Thirty-three-year-old Prajwal Adhikari is a poet and lyricist. He has written several notable poems such as ‘Pathshala’ ‘Sankalpa’, and ‘Akashvani’ among others. He has also co-authored books like ‘Swachchhanda Suseli Haru’ and ‘Chhakalai’. He wrote the lyrics to songs like ‘High Voltage’, ‘Maya Ko Radio’, ‘Apartment Department’ and ‘Bhangera ra Bhangeri’.
He has received critical acclaim for much of his works and has been awarded for them too. Over the years, he has won many regional poetry competitions as well. In an interview with Babita Shrestha of ApEx, Adhikari spoke about what inspires him to write and how he manages to captivate his audience.
What made you want to write poetry?
From a very early age, I loved music and wanted to become a singer. I came to Kathmandu to pursue that dream but the instructor told me my voice wasn’t good enough. I used to compose songs then but I hadn’t even dabbled in poetry. Then, this one time, I happened to attend a poetry recitation event, and listening to brilliant poets led me to write my first poem, ‘Euta Yuddha Ajai Baki Cha’. I had the opportunity to recite this poem at the National Poetry Competition at Bhrikuti Mandap and was fortunate enough to be among the Top 20 selected poets. I believe this fueled my passion for poetry and now I mostly write and recite poems.
What, do you think, is the purpose and significance of poetry in today’s world?
Poetry is as old as human civilization. I believe it defies a specific definition and stands as the highest form of expression, while creating an emotional bond with the audience. To me, poetry represents a form of meditation.
I see poetry as passive activism. It’s basically a nonviolent tool that doesn’t carry political agendas or weaponry for social change but still manages to have an impact. For instance, consider Shrawan Mukarung’s ‘Bise Nagarchi Ko Bayan’ which was recited during the people’s movement in 2006/07. This poem created a new approach to activism.
Good poems are like mantras as it makes us want to live a meaningful life. Even these days, people are writing poems on social issues like women's empowerment and such. This is because poetry has the power to influence people and reshape their perspectives.
How do you approach writing poetry?
Writing poems, for me, is an emotional experience. I can’t force myself to write. Poetic ideas come in waves, sparking my desire to write. Occasionally, when I’m waiting at a bus stop, a sudden wave of inspiration hits me. In those moments, I don’t concern myself with what others might think and I quickly jot down my thoughts on my phone or on paper. Most of the time, I find myself writing in the ‘What’s on your mind’ section on Facebook.
I generally don’t rewrite because I believe it would undermine the natural flow of ideas. All poems aren’t meant to be good. So, if I find a piece satisfying, I add it to my collection and often share it on my Facebook page. However, if I’m not pleased with it, I delete the entire piece. Most of the time I send it to newspapers for publication. I haven’t published an anthology yet but I’m working on it.
Is there a subject matter that you find yourself drawn to?
Traveling fuels ideas. I mostly write after observing and experiencing things. Poetry, I think, is ever-evolving and you have to be open to new ideas and themes.
Once, while watching Animal Planet, I saw a lion kill a doe that had just given birth to a fawn. I observed the baby deer desperately trying to walk and get milk from the lion. This natural cycle made me reflect on how things are in our society. Drawing from that, I wrote a poem on how marginalized and underprivileged communities often face oppression from those in power.
What is your technique to connect with your readers?
Poetry is a form of expression that weaves together sentiments, thoughts, and personal experiences through the use of symbols and imagery. To convey intense emotions, I employ metaphors and similes. I believe they make poems impactful.
I have a distinct memory of composing a brief poem on a simple incident which later turned out to be an outstanding piece. It was about a fly which I could not kill. To make it impactful, I latched on to a myth and added subtle hints of satire. In most of my poetry, I try to create a vivid image in the minds of my audience, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the emotional depth of the poem.
Do you have any advice for aspiring poets?
If you want to pursue a career as a poet, you must read writings of established as well as contemporary poets. The more you immerse yourself in their writings, the better equipped you become to develop your individual style and express your ideas. Every one of us possesses an innate ability to convey our thoughts and emotions. So, instead of comparing your work to others, you should focus on refining your writing by competing with previous versions of yourself.
