Published On: September 12, 2017 10:29 AM NPT By: Sonam Lama

Witnessing transitional phase of Nepali Literature-Nayan Raj Pandey

Witnessing transitional phase of Nepali Literature-Nayan Raj Pandey

Dedicated to the field of writing for more than three decades now, Nayan Raj Pandey is a one of the renowned writers of Nepal.

After earning a degree in Law (BL) from Nepal Law Campus in 1991, he chose to make his mark through writing. He has so far published seven novels, three short stories and about four dozens of poems, of which, one of his popular works ‘Ular’ published in 2000 has been included as a curricular read for Tribhuvan University’s Bachelor’s-level students.

Brought up in Nepalgunj, his works especially evokes the socio-economic and cultural representation of tarai. Some of Pandey’s most-popular works include novels such as Ular, Luu, Ghamkiri, Khor Bhitra Ko Joker, Nidaye Jagadamba, Chocolate, Atirikta, Nango Manchheko Diary.

These works have won him many awards like The Diamond Shamsher Memorial Literary Award in 2011, Lokendra Literary Award in 2001 and Garima Prize in 2005, among others. He is currently working on his memoir called Yaar which is to be published in a few months.

My City’s Sonam Lama caught up with Nayan Raj Pandey to talk about his three-decade long journey in the field of writing.

How would you sum up your journey in writing?
I believe my journey in writing has so far been successful as with every work of mine, I gather a huge amount of satisfaction. As I was highly driven by the belief that writing transcends the boundary of time, I had this yearning to express my ideas and feelings through writing.

Since I was dedicated as a full-time writer despite having a bachelor’s degree in Law, I took a firm step to follow my passion. I witnessed numerous challenges and faced my part of struggles. Nevertheless, the thing that kept me inspired and aligned with writing was the appreciation from readers whose analytical evaluation motivated my work. 

What drew you toward writing?
My initial source of inspiration was the library at my home. Since my father used to work as a headmaster in a school, his enormous collection and passion for books was the enforcing factor that piqued my interest towards reading.

I remember that as a child I used to spend most of my time reading science fiction and history, and get lost in the conglomeration of books that we had at the home library. Besides that, the motivation I collected from my school drew my way to earning membership in a library that further developed my reading culture. Further living up to my interest I started writing and publishing my works in newspapers that strengthened my bonding with the literary world.

Has the scope improved over the decades in Nepal?
The sphere of writing has widened now to the extent that writers can easily make it a profession. Back then, book publication was a lengthy process which hindered the growth of writers.

However, the scenario has changed in today’s context. Now, the gap between readers and writers has been bridged by social media through instant networking and online marketing. Moreover, the growing culture of reading, media’s keenness towards literature and the rising number of publication houses has contributed to uplift writing culture and sustain it through numerous highs and lows.

As a writer, how have your works made an impact in society?
Writing is an outcome of rigorous research and constant reading, while every piece unveils the happenings that are left unnoticed yet are equally important in life.

Once a book is published, I believe readers hold the right to evaluate the work. I think my works have inspired and educated quite a good number of people, who would share their experience and knowledge to many others. For me this is the way to contribute my bit to the society.

Would you like to convey any message to the readers?
Every station of work has its own inevitable challenges to be dealt with. However, putting those setbacks aside is important to realize that it is through your firm determination your journey will ultimately become steady and smooth.

Since writing shares a liberal domain for people holding different professions and it surpasses eras, the culture of writing should be preserved to take Nepali literature to greater heights. 

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