Suraj Rana comes up with poetry collection

BY A STAFF REPORTER,Kathmandu, Oct. 7: Poet Suraj Rana's poetry collection ‘Jaba Kabita Niskanchha Julusmaa (When Poetry Marches in Protest)’ was launched in the capital on Saturday.

The book was jointly unveiled by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Indira Rana, poet Shrawan Mukarung and critic duo Bindu Sharma and Ganesh Khaniya. 

Deputy Speaker Rana praised Suraj's poems for their spirit of resistance. "Marginalised communities worldwide are currently fighting against discrimination, and through his poetry, Suraj calls on the youth to join in this resistance," she said.

Poet Mukarung said that Suraj’s poems engage directly with the readers, making no additional interpretation. "He articulates his thoughts clearly through his poetry," Mukarung added. "His strength lies in his ability to make sharp, intellectual critiques with poetic insight."

 Mukarung found that poems by Suraj also make ample use of political satire. "We find similar consciousness in the works of senior poets like Bhupi Sherchan, whose poems captured the psychology of Nepali society, which is why readers continue to respect and revisit them". 

According to him, Suraj’s poems carry the native essence of his surroundings. "His ability to write empathetic poems about communities other than his own is his other strength," he said. 

Poet and critic Sharma noted that the collection features more original and refined poems compared to Suraj’s previous works. "Suraj's poems reflect continuity in the issues brought to light by recent political changes," She commented, "He has crafted poetic imagery on themes like identity, multilingual sensitivity, inclusion and cultural awakening". Sharma opined that his poems also claim his existence, combining criticism, satire and rebellion against contemporary realities. 

Critic Khaniya remarked that Suraj's poems are diverse and tackle global themes. "Suraj employs new imagery while emphasising originality, authenticity, and locality," Khaniya said. "He seems to have carved out a distinct signature in Nepali poetry". Khaniya added that the questions raised in his poems provoke and challenge the readers.

 At the event, organised by Sambhab Samuha (Sambhab Group), poets Anshu Khanal, Ingi Hopo Koinch Sunuwar, Bhumika Tharu, Radhika Pariyar, Rima KC, and Bednidhi Paudel recited individual poems from the anthology. 

Published by Sangrila Books, the first solo poetry collection by Suraj contains 44 poems.