Missing Schoolmates

Two weeks back, I attended a discussion on a novel, 'Mahayug', penned by my schoolmate, Seema Avas. She has emerged as a formidable writer in the recent decade. Earlier, she had brought an anthology of poetry; this time, the fiction. 

Since it was my weekly leave, I turned the day into a literary Saturday. I listened attentively to the critics, arguing on diverse issues raised by the author. The moment took me to the Master's Class at Patan Multiple Campus two decades back. However, there were no college friends in the book discussion. 

Worryingly, there were no other schoolmates of the author besides me at the discussion. I don't know whether she felt lonely or not, but I felt so. I wondered why the schoolmates failed to turn up for the event, despite her request for their participation. Moreover, there were only three people attending the event, representing her family and relatives. 

Several issues cropped up in my mind: Was it because all my schoolmates were busy on that particular Saturday? Did they quit reading books? Didn't they like gathering with a friend excelling in literature? With these questions, I dwelt on the answers as well. Yes, the programme was organised in Kathmandu. Life in Kathmandu is always hectic. We have only a single day leave in a week that requires attention to and engagement with our own family members and relatives. Some social gatherings other than literature could be more interesting to them.

But I had thought it would be a wonderful gathering of the schoolmates in addition to a literary rumination. Irrespective of various issues I pondered, the one that dogged me was: "Is reading literary books a fading trend?"

 In my own case, I, despite being a student of English literature, preferred reading non-fiction after the university years. I bought a few literary books and wrote reviews. However, most of the books I purchased are related to information, the internet, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and the impacts they have on human life and the environment. 

Sometimes, I ask myself: "Why didn't I read at least the most popular book of the year, or the one that bagged the Madan Puraskar?" If I had read these, I could have read over two dozen of the literary books during my Kathmandu stay.

I am not aware whether my school friends are reading books other than literature, or stopped reading books. Individual interest matters most. Liking and disliking prevail in every aspect of our lives. They did not feel it was a priority to join the discussion. That's all. 

But I insist that gathering with friends is an important moment. It serves as one of the best platforms to share experiences irrespective of the fields we are engaged in. Not necessary for you to be a literary person or enthusiast; you can be an inspirational figure to society, friends, and writers. I had once read in a book that to be happy, we need to talk to friends or gather with friends. Those past days are filled with nostalgia. The childhood and school days are indeed indelible in our minds.