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With the increasing internet penetration, access to smartphones and usage of new media, digital contents too have proliferated. In Nepal as well the social media platforms have established their presence and content creators representing an array of interests and expertise are creating and sharing their digital content, one of them being podcasts.

Although there are a plethora of podcasts being broadcast in Nepal, most of them are targeted to local audiences, covering local people and issues. None of these podcasts have attempted to rise in the global space bringing global thought leaders in their programs. One exception,however, is ‘Ink & Insights with Sumit Sharma Sameer’ that hosts interaction with global thought leaders as well as Nepali entrepreneurs and ambassadors from various sectors in Nepal.

The podcast is unique in the sense that it aims to elevate Nepali podcasts at the global stage as a credible space for interaction and deliberations inviting global celebrities and leaders in the program. It is also elevating Nepal’s image and connecting Nepal’s entrepreneurs and experts from diverse fields, such as business, cinema, art, literature, to the global audience.

As per the host, Sumit Sharma Sameer, the podcast publishes conversations weekly. The podcast has covered conversations with renowned speakers like globally renowned Pulitzer-prize winning author, Kai Bird; advisor to the current PM of India Narendra Modi, Sanjeev Sanyal; globally renowned philosopher, Peter Adamson; Nobel Laureate Sir Richard J. Roberts. The last episode of the podcast featured Canadian economist Jack Mintz where Mintz shared his ideas about Canada's economic policy, global economy, government intervention in shaping the economy during crisis, globalization and its impact etc.

Podcast with Nobel Laureate Sir Richard J. Roberts was equally insightful and to listen from Nepal with the host being Nepali is definitely a great feeling. In the interaction, host Sameer conversed on issues like human relationship with bacteria, experiences of winning the Nobel Prize, Sir Robert’s research approach, misconceptions about medicine, global challenges and the future of molecular biology.

Podcaster Sumit Sharma Sameer is an award-winning author. He is the recipient of KLF Book Award 2022 for his debut fiction, ‘Wake Up Ali…Wake Up Now’. He is a political analyst and commentator of Nepali and South Asian politics. He is a graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK and the Queen’s University, Canada.

When the South Korean film “Parasite” made history by winning four Academy Awards, including the award for the Best Picture, people started wondering if they have been missing out on some good foreign films that would undeniably enrich their cinematic experience.

Why was “Parasite” an achievement?

Bong Joon Ho, the director of  “Parasite” drew further attention to this matter by cleverly stating: “Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”

The general consensus is that people have an aversion to subtitles because they draw the attention to the wrong part of the screen and are generally distracting and take away from the visual storytelling and experience. Therein lies that barrier.

But the issue goes even deeper. One could argue that the concept of subtitles couldn’t possibly be associated with politics. This would be wrong. The underlying issues such as racism, omnipresent prejudice and cultural differences are key aspects that fuel the general public’s dislike towards foreign films and, by default, subtitles. Despite winning numerous accolades, “Parasite” still struggled to make a complete breakthrough and earn recognition among the English-speaking audience. People argued that they enjoy watching a movie, not reading it. Some even wondered why the director chose an all Korean cast and why the director did the film in Korean instead of English.

It wasn’t until “Parasite” won the Academy Award for the Best Picture, when people had no choice but to give it the recognition it deserved. It can be concluded that, in order to get recognition in the entertainment business, a movie should be made in English.

Foreign films vs Hollywood

Foreign films often have smaller budgets than their Hollywood counterparts; therefore, the quality of production, costumes, special effects, marketing, etc. is not as mega costly as it’s often the case with Hollywood movies. The former simply can’t compete with the latter—production wise. But that is not to say that great budget equals great quality.

Certainly there are expectations the audience has from Hollywood productions and when a foreign movie falls short of the same expectations, the audience often generalizes the quality of all foreign cinemas. Some foreign movies are far superior and engaging than their Hollywood counterparts, but they are rarely watched due to the preconceived bias that foreign cinemas are bad. Such an attitude perpetuates prejudice towards foreign films, categorizing them as sub-par or low quality and therein lies an even greater barrier.

In fact, foreign films show and teach us obscure aspects of life and culture, making up for budget shortcomings in an innovative and creative way. Therefore, one could argue that the role of subtitles is necessary and a vital part of cinematic experience, enhancing understanding, not only of a language but of culture as well. That is why, for the people who don’t speak the language, subtitles don’t represent a barrier, but a tool, a form of aid that allows them to understand the dialogue and actually get a chance to fully experience the film.

The issue with subtitles

The mechanism of subtitles is a complex one. It requires the accuracy of a translation that successfully and effortlessly shifts from source language to target language, without losing or omitting the original idea and, as such, are crucial in delivering the nuances and hidden, as well as obvious, meanings that a director wishes to convey to foreign audience.

What role can the subtitles play?

Subtitles are crucial in the success of a movie, because badly translated or inaccurate subtitles limit and hamper the message a movie is trying to deliver. To further illustrate the importance of subtitles, we can have as an example of the persons who are deaf or hard-of hearing. For them, subtitles are a tool that removes whatever limitations they may have and that may hinder their enjoyment and are of vital significance in making movie content accessible and inclusive.

On a more technical note, subtitles also serve as visual cues that allow a viewer to focus on what’s being said, if we take into account background noise, a variety of accents and voice levels or even ambient dialogue, without missing visual information. They are a physical manifestation of auditory information, which constitutes a rather important part of a film. Furthermore, subtitles aid in learning language and improve reading abilities, which is often an underrated effect. 

Are subtitles necessary?

It’s always useful to be reminded that movies are not limited or exclusive to Hollywood. Keeping an open mind is necessary in every aspect of life and having an open mind makes a foreign movie more enjoyable. This exposes a person to a myriad of different styles of cinematography and talented directors and actors. It is inspiring as it is useful.

Pleasing everybody all the time is not possible but we must strive to understand one another, without jumping to conclusions and relying on prejudice when we are met with something that is unfamiliar. When “Parasite” won the Academy Award for the Best Picture, it broke the barriers and erased the boundaries imposed on motion pictures. It made the audience strive to understand the foreign culture. It truly made history. The cinema won that night, and cinema is not exclusive to a country, language or culture.

There are a lot of gifted filmmakers in so many countries, presenting us with outstanding films. It would be a waste to miss out on those amazing films just because they come with subtitles.

Subtitles have the ability to transcend, by means of making a part of a culture that is embodied in a visual storytelling accessible to everyone, therefore broadening the experience, which certainly demonstrates the resonance and power of that “one-inch-tall barrier.”

The writer is a Nepali subtitle translator and runs a Nepali translation company, Wordinvent

Gurcharan Das’ latest book, a memoir entitled ‘Another Sort of Freedom’ is a compilation of reflections on the author’s own life events, from early childhood till his septuagenarian days. In order to write about his early childhood, he utilizes the diary of his mother. From his mother’s diary, he concludes that he was a difficult child.

The initial part of the book recollects his childhood as a troublemaker, how partition destroyed the lives of Muslim and Hindu people, divided the communities, and created hatred for one another. The partition’s hangover is still vivid to the author as he along with his family had to leave Punjab without any preparations, just with clothes, a few essentials and importantly their own physical bodies. Gurcharan recalls the memory of his junior school days frequently throughout the book, especially that of the stealing of a rich kid’s pencil box and handing it over to a poor Muslim friend Ayan without anybody knowing about it. Later, the blame rests upon Ayan who is punished and the author, despite his interest to save Ayan, keeps silent and becomes a mere spectator. The author regrets this throughout his life for not speaking up the truth and saving his friend.

The author’s life seems to be interesting for readers who find him traveling to many countries frequently. Initially, he gets the opportunity to study high school in the US because his father is a government engineer. Later, the author secures enrollment in Harvard University for an honors degree in philosophy. Instead of taking the path of Doctor of Philosophy, he decides to try his luck in business, starting his career as a sales manager. The journey of his life is written in a linear and vivid fashion. He follows his heart and despite many hurdles in his career, he continues to progress ahead and becomes a manager at a young age. There are many stories of his career, something mid-career professionals can get inspired from.

There are a few connections with Nepal in the book. Donald J, the roommate of the author, who happens to be an avid reader of Nietzsche, leaves a copy of ‘Thus Spake Zarathushra’ to the author when he leaves for a trek to Nepal. Gurcharan falls in love with Nepali woman Bunu whom he encounters at a theater. There are some cultural differences between Nepali and Indian traditions which the author narrates as they were. Though there were mishaps in the wedding ceremony, the author manages to fix them right. The author’s meetings with different people in his life gives him lessons about life to live lightly. The core message Gurcharan preaches is, “Take your work seriously but do not take yourself seriously.” The words like ‘lightness’ and ‘lightly’ are repeated in many instances to emphasize that our being should be light. One should not take oneself too seriously and perhaps due to the same reason, the author follows the heart and takes an early retirement after reaching the top of his corporate career.

The author also shares life incidents when he seems to be pressured by the corporate rat race. Without any remorse, he shares how he had started to speak to himself alone and how he thought depression was taking his life. In such difficult phases, he sought the reference of the ‘Upanishad’ and drew analogy. He says that man’s search for meaning is due to the second Upanishadic bird that is the observer of the first bird, our regular physical body that follows the daily routine. That same second Upanishadic bird questioned the dull routine of the clock following man, without any natural joy. Following the same bird, Gurcharan takes an early retirement from Procter & Gamble as a vice-president in order to become a full-time writer. Though the writing job was a Sisyphean task to him, similar to the business career he was in, he found more freedom and satisfaction in the writing job, which he used to do as a weekend writer, just after graduating from Harvard and joining the business world.

The book is profound and philosophical, allowing readers to draw many comparisons and contrasts between the author and oneself, inspires us to live lightly and follow our natural instincts. Personally, reading ‘Another Sort of Freedom’ took me to the memory lane of reading the ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’.

Autobiography 

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/199623354 

Another Sort of Freedom

Gurcharan Das

Year: 2023

Publisher: Penguin Allen Lane

Pages: 296

Bookworm Foundation organized its 11th edition of Nepal Literature Festival at Barahighat, on the banks of Phewa Lake, in Pokhara on Feb 15 to 19. 

The festival kicked off following the inauguration ceremony by Chief Minister of Gandaki Surendra Raj Pandey. On the first day, Kalyan Shrestha, former chief justice, gave an address on constitution and good governance. There day also opened the exhibitions by noted cartoonist Batsyayana titled ‘Batsyayana and His Barbs Volume 2’, and artist Suzana Shrish titled ‘Gorkha Women: An Echo in the Story’. 

The five-day festival featured sessions with various national and international writers, artists, politicians and experts.  

Kai Bird, Janice Pariat, Chandrahas Choudhury, and George Van Driem were among the international authors who were part of this year’s festival. Each interaction session opened up avenues for fresh discussions on themes like arts, culture, literature, society, governance, music, films, university, Nepali tradition, economy, tourism, federalism, and the craft of writing and editing.

Journalist Kunda Dixit’s interaction with American author and columnist Bird was a major highlight of the festival. Bird discussed his book ‘American Prometheus’ which inspired the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Oppenheimer’. He also discussed how nuclear warfare is a continual threat to the entire humanity.

Journalist and author Basanta Basnet interacted with comedian duo Madankrishna Shrestha and Haribansha Acharya on the themes of friendship. Economist turned politician Swarnim Wagle and former Miss Nepal Shrinkhala Khatiwada interacted with Sonia Awale on the topic of brain drain. They discussed the possibilities in Nepal and how the non-resident Nepalis, as well as the Nepali students and workers abroad can start entrepreneurship in their home country. 

Likewise, Kamal Dev Bhattarai, the editor of The Annapurna Express, interacted with politicians Min Bahadur Bishwakarma, Padam Giri and Madhav Sapkota, and Sucheta Pyakurel, director of IIDS Center for Governance on the topic of internal democracy in Nepal’s political parties.

Ajit Baral, founder and director of the festival, said the literature festival has grown over the years and has continued to receive a considerable footfall of visitors every year. 

Writer Nagarkoti credited the Nepal Literature Festival for the popularity of other literature festivals that are taking place at the provincial and local levels these days. He also noted that the Nepal Literature festival was the only international standard festival in Nepal. 

Minendra Rijal is a member of the Central Working Committee of Nepali Congress. He has so far held three ministerial portfolios, the last being the Ministry of Defense in 2021. A doctorate in Operations Research from the New York University, he is also a seasoned academician. He is the chairperson of Apex College since 2000 and has taught at New York University, Kathmandu University, Tribhuvan University and Lancaster University. Rijal has 43 years of experience in research, teaching and consulting and has worked with government, universities, non-profit organizations, private sector organizations and international institutions. Ken Subedi converses with Rijal on the current issues of brain drain, economic prospects, politics, books and popular culture.

How do you analyze the current brain drain, especially our young people going abroad to pursue higher studies?  

A considerable number of Nepali people are migrating abroad, not solely for education but for employment opportunities as well. When we examine these issues together, we fail to grasp the underlying reasons driving this trend. The primary factor behind the significant migration abroad is our failure to generate an adequate number of jobs within the country. Despite the economy’s sustained growth over the past 33 years, with a real growth rate of about 4.5 percent, translating to a real per capita income growth of 2.6 percent, we have not seen a proportional increase in job opportunities. Despite discussions spanning nearly three decades on fostering an economy capable of creating at least 500,000 new jobs annually, we consistently fall short of this goal.

This dearth of job opportunities acts as a push factor, compelling individuals to seek employment elsewhere. For young men and women, the inability to secure a job leaves them with scant means of sustenance. Career progression and financial independence are paramount. Even if monetary support is extended to unemployed individuals, it cannot replace the dignity and self-respect derived from meaningful employment.

The second pull factor is the perception that better job prospects await overseas, aided by technological advancements. Many believe that lucrative opportunities abound abroad. Unfortunately, this optimism often leads individuals to accept precarious employment conditions, jeopardizing their well-being without fully comprehending the consequences. For instance, some Nepali youth travel to Russia to fight against Ukraine, while others go to Ukraine to fight against Russia, unknowingly endangering their lives in conflict zones.

I have personally encountered individuals in Europe who have paid substantial sums to brokers in Nepal, only to be transported to various European countries before reaching their final destination for employment. Many endure grueling journeys lasting several weeks to secure a job, often walking for days or weeks on treacherous trails without proper sustenance. Similar situations arise with individuals attempting to enter the US illegally through the Mexican border after paying hefty sums to brokers.

You mean the people taking the route of Panama, Guatemala, etc. to enter the US?

Yes. They do not initially travel directly to Mexico. Instead, they typically have to journey to various locations in South America and Latin America, as you mentioned. From there, they transit through multiple countries before eventually reaching Mexico and crossing its border to reach America. The amount of money they pay for this journey is staggering, beyond what most of us can comprehend. I've heard that there are organized groups facilitating this migration, selling false hopes to Nepali individuals. These brokers profit immensely from the situation, yet our system fails to hold them accountable for their inhumane actions.

Can you share some more insights about the factors pushing people to leave the country? Let’s consider the young population.

There are two types of people leaving the country. Some students aim to study abroad, seeking student visas. However, they often face prolonged periods in their academic programs and struggle to secure proper employment eligibility papers after graduation, resulting in accepting odd jobs and surviving on minimal income. On the other hand, there are students who have scholarships or can afford to support themselves and graduate from colleges and universities abroad. But many others typically do not make it to prestigious institutions and may receive an education inferior to that available in Nepal. Despite this, they opt to study abroad due to the perceived easier job prospects upon graduation.

Another contributing factor to this trend is widespread frustration, stemming from dissatisfaction with current circumstances. Many individuals have already emigrated, been working abroad and sending remittances back home. The regular receipt of remittances significantly impacts living standards, affording some families the ability to provide higher-quality food, access healthcare, enroll their children in private schools, dine out, and purchase scooters. Observing these improvements in the lives of others abroad creates pressure within families and on young individuals to seek opportunities elsewhere, believing that leaving the country will lead to better prospects for the entire family.

Addressing these challenges is complex, and there are no easy solutions. However, I believe that progress begins with small steps in the right direction. By taking proactive measures, we can work towards resolving these issues. Failure to take action only perpetuates the problem, exacerbating its complexities.

Can you shed some light on the current economic growth prospects and gaps? What are the sources of our economic sustainability?

I have already highlighted that our economy grew by 4.6 percent, with per capita income increasing by 2.6 percent in real terms over the past 33 years. Our revenue has soared by 100-fold in nominal terms and more than 10-fold in real terms during this period. Notably, there have been significant achievements in physical and social infrastructure, allowing us to provide more social services than we previously deemed possible. Our life expectancy has also risen by 17 years in the last three decades, a remarkable accomplishment deserving of pride.

Life expectancy is a particularly meaningful statistic to me, as it reflects our progress across economic, social, and political realms. While some of these achievements are attributable to government initiatives, many have occurred despite governmental limitations.

For every 100 rupees worth of goods and services produced domestically, an additional 25 rupees come in the form of remittances. This influx of remittances has spurred significant demand for domestic consumption. However, regrettably, we have struggled to meet this demand domestically. Consequently, we rely not only on imports of industrial intermediate goods and petroleum products but also on substantial imports of cereals, vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat.

Our government revenue is heavily reliant on indirect taxes like VAT and customs duties. Customs revenue from imports has become vital to meeting our rapidly growing recurrent expenditure bill. This reliance has trapped us in a vicious cycle where more young Nepalis seek employment abroad, their families receive remittances to finance consumption, this consumption drives increased imports, the government collects substantial customs revenue on these imports to cover its expenditures, and no party has an incentive to break this cycle.

Breaking this vicious circle requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders involved.

Do you see any chance of this situation improving in the future?

People often discuss challenges stemming from our geopolitical situation, but I believe it presents a unique opportunity for development if we approach it wisely and effectively. Our longstanding and close relationship with India is noteworthy; our borders are open, our cultures are similar, and our economies are closely intertwined, with India being our largest source of imports and foreign aid provider. Additionally, our ties with China have historically been strong and mutually beneficial, contributing significantly to our economic growth. As China emerges as the second-largest economy globally and India progresses towards becoming the third-largest, they represent vast market opportunities and potential sources of foreign investment for us.

To capitalize on these opportunities, we must consolidate our efforts and learn from the experiences of India and China. Our geographical proximity to India is particularly significant, and their commitment to importing 10,000 megawatts of electricity from us over the next decade is a promising development in our bilateral relations. Moreover, both our neighbors can significantly boost our tourism sector, and with proper development of our agriculture, they could serve as lucrative markets for our produce. It is imperative that we leverage these relationships and opportunities to propel our development forward.

What prospects do you see from tourism?

When assessing the tourism sector, Nepal’s enduring natural beauty ensures significant potential for improvement. Recent trends show a positive trajectory, with October recording the highest influx of tourists in Nepal’s history, followed by similarly promising figures in November. This trend is encouraging and should serve as a catalyst for further enhancement.

Several factors have contributed to this positive trend. The expansion of quality hotels and infrastructure, advancements in trekking facilities and adventure tourism, and the continued appeal of religious pilgrimages have all played a role in attracting visitors.

Further improvements in infrastructure will undoubtedly elevate our tourism sector to new heights. However, achieving this requires effective governance. Only with good governance can we implement the necessary infrastructure improvements to fully realize the potential of tourism. It is important to recognize that good governance is not only crucial for tourism but also for overall development. I should also mention that, despite periods of instability and frequent changes in government, progress has been made, underscoring our resilience and ability to overcome challenges.

How have the political upheavals in the country affected the vicious circle of the brain drain, remittance-based economy? Do you think the current electoral system and parliamentary system are pushing factors for unstable space for investment and economic activities?

We have successfully transitioned from authoritarian rule to democracy and from violent conflict to peace. It has been eight years since the promulgation of our new constitution, which institutionalized a federal democratic republican system of governance with inclusivity in public life. We have held two general elections encompassing federal, provincial, and local levels. However, despite these advancements, we still lack a clear path toward achieving a stable government.

In the past two general elections since 2017, political parties have shifted alliances, yet they continue to contest elections as part of one coalition or another. Consequently, elections are no longer fought on ideological platforms or developmental agendas but rather as strategic partnerships for political convenience. This transactional nature of politics has fostered complacency towards public concerns and increased corruption.

The prevailing uncertainty undermines governance, fuels corruption, and contributes to the exodus of young people seeking better opportunities abroad. To break this cycle, political reform is imperative, with electoral system improvements being a crucial starting point. Parties should be incentivized to cultivate their own support bases rather than relying solely on alliances.

Failure to address these issues will only exacerbate our challenges and hinder progress.

Can you share with us your passion for teaching?

I am not new to academia; however, I am not fully immersed back into academia as I am still active in politics. Nevertheless, I do have some extra time, and I choose to utilize it by teaching—a passion of mine that brings me immense joy. Even when I am tired and exhausted, stepping into the classroom rejuvenates me. Unlike many other politicians, teaching is not just a sporadic activity for me; it is a consistent part of my life. I have had the privilege of teaching at various esteemed institutions such as Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, New York University, and Lanchester University, among others. Additionally, with a group of dynamic individuals, we founded Apex College in 2000  and taught there until I fully immersed myself in politics following King Gyanendra’s takeover. Despite my busy schedule, my passion for teaching has always remained strong. Even after retiring from politics, I envision myself continuing to teach.

Teaching allows me to make a meaningful impact, and I firmly believe that I can impart valuable knowledge and insights to my students based on my experiences and exposures. I am motivated by the prospect of contributing to the development of Nepal’s future leaders. Therefore, I see no reason to withhold my expertise and guidance from the young minds who hold the key to Nepal's future.

You are one of the most well-read politicians in Nepal. What is your favorite genre to read and do you have any plans to write a book? A memoir perhaps?

I am not yet certain about my writing aspirations. While I have a desire to write, I am unsure about the direction it will take. It may take me another year to determine what exactly I want to focus on. I have ruled out writing my personal memoir because I don’t believe my life experiences are particularly fascinating or of interest to others. However, I am keen on writing about topics related to the political landscape, economy, and business enterprise of Nepal.

I envision writing more than one book, with one of them potentially exploring these themes through novels. Fiction provides me with the freedom to delve into topics that may not be suitable for non-fiction writing. I would particularly like to mention Joe Klein’s novel “Primary Colors,” which was first published anonymously. I liked the freedom he enjoyed writing about Bill Clinton’s campaign in it without being constrained by real-life events.

Over the past two years, I have been an avid reader, perhaps as much as anybody else in Nepal. I read a wide range of literature, particularly focusing on politics, philosophy, political economy, artificial intelligence, and even revisiting classics like the Mahabharata. While I have read the Mahabharata before, I am currently engaged in re-reading it, particularly exploring Bibek Debroy’s authoritative 10-volume version. This allows me to deepen my understanding and reflect on its timeless themes and lessons.

Besides books, how often do you indulge in other new forms of popular media? And where do you see yourself in the next few years?

It’s not just books I engage with; I also immerse myself in various other forms of media. I watch YouTube videos, listen to lectures, and delve into thought-provoking podcasts. Additionally, I value high-quality documentaries, such as those by Deutsche Welle and PBS, and I enjoy listening to NPR and The Economist podcasts. These platforms offer profound insights into societal issues and their implications.

Over the past two years, I’ve had ample opportunities to reflect on my past, present, and future aspirations. While my passion for teaching and involvement in politics and policy-making remain steadfast, I find myself uncertain about the direction my path will take. Denied the chance to serve in parliament, I feel compelled to explore alternatives. I recognize that politics alone cannot occupy me full-time. Given the significant influence of political parties in Nepal's political landscape, establishing a strong presence within a party could potentially pave the way back to parliament.

As for my future, it is unclear where I will ultimately end up. One thing I can say with honesty, clarity, and fervor is that I will continue teaching even after my political career concludes. However, the timing of my departure from politics remains uncertain.

Samrat Upadhyay is a Nepali-born American author whose works are centered on Nepali society and culture. He is the author of acclaimed books, Arresting God in Kathmandu, The Royal Ghosts, The Guru of Love, Buddha’s Orphans, The City Son, and Mad Country. He has received numerous accolades for his books, including the New York Times Notable Book, San Francisco Chronicle Best Book, 2007 Asian American Literary Award, and Society of Midland Authors Book Award. The Royal Ghosts was also a finalist for the Frank O’Connor Int’l Short Story Award. His new novel, Darkmotherland, is being published by Soho Press in 2024. Currently, Upadhyay is a Distinguished Professor of English and Martha C. Kraft Professor of Humanities at Indiana University.

Upadhyay also sponsors and judges Writing Nepal: A Short Story Contest in partnership with La.Lit magazine. Upadhyay, who is currently in Nepal, is due to announce the winners of this year’s La. Lit short story contest on December 21 at 2 pm in Malpi Institute, Baluwatar. Ken Subedi converses with Upadhyay on his affinity towards books, writing, and teaching.

You have written short stories as well as novels. In your experience, what was more challenging, story-story collection or a novel?

I feel more at home with short stories, but novels present more difficulties, perhaps because I feel that I’m not a natural novelist. Apart from the novel’s larger canvas, which presents its own challenges, the writing process is a bit nerve-wracking. You can write for three years or more (Darkmotherland took me about a decade to write) without fully knowing whether the project is going to be successful. But lately I’m finding that my short stories are getting longer and longer, and often they want to veer off into tangents and discursions, so perhaps I’m growing into a good little apprentice of the mighty novel

How has reading books shaped your personality as an author?

Reading is such an integral part of writing for me that at times it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. I am quite impressionable, so I get easily influenced by what I’m reading at the moment. When I’m reading Cormac McCarthy, for example, I wish I could write into my own fiction the kind of dark and desolate landscape he envisions. Currently I’m reading the Argentinian writer Mariana Enriquez and am totally in love with her menacing and morbid stories of dead babies and demons and the occult. Reading her, I feel like I ought to write at least one horror story before I die. I actually like that I can get so excited by new authors I encounter, and I also am delighted when what I teach makes an impression on my students. Recently, after reading the latest Nobel winner Jon Fosse, I taught a chapter of his superb novel Morning and Evening, and I was pleased that Fosse’s free-flowing style with its eccentric syntax empowered a student to discover, in her own writing, a voice that was uniquely her own.

Do you agree that only a handful of writers from Nepal are able to produce fiction in English? Why is Nepal’s representation in English fiction negligible?

If the recent Writing Nepal contest is an indication, there is a lot of talent in fiction writing in English. In this year’s contest, I was impressed not only by the craft these writers showcased but also the risks they took. So, they might not be publishing, but they are certainly making wonderful creations. And, judging from the crappy books published every year—in America, in India—publication isn’t necessarily the only sign of the health of literature. But yes, we do need more good fiction to be published in Nepal. Radha: Wrath of the Maeju by Rishi Amatya, is a good example of quality fiction rooted in our culture that’s been published with an amazing editorial care by Safu.

Can you tell us more about your life as a creative writing professor?

I teach primarily fiction writing at Indiana University, in a department with a national reputation. Our competitive MFA program attracts students from all over the world, so I work with writers with amazing talent. Most of the time I am teaching graduate and undergraduate fiction workshops, and I find my teaching life very rewarding. Not only do I love teaching but I’m teaching the stuff I love. Sometimes I feel like I have the best job in the world. I have the opportunity to shape future writers, keep my own creative faculties sharp, and also learn a lot in the process. My students inspire me with their talents and their insights.

So, does this mean that creative writing can be taught?

I think people need to think of the teaching of writing as the teaching of, say, music, or tennis. Even if people have natural talent, that talent needs to be developed and nurtured. A good coach or a mentor, or even an intelligent peer, can provide guidance and inspiration that can lead to breakthroughs.

Do you suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do to overcome it?

I wouldn’t be a writer if I didn’t suffer from writer’s block. I’ve also discovered over the years that thinking of it as a “block” is counter-productive. A ‘block’ also implies a ‘flow,’ which is then supposed to be the ideal state of writing. But perhaps we should stop thinking of it as such a strict binary. When there’s a block, our brain might be trying to find ways to move to a higher level of creativity. Similarly, it’s quite possible that a good flow doesn’t necessarily lead to good writing. So, when faced with a block, I allow myself the freedom to explore. I do a lot of free writing, granting myself liberty to create work that might be useless or crappy. Often, in this exploration, I discover an opening that then leads to breakthroughs. A disciplined writing practice can also help. When you force yourself to write daily, blocks and flows recede to the background.  A writer’s block can be also cured by doing something physical–play a sport, go swimming or running etc. Sometimes watching a smart movie can trigger creativity in interesting ways.

It’s been more than two decades since you published your first book, Arresting God in Kathmandu. You’ve written three story collections and three novels. In what ways have you grown as a writer? Any advice to writers who are at the beginning of the process?

When I was first starting out, I used to think that all I had to do was write my first book and everything would be hunky-dory after that. I thought that a first book would mean that I had “arrived,” and I would no longer have to struggle with writing. How wrong I was! Each book has presented a different challenge, and each book has been more difficult to write than the previous one. My forthcoming novel, Darkmotherland, was the most challenging of them all. It’s a book of experiment and absurdity and dark humor, and it’s unlike anything I’ve written before. So I’ve grown in the sense that I’ve become more experimental, and I want to take even greater risks in my writing. I’m writing more than ever before–I have several books in various stages of completion, including a book about a talking dog.

My advice: there are no short-cuts in this business. Writing is hard, and it’ll get harder as you become better. You have to stick with it, you have to be disciplined. Don’t look for easy success. Don’t follow literary trends. Allow your writing to come from the depth of your being. Read voraciously, including books from far-flung places that might be very different from where you live. Make reading and writing such a part of your daily life that they become as natural as breathing.

Anja Strelec is a Croatian film and audiovisual director and photographer, who lives and works in Brussels. Her award-winning documentaries, which have focused mainly on social issues, have been shown around the world at international festivals and on television. She has also participated in solo and group exhibitions of photography and new media in Croatia and abroad, including in France, Slovenia, Germany, Italy, Greece and Belgium.

Anja Strelec has obtained a Master's degree in Audiovisual and Film Production from the Paul-Valéry Faculty in Montpellier and a Master's degree in Audiovisual and Film Directing from the University of Toulouse-Mirail, France.

In addition to artistic activities through various visual formats, she has been working as an independent audiovisual and film director for Belgian television, the European Commission and international organizations such as UNICEF for the past 15 years. She also conducts film, audiovisual and photography workshops, among others, for European Union delegations and film students in countries such as Eritrea, Guinea, Ghana, Senegal and Bangladesh.

Directed by Strelec, ‘Where Have All The Smiles Gone’ is also being screened among others at 11th Nepal Human Rights International film Festival (NHRIFF) from 9-12 December at Tourism Development Board and Film Development Board. Ken Subedi conversed with Anja Strelec regarding her own experiences with the documentary.

You filmed the documentary 'Where Have All The Smiles Gone’ at the invitation of a Nepali production company. How did the collaboration start and how did you react when he offered you to shoot a film about Nepali migrant workers?

I have been working on social topics for several years through TV reports and documentaries, even more intensively after my arrival in Brussels eight years ago, where I am associated with a number of organizations and associations that focus on migration, minorities, social injustice and similar topics.

Producer Chandra Kant Jha from the production company Mountain River Films contacted me through LinkedIn and presented me with the idea for the project. He saw my portfolio and thought that I fit the profile he was looking for, considering my previous work. It is also about the technical aspects, because the directors are often also sound and video recordists and come with their own equipment. I found the topic extremely interesting and important, and started researching it more intensively. After agreeing on logistical and creative aspects, we made some framework for the story of what it should look like. This process took a few weeks. 

How long and in what way did you research the topic before starting to realize the story?

The preparations were extensive and the research lasted longer than the recording itself, we had to be very careful not to get any wrong information. Of course, it is impossible to control everything, especially since sometimes you have to improvise in order to make the story as authentic as possible. We received information from different sources and it was necessary to somehow make a selection and study the statistics well, but since the main idea came from the Nepali production, it was much easier because they had the right picture on the ground and they needed someone to shape it into a movie story.

The documentary shows the plights and blues of migrant Nepali workers where the production team has to deal with emotions of the interviewees which can be challenging. How did you manage to cover the emotions without being carried away?

It was very difficult to interview the people and listen to their tragic stories. However, they felt the need to share their stories and experiences so that others would have a better picture of what is happening to migrant workers. So, no matter how difficult it was to listen to their stories, there was this greater goal of transmitting it objectively to the world.

Which situations had the most impact, what was the most shocking for you?

Working on a project like this and with a topic like this inevitably brings a series of new, striking situations, conversations and information and undoubtedly leaves a mark. For example, take the airport in Kathmandu, which is a place of great contrasts. It is a small airport, but several flights arrive daily, and families of workers often wait for their loved ones in the lobby behind the glass door partitions in fear because they have no information whether the family members are returning alive or dead. Corpses of deceased workers arrive at the airport from abroad every day along with westerners with backpacks, who want to hike in the Himalayas or simply seek spirituality. I think this was the most shocking thing to watch the simultaneous exit through the small airport doors of the happy and satisfied tourists and caskets with dead Nepali migrant workers. Each conversation also left a lasting impression and brought new knowledge, especially with migrants, who have returned because each story is special and difficult.

How are people reacting to the film?

I am glad to say that the film has a very good reception–it was already screened at around 15 film festivals across the world and the audience really resonates with and is interested in the topic. The film has received three awards so far–Audience Award for the best international short documentary film at Chania Film Festival, Special Jury Award for short documentary at Workers’ Unite Film Festival in New York and the Award for Best Human Rights Film at Hummingbird International Film Festival in India. I really hope that this documentary reaches as many people as possible, starts conversations and helps bring about positive changes.

I adopted my furry friends Tango, a boxer, and Poco, a pug, when they were just a month old. They have been an inseparable part of my family ever since they joined us some three and half years ago. They live indoors with us and share the same living spaces, from sofa to bed and chairs to rugs.

They understand and follow roughly what we cue and we also respond to their requests. I often realize that my house provides enough space for movement of the square sized Pug that prefers gobbling meat and rice more than its body should have. Despite my careful diet plan and feeding, it has gained weight lately. 

Tango, on the other hand, is agile and athletic. But he does not get the chance to fully express his trait. I play with him in the veranda, top terrace and sometimes make him run up and down the stairs. Still, he is full of energy. He should be running acres of ground, jump high, squat, circle and show his crazy bodily movements. I thought of a such a place where I can take them where they can run, move around, socialize and relax. A year ago I took Tango and Poco to a dog shelter called Dogtor’s Kennel in Banepa. It was a pretty long journey and I was hesitant at first, particularly at the expense of the pug who suffers a lot when going on a long ride.

Searching for a similar place took us to Wags N. Tails, a dog restaurant, a first of its kind in Nepal. Located just a few kilometers from Ekantakuna ring road, Wags N. Tails was an amazing place for my dogs. Ever since I found the place, I have already taken my dogs there a couple of times. They have ample parking space and the property is beautifully located, slightly far from the neighborhood and well fenced to ensure the safety of animals.

My dogs took some time to be familiar with the environment as there were many dogs and with them, their owners. But it didn’t take long for Tango and Poco to become sociable. My dogs had two ropanis of area to run and jump around for a few hours. 

I conversed with the managing director of Wags N. Tails, Bishal Sherchan, regarding his business. An avid dog lover, Sherchan grew up with pet dogs.

“Having raised a few dogs, I have recollected my own experiences. As a dog owner, I could not take them outside with myself. They are emotionally attached and raised as a family member. And when you have to arrange a sitter to look after them while you go outside, it feels bad and unpleasant,” he says.

Realizing there were no dog-friendly spaces, Sherchan decided to make one. During his research, he found that dog restaurants and cafes are common in Europe and are found in almost all large cities of China and India as well.

So Sherchan decided to take the land on lease and start a dog restaurant.

“The entire property is fenced which avoids the dogs jumping off and running away. There is a mini gate in the entrance for the safety of my own pets as well as the visitors’ pets.” says Sherchan.“The location is suitable as it is not too far and not too near from the residential area.” 

Wags N. Tails has more than enough area for the visitor dogs to play and run around. It also has a small heart-shaped swimming pool for the dogs to beat the summer heat. 

Sherchan now plans to expand the area of his dog restaurant by annexing the neighboring land. 

Asked if dog restaurants should be opened in other places, Sherchan gives a resounding yes.

“Definitely, such a concept can be materialized in different cities and towns as the dog owners can take to the nearby places and save time,” he says. “I think the business prospect of a dog restaurant is huge in Nepal. It can be a great place for dog owners and their dogs to spend quality time.”  Sherchan has carved a business niche for himself and he wants others to follow suit. 

Talking about the fulfillment of running such dog restaurants, Sherchan says that dog owners can spend quality time and at the same time let their dogs spend the same. “I can see the happiness and joy in the faces of the dog owners as they can see similar happiness and excitement in the faces of their fur friends”, Sherchan said. He added, “We also have a dog food menu where the owners can choose items for their dogs.” Besides that, there is also a beautiful restaurant for dog owners where they can savor their taste and fill in their hunger. Taking one’s dog can develop socialization skills in them for they can meet varieties of dogs and make friends.

Bishal Sherchan has carved a niche for dog restaurants in Nepal. The challenges also follow along with the prospects but I realize such businesses have potential to grow, for there are only a handful of destinations you can take your fur friends outside with yourself.