Book Club interacts with Lakoju

By A Staff Reporter,Bhaktapur, Feb. 15: Book Club Bhaktapur organised an interaction with litterateur Surya Prasad Lakoju in Bhaktapur on Friday.

During the event, Birat Manandhar shed light on Lakoju’s biography and literary journey. "Born and raised in the cultural and natural surroundings of Panauti, Lakoju drew inspiration from local festivals, temples, monasteries, and traditions from an early age," Manandhar said.

The discussion covered Lakoju’s works across various genres, including poetry, muktaks, short stories, haikus, travel essays, research-based essays, memoirs, translations, and children’s literature. Responding to various questions, Lakoju stated that the primary inspiration behind his writing has been the socio-cultural environment of his time, contemporary social events, and a sense of responsibility towards society. "Literature is a symbol of change," he said. "It can provide positive energy to society as a whole."

His poetry collection includes Sparsha, Mero Man Mero Meet, Ghamko Chumban, Mero Gham, Gham Phulne Yam, and Ghamko Parkhal. His collections of muktaks include Bhawanaka Phoolharu, Phoolharuko Mela, Shashwat Swarharu, Swarnim Dhun, and Aksharka Swaroop. Satyagraha is his notable short story collection.

Similarly, his research-based and cultural essays include Panauti, Panautiko Barha Barshiya Makarmela, and Panautika Kehi Jatraparbaharu.

The session was moderated by Harisundar Chhukan, who posed more than a dozen questions regarding Lakoju’s literary journey, challenges, opportunities, and future plans. 

In response, Lakoju described himself as a dedicated literary worker and expressed his belief that his writing should contribute positively to the nation and society. 

He also recited poems during the session, presenting vivid depictions of the nation, time, and circumstances.

Participants, including Srijana Prajapati, Purushottam Lochan Shrestha, Rajesh KC, Shriram Karmacharya, and Shriram Rai, asked questions about the thematic and stylistic features of Lakoju's writing, struggles, and literary vision.

Dinesh Pradhan, President of Book Club Bhaktapur, expressed his commitment to organising regular interactive sessions with local and national literary figures in the days ahead.