Yakaji Mirrors Dolpa’s Life

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Apr. 25: Yakaji, a collection of travelogue essays, by Yubaraj Nayaghare was made public in the capital the other day.

Academic and noted playwright Ashesh Malla released the book at a special function organised by Niyatra Samaj Nepal. Published by Ratna Pustak Bhnadar, it is Nayaghare’s 18th book that depicts geography, culture, life style and remoteness of Upper and Lower Dolpa in Karnali Province. 

Malla said that the book minutely described Dopla’s social life. “It is unique in terms of writing skill and language. It is not merely a travelogue but a special work prepared with painstaking research of Dolpa.” Critic Mahesh Poudel said that Yakaji offered a marvelous picture of Upper Dolpa with literary flavour. “Filled with feelings instead of details, the book has become a benchmark of travelogue writing in Nepal. The readers relish Nayaghare’s original style.”  

Sharing his experiences, author Nayaghare said that he learnt the meaning of life from the travel of the far-flung parts of Karnali.  

“Dopla is Nepal’s special reflection. We should tour this backwater of nation to gain peace, simplicity and truth of life amidst the remoteness. I have developed a different lens to look at society and government after my memorable trip to Dolpa,” said Nayaghare who has been honoured with several national and international awards, including prestigious Madan Puruskar. 

Samaj’s chairman Pratik Dhakal said that the readers could see a miraculous face of art, craftsmanship and talent of Nayaghare in the book. Dr Srijana Sharma said that she was inspired by Nayaghare’s writing and his travelogue essays enabled the people to understand the society.