Enticing the readers through his poems, songs and proses, Shrawan Mukarung has invited a revolution in Nepali writing. Originally from Bhojpur, his journey as a writer began at an early age of 15 when he acknowledged his love for writing and moved Kathmandu in 2042 to give wings to his dream as a writer.
His first book ‘Desh Khojdai Jada’ published in 2048 and song ‘Mathi Mathi Sailungey Ma’ earned much appreciation which inspired him to pen many of his further creations. His poem ‘Bisenagachi ko Bayaan’ that unveiled the turmoil of People’s movement of 2063 BS made him one of the celebrated poets of Nepal. Writing a collection of poems, songs, proses and drama and dedicated as a writer for 35 years now, currently he is also a member of Pragya Pratisthan.
In an interview with My City’s Sonam Lama, Shrawan talked about the experiences that he has witnessed in the field of writing.
You started writing at the early age of 15. What inspiration drew you towards writing?
Mukarung’s poem collection launched
I grew up in Bhojpur and completed my higher secondary education there. I immensely used to read works of remarkable poets like Bhupi Sherchan, Laxmi Prasad Devkota, Bijaya Malla, Indra Bahadur Rai and many other writers. Every reading would give me a sense of satisfaction and invite yearnings to pen some intense and impactful writings like their writing. The passion and love for words and its expression through writing further inspired me to keep on going.
How have you witnessed the changing phase of writing poetry?
The poets and writers of my age had to face numerous struggles juggling between passion and profession to keep their works alive and energetic. However, we now have acknowledged the essence of writing in a far better way. This surely is an achievement but we have to keep in our mind that the art of writing should not be commercialized. These days’ people are more inclined towards writing and can sustain their life being in writing profession whereas it was not possible back then.
What sort of ideas and feelings do your works present?
Be it in songs, poems or proses, my works summons up the voice of marginalized and underprivileged group of the society. I try to reflect the aesthetic beauty of my country and represent my overwhelming and colorful emotions through my writing. My writings are also an outcome of inspiration that I gather visiting a place or reading a book by some remarkable writers who endow me with the sense of motivation to work with full drive and enthusiasm.
What measures do you think can be adopted to uplift Nepali writing?
The richness and beauty of Nepali language should be acknowledged. Then the works of Nepali writers should be included in academic curriculum in order to gain youth’s attraction toward Nepali literature. Nepali literature should be translated into different languages in order to spread Nepali culture through writing which eventually will help in strengthening the base of Nepali literature in a greater and better extent. The publication house should increase the number of publishing Nepali literature.
Would you like to convey any word of advice to our readers?
I believe there is not any profession that could be categorized in hierarchical terms. As every profession and work station demands equal amount of dedication and hard work. The only difference that remains is in the contribution of the professionals in their work. Your dream can turn into reality when you work hard with positive attitude toward life, being hopeful and having a vision in life.
