Poetry symposium in Nala’s Brahma Park

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 27: The peaceful jungle of Brahma Park in Nala came alive with rebellious expressions and creative energy during a poetry symposium themed 'Bhuimanchheka Kabita' (poems on grounded men). The event was jointly organised by Bartaman Kabita Samuha and Sabdankur Monthly in Nala of Banepa Municipality on Saturday.

The event featured an impressive lineup of 26 prominent and emerging poets who enchanted the audience with their evocative recitations. 

Shailendra Sakar recited Yogmaya Ra 68 Jalkumbhiharu (Yogmaya And 68 Watercress Plants) highlighting not only the rebellion led by Yogmaya and her disciples against the tyranny of the Rana regime through their collective suicide by jumping into the Arun River of Bhojpur in 1941, but also expressing deep compassion for the children who, holding onto their mothers' skirts, leapt into the river alongside them—an untold story that had never been recounted until now.

In the poem 'Dhule Sadak', poet Keshav Silwal symbolised dusty street as a real land of rebellion while young poet and singer Sanjya Suman supported the rebellion of a Madhesi Dalit in his poem Bidroh Savya Hunchha (Rebellion is Civilised). Bishwa Sigdel in his poem 'Santaman' was sympathetic to a grounded man and Harihar Timilsina expressed deep sympathy to a potter in 'Jibanlal Prajapatiko Pala'. 

Similarly, Rami Priya in 'Chisole Chyapdai Lageko Sahar', Chandra Bahadur Lama in 'Sadaksangai Bachne Jivan' and Nirmala Shrestha in Kahile Aaula Bhuimancheko Din (When will come the day for grounded men) provoked the silent rebellion of grounded men. 

Other poets present in the event were Mohan Duwal, Bhisma Upreti, Purusottam Bajgain, Nirmala Shrestha, Prollas Sindhuliya, Avaya Shreshta, Ram Sundar Deuja, Suman Sangam, Shailedra Sakar, Keshav Gnawali, Laxmi Thapa, Ramesh Prasad Sagar, Naba            raj Dahal, Diyesh Ratna Shakya, Santosh Paudel, Sarada Ghimire Bhail, Tekendra Raj Chemjong, Pramod Sarang, Chhabi Shrestha and Dhir Kumar Shrestha. Each poet, through their poems, voiced the timeless power of words to connect, inspire, and elevate grounded souls, presenting a diverse array of emotions, reflections, and insights that resonated deeply with the audience.

At the programme moderated by Bishwa Sigdel, a member of Barman Kabita Samuha, the latest issue of Sabdankur Monthly titled "Short Poems Special" was also launched. Sigdel shared plans to organise similar events with different themes in the days ahead. 

He also reaffirmed commitment to promoting Nepali literature and fostering a sense of community among poets and readers alike.

The chief editor of Sabdankur Monthly, Dhir Kumar Shrestha, noted that this was the third programme of its kind, following the success of two prior events. He emphasised that such initiatives not only provide a platform for poets but also help cultivate a literary sense among people, strengthening the bond between art and community.

Bartaman Kabita Samuha is an active group of Kathmandu-based poets such as Bishwa Sigdel, Rami Priya, Chandra Bahadur Lama, Dhir Kumar Shrestha, Sanjay Suman and Purusottam Ghimire.