and is a proof that if you have determination, nothing can hinder your progress.
Trial by Fire by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg
I recently started reading this novel which has a central character name Stella Cataloni who is the Dallas District Attorney’s top hand. After she wins a controversial case, she is accused of a murder and is put on trial as a suspect. The novel is gripping and it shows the struggle of Cataloni as she tries to prove her innocence.
Destiny Unveiled by Sylvia Clute
This is one of the bestselling novels which show that the American government has a strong law but those laws cannot address all the issues as there is a certain void. The book teaches that if you follow certain principles in life, then life will become much more disciplined and you will be clearer about what you want. It has presented seven main principles. Fear shall not be used to manipulate people and love is the sources of power are some of the principles which the book has tried to bring out.
As told to Nistha Rayamajhi