Ramesh Kshitij is a Nepali poet, lyricist, and writer who is known for his poetry collections. ‘Arko Saanjh Parkhera Saanjhma’, ‘Ghar Farkiraheko Manis’ and ‘Parbat Parbatma Batuwa Gham’ are some of his notable works. He has also written lyrics for several songs sung by some renowned singers of Nepal, and has published a song collection called ‘Aafai Aafno Sathi Bhaye’. Babita Shrestha from ApEx talked to Kshitij about his interest in poetry, literature, and writing. How did you start writing? I was born in Salyan but raised in Dang. As a child, I loved reading books, listening to music and the radio. I also experimented with various writing techniques and took part in literature-related activities at school. So writing came naturally to me. But it’s the environment that I grew up in that made me realize that. The society I lived in had a diverse tradition and a rich cultural heritage and that gave me a lot of ideas on what to write. I think what piqued my interest in literature was my hometown’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

What do you mostly work on?

I’ve spent most of my time working on poems but recently I’ve also been focusing on story manuscripts. I prefer to write pastoral, philosophical, and spiritual poems with symbols and imagery. I often concentrate on life’s philosophy and my perspective on the world itself. I’ve worked on subjects closely related to society, religion, and philosophical thoughts. Additionally, I enjoy reading contemporary poems as well as classics by Lekhnath Paudyal (poet) and other prominent senior writers. That has also had an influence on what and how I write. How would you describe your poetry? Poetry is different from other forms of literature. It resembles originality, opinion, art, creativity and symbolism. When you write in your own style, poems become attractive. My poetry is more allegorical, according to critics who have read them. I release a new collection every ten years. I don’t write often, but when I do, I attempt to incorporate all the personal, societal, and nationwide issues I’ve witnessed in that decade. I like to explore the meaning of life from as many angles as possible. What’s the role of poetry in contemporary society? Poetry plays a significant role in our society. For many, it can work like meditation. It can provide a sense of inner peace. Now, in our world, the rise of digital technology is making us over reliant on machines. The world is plagued with isolation and loneliness. For instance, in the early days people used to live in communal houses but now there are many nuclear families. The advancement of AI has deteriorated creativity. I think in today’s alienating society, poetry can be a useful companion. Is there anything you want your readers to know about your work?  The world of poetry is vast. Individual feelings aren’t always at play. Sometimes a poet will discover other poets in his own work. If I’m writing on philosophy, I might express my personal viewpoint or write in accordance with how society around me is evolving. It automatically makes me happier when I discover that my work has been a friend to even one of my readers. It’s a feeling of content I get when my work motivates them to be more positive about their surroundings. To my reader, I want to make a promise that I will uphold this relevance all the way till the end and grant them the companionship they seek through my work. What recommendation do you have for someone who is aspiring to be a poet? I’d like to share some things that can assist them with discovering their writing abilities rather than making recommendations. I believe it will be beneficial for writers if they study relevant literature in which they are interested in. For me, they were ‘Tarun Tapasi’ by Lekhnath Paudyal, ‘Living with the Himalayan Masters,’ by Swami Rama, and ‘Yogi ko Aatmakatha’ by Paramahansa Yogananda. They are great writings that I think everyone should read. Keep writing with no boundaries because it will help you discover your inner self. Be persistent in your efforts. We all face obstacles, so keep calm and think about the efforts you’ve been putting in. When you recall your work decades later, the struggle and dedication will all seem worthwhile. Kshitij’s picks Tarun Tapasi by Lekhnath Paudyal Tarun Tapasi by Lekhnath Paudyal was published in 1953. The epic is divided into 19 cantos and is written in shikharini chhanda. Living with the Himalayan Masters by Swami Rama In this autobiographical book, Swami Rama talks about his journey through the Himalayan passes and meeting with various sages and yogis of different sects and branches. Yogi ko Aatmakatha by Paramahansa Yogananda This book is an autobiography of Paramahansa Yogananda published in 1946. It’s about his life and his encounters with spiritual figures of the Eastern and the Western world.