The General Manager of Panchakanya Group and Director of Nepal Bitumen & Barrel Udhyog Ltd., Subedi has science background and taught chemistry at Patan Campus in the 1970s, and believes writing is to express, not to impress.[break]
“I don’t want to bombard fancy words on my readers; I’m not trying to wow anyone. I consider myself a storyteller,” shares the author who deliberately kept his writing inconspicuous and simple. Skim through the first couple of pages, and you’re struck by Subedi’s fluid conversational writing style.
In a short talk with Republica, Subedi reveals his experience in the Land of Opportunity, love for literature, and about his latest work “Chhori Jwain Bhetna America.”
About the travelogue
The joy of “new experience” is the most wonderful thing about travel, and I started logging everything that fascinated me. But no, it was never intended. I never thought that I would be keeping a journal, let alone write a book about my trip. It all started with the laptop that my daughter gifted me for she was concerned that I might get bored, alone. And of course, a major chunk of credit goes to my wife, my friend of 35 years, who encouraged me to write. I refer her as “Rani” in my book. She’s my first listener, reader, and a pillar of support; and at the same time, the harshest of critic. In fact, she was the one who encouraged me to write about Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Change in perception
To start with, I was never a big fan of America,and had my reservations regarding the nation that my daughter and son-in-law now call home. But after my three-month stay, it did change drastically.
Materialistic development isn’t what struck me about the country, but it was the people and their attitude that got me intrigued. The dedication and responsibility shown by them left me jealous, if not feeling inferior. We sure can learn so much from them.
Writing as therapy
I wrote a novel, “Dobharu,” in 1974, during my teaching days. I found writing very therapeutic after a hectic day of work, and the story revolved around college life, youth, and rebellion. It was published in 1986. I was also the editor of the magazine “Bhanu”; so yes you can say, despite having a science background, literature was always a big part of my life. And after 25 years, I’ve been presented with the opportunity to publish a second book. There has been considerable leap in print media, it’s more professional, and I’m thankful to Nepa~laya for giving me this platform.
Reading is my delight
I highly recommend short stories by Anton Chekhov and Somerset Maugham. I’ve gone through almost all of Chekhov’s work and really appreciate his writing. In the national scene, the last good read by a Nepali author was “Muluk Bahirako Ma” by Lain Singh Bangdel. I read almost everything, but given a choice, I prefer flipping through essays and I’m highly influenced by Shankar Lamichhane and Krishna Chandra Singh Pradhan’s work.
Expectations from the bookThere aren’t many good travelogues in Nepal, strangely we’re lacking in this department. Tara Nath Sharma’s “Belayattira Baralinda” published in 1968/69 was a milestone. “Chhori Jwain Bhetna America” is my effort in distilling my experience in America. The language is very simple, and I believe anyone can relate to it. When I showed the manuscript to my friends who have been living in the US for the past decades, even they were surprised. I haven’t listed the obvious but the overlooked aspects of a country and its people. For anyone who’s venturing to the US, the information I’ve listed can be of great help.
Future plans
Whether you write for personal pleasure or professionally, as a writer you can’t afford to take it lightly. Do your homework. Absorb your surroundings, process it, and then narrate it to your reader. That’s what I’ve tried to do in my book. The more you tinker with words, the better it gets; so practice and never lose hope. I want to write a novel and a book dedicated to all the individuals who have left indelible marks on me. It will be my tribute to these unsung heroes.
The book is priced at Rs 300 and has 231 pages.
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