Since the first post in October 2013, Poudyal's SoN has grown by leaps and bounds. His photographs have become more evocativ e and his writing has turned soulful. He's sold his advertising agency, taking the leap to focus full time on his blog. The decision did not come easily, as he struggled with the implications this decision could have on his life.He elaborates, "The agency was a way to make money. But slowly I started feeling that it was something I did as an obligation to the society; that you study, get married, work, start a family and so on. And all I really need are two square meals a day and a place to sleep. Also, peace of mind was really all I was looking for at that point in life. I had my struggles in the past, coming from drug addiction and alcoholism. Photography came to me at the right time and I took solace from it. It scared me for a couple of months initially but now I think it's probably the greatest decision of my life."
His fight with addiction has led to him stints in rehab centers and even living in the streets of Melbourne, where he begged and rushed to the nearest store to buy a drink with the money he collected. He has been sober for three years now and his sobriety date is more of a milestone than his birthday, he says.
Looking back, he is not ashamed of what happened in his life. "I had to suffer because of my past, my defects in character, and now I look back and learn from it. My past is my lesson. Now I help other recovering alcoholics and drug addicts in different hospitals. We get together and share our struggles and hopes. It's been quite a journey."
Perhaps, it's these hard knocks in life and the deep introspection he has gone through that makes him look at life in an extremely sensitive and poetic way. This past month after the earthquake, SoN has been all about the futility of struggling against fate, the magnificent strength of people and the power of intangible but all encompassing hope.
"Mainstream news is factual but detached. I'm just trying to reach the heart of the story. SoN is not about facts and statistics; not about the death toll or how many houses were destroyed. It's about individual people who have gone through the disaster," he explains.
A year and half into SoN, almost every single photograph and the accompanying story receives a deluge of 'Likes' and positive comments in Facebook. Easily the most controversial was the story of skater Anshu Mahat (the cutest soul I've ever met, he says) who spoke about how she punched a police personnel. When disparaging remarks started coming in to the particular photo, the photographer/storyteller felt bad for her. He reminds us that it's easy to judge people but unless someone's walked in the shoes of the person, no one can know what is going on.
Poudyal has traveled to almost 45 districts within the country, taking time to connect with total strangers on a deep level. The conversations are about childhood, struggles in life, the pursuit of happiness, big dreams and ambitions, family and love. They tell him some things; he shares his own, in this exchange of stories.
Has it become easier, approaching strangers?
"At times, it's really hard to break the ice. I have this standard way of approaching people where I tell them that I travel across the country talking to people and sharing their stories."
He adds that sometimes talking to strangers is the perfect balm for one's heavy heart. You feel your family doesn't understand you, you are judged by your peers and you have no one to talk to. Then, sharing your feelings with a stranger is easier because there's no prejudice.
The stories in SoN encompass all age and gender, introducing us to the private side of misfits, rebels, children, wise young people and the elderly who are young at heart.
SoN has its fair share of heartbreaking stories that make us feel numb for a while.
"Oh, I cry," he exclaims when asked how he deals with such stories. "It's very hard for me to detach myself. I came across this new term 'empath' which means someone who feels very strongly. I believe I am an empath," he says.
Somewhere in the future, Poudyal dreams of traveling to countries where Nepalis work as unskilled laborers, are enrolled in the army, are students and part time workers.
Currently, he is busy with the Stories of Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund through which he has been reaching out to many communities in Kavre, Rasuwa, Dhading, Ramechhap and Sindhupalchowk. He set up the fundraiser when friends from abroad wanted to help Nepalis but go through him. The funds have been used for providing immediate relief materials and now temporary shelters in Sindhupalchowk. With the monsoon approaching, providing shelter for the affected is the priority right now. Poudyal has started the second round of fundraising to build temporary shelters that will give respite to people while they begin to figure out a new life.
To donate, go to the 'Stories of Nepal' page in Facebook.
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