Upreti's solo poetry recitation captivates audience

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 27: The second series of ‘Aawaj Ra Anubhuti’ featured Bhishma Upreti as the solo poetry presenter in the capital recently. 

In the event, the two-time recipient of the SAARC Literature Award recited 39 poems, captivating the audience with a powerful exploration of human and societal themes.

The collection of recited works spanned a wide array of subjects, including human sensibility, time consciousness, love, memory, anti-war sentiment, rebellion, nature, the evolving dynamics of rural life, the conflict induced by development, self-realisation, and planetary responsibility.

Poems such as ‘Prarthana’, ‘Aansu’, ‘Muskan’, ‘Aama’, ‘Mutu’, and ‘Timro Aankhama’ delved into the deep world of human compassion, relationship, and affection. Likewise, poems like ‘Ghadi’, ‘Bichama’, ‘Bato’, and ‘Thopa Thopa Jindagi’ offered a powerful, poetic reflection on the continuous flow of time and the inherent transience of the human journey.

In terms of social commentary, the poem ‘Hamilai Namara’ expressed a strong anti-war stance, highlighting the destruction of children’s futures. Social hypocrisy, absurdity, and pervasive ignorance were critiqued through poems such as ‘Vidroha’, ‘Makhundo’, and ‘Andho’.

Nature served as a philosophical medium in poems including ‘Nadi ra Kavi’, ‘Prakriti’, ‘Samudra’, and ‘Chara Haru’, emphasising its significance beyond mere aesthetic beauty. Notably, Upreti utilised four poems titled ‘Gaun’ to articulate pressing questions concerning rural transformation, displacement resulting from development, ecological distress, and the crisis of identity.

The latter section of the recitation focused on self-awareness and ethical duties, featuring poems like ‘Atmabishwas’, ‘Prashna’, and the ‘Anubhuti’ series, which centred on human spiritual quest and responsibility towards the earth.

The audience praised Upreti’s powerful delivery, noting that his poetry did not just entertain but actively inspired a critical and fresh perspective on life, society, and contemporary realities.

In the event, jointly organised by Saransha Nepal and Shikha Books, poet Bishwa Sigdel presented a short introduction to Upreti. Sigdel also recited one of Upreti’s poems. 

A prolific writer, Upreti has 24 books across genres, including poetry, essays, travelogues, and novels, to his credit. His literary contributions have garnered international attention, with his works translated into numerous languages, including English, Hindi, Sinhala, Farsi, Turkish, Japanese, and Chinese. He currently holds the position of President of PEN Nepal, the Nepal Chapter of PEN International.