Rajendra Shalabh on connecting with peoples’ emotions through his poems

Rajendra Shalabh, 65, is a Nepali poet who is originally from Jhapa. He has released three poem collections: ‘Ujyalo Ko Sarta’, ‘Kavita Ko Rang’ and ‘Ujale Ke Sang’. He retired as a professor at the Nepal Law Campus two years back, and now is engaged with ‘Aksharang’, an online literary magazine. Babita Shrestha from ApEx caught up with Shalabh to know more about his attachment with poetry. 

Could you please share about your journey as a poet and a moment that ignited your passion for poetry?

From a very young age, reading and writing were two of my main interests. My family owned a printing press business in Jhapa. During that time, renowned newspapers were published through our press. My father was a journalist and as a result, I got to learn from several editors and writers who were very close to my father. I consider myself privileged to have had direct assistance in writing from professionals. With that, writing became more appealing to me. I’ve been writing since I was in school. Even after enrolling in law school, I continued to participate in various platforms that required me to write poems. I published my first book ‘Ujyalo Ko Sarta’ in 2008 and released an audiobook ‘Aafno Kavita Aafnai Aawaj’ the same year. Then, I released my other book ‘Kavita ko Rang’ in 2016. Just about two years ago, my friend and I collaborated on a Hindi translation of our work called ‘Ujale Ke Sang’. 

Since you were a law student, what deviated you to become a poet?

I’ll be very honest here, I didn't want to start law school then. My parents forced me into it. However, I was still engaged in literature and theater even after starting law school. Writing poems meant everything to me. It gave me satisfaction. So it’s safe to say that my enthusiasm and passion for poetry has made me the poet I am now.

What does poetry mean to you personally?

Poetry is a literary form that can be simple or complicated. It is one of the most read genres in literature. For me, it’s a reflection of society, and every poem written has a human sensibility at its core, regardless of what the subject matter is. 

How do you approach your writing, from initial inspiration to finalizing a piece? 

I don’t have a particular model, but whenever a topic comes to mind, I automatically have the urge to write. Unlike most authors, I do not go back and revise my work because I always write from the heart and with all of my feelings. But when I read it back, my mind gets in the way of making small alterations which makes that piece a mess. So, I always finish with the first draft. While writing, I tend to write from the heart rather than focus on the technicalities.

Is there a specific theme you work on?

Although I typically avoid composing political poetry, there may be times when it does arise while partially addressing societal topics. If I must be specific, I tend to write on issues related to human emotions, relationships, life, and general topics.

Are there any poets or writers who have influenced your style and approach to poetry? 

There are several. I think Bhupi Sherchan and Gopal Prasad Rimal are two of the great poets who have inspired not just me, but many contemporary writers. These authors use a relatively straightforward writing style and simple diction which makes it easier for readers to grasp what the writing is trying to say. I do not believe poetry needs to be difficult and filled with heavy words.

What do you consider the greatest achievement of being a poet?

For an interview, I recently went to one of the events. I was requested to read one of my poems called ‘Aama’ by the host. After I finished my recitation, she told me that her grandmother heard me recite it, took down every word and read it to her later because she liked it so much. Hearing this made me feel quite accomplished. It showed that I am able to connect with peoples’ emotions through my writing. 

Also back then, I worked as a station manager for a radio station. ‘Kura Tapaiko Sabda Mera’ was a show I used to host. On the program I used to hear stories from people, and later I delivered their stories in the form of a poem. What I’m trying to say is, I consider myself to be a content and successful poet because of my ability to convey stories of other people through my poetry .

Shalabh’s picks:

Ghumne Mech Mathi Andho Manche by Bhupi Sherchan

It is a Nepali poem collection which was awarded Sajha Puraskar in 1969.

Aama Ko Sapana by Gopal Prasad Rimal

It is a Nepali poetry published by Sajha Prakashan which won Madan Puraskar in 1962.