Urmila Koirala, 39, is a poet from Kavre. She also runs a business and is actively involved in Pushparag Literary Institute, a social literary organization. She is a former secretary and member of the Kavre Service Society and has been a correspondent at the Chesta Weekly for almost a decade.
Koirala is renowned for her ghazal anthologies, including ‘Pratinidhi Nepali’ and ‘Haisiyat’. Her ghazal ‘Dil Ko Gajur’ is hugely popular and now, she is set to release another collection titled ‘Gham Mathi Gham Ko Kiran’. In a chat with Babita Shrestha from ApEx, Koirala spoke about the cathartic power of poems and ghazals.
What sparked your love for poetry?
I’ve had a passion for writing poems ever since I was a child. But life took a different turn after I got married right after SLC. I had to put my education on hold to take up the responsibilities that come with being a wife and mother. It wasn’t until my daughters started going to school that I decided to pick up my high school studies again. Life has thrown so much at me and at such times, poetry has been my constant companion. It helps me understand my feelings and express myself. It gives me a sense of comfort by helping me express myself in ways I am unable to in regular conversations. It’s my way of finding solace and sharing my perspective. Last year, I completed my MA in Nepali literature from Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus and now I write songs and poems more often.
Could you run us through your writing process?
When I write, it’s all about capturing my feelings and finding some peace in that process. When a strong emotion hits me, I sit down and start putting it into words. Sometimes, it all comes out in one go. But I go through it multiple times until it feels just right and matches the emotions I want to convey. I mostly write about people and their feelings, but being a daughter, mother, daughter-in-law, wife, and woman, I tend to focus a lot on women’s issues. Some critics even call me a ‘society reporter’ as my pieces also touch on patriotic stories, societal struggles, and the challenges faced by laborers and marginalized communities in society.
Are there any figures who have influenced your style and approach to poetry?
I like poetry books, especially the Nepali classics. I dive into works like Mahakavi Lakshmi Prasad Devkota’s ‘Shakuntala’, Gopal Prasad Rimal’s ‘Aama Ko Sapana’, Bhupi Sherchan’s ‘Ghumne Mech Mathi Andho Manchhe’ and other timeless novels like Parijat’s ‘Shirish Ko Phool’ and BP Koirala’s ‘Sumnima’. Their works have left a deep impression on me, shaping my style and helping me bring originality to my writing.
How do you come up with new ideas and styles?
I study society. It’s not just about putting down data and facts but also blending them with the underlying feelings. Real life, diverse people, and experiences are what I value the most. My approach is not just about observing society but I also try to add my honest touch to my poetry so that my readers can relate to it and find their meanings in it. I avoid making up fabricated stories because I don’t write to flatter the audience. I try to stay true to my style.
In your opinion, what is the relationship between poetry and social change?
Poetry is a medium to tell the stories of everyday people in society like the homemakers, workers, farmers, porters, and others who often face oppression. I think their struggles and emotions should be portrayed in literature, not by making things up but by actually mirroring them. Through literature, we can bring out their presence and hardships, validating and recognizing their struggles. For me, it’s the light of consciousness. That’s why I believe that poetry is a powerful tool to capture social movements that might be easily overlooked.
What do you think is poetry’s purpose and significance in today’s world?
Poetry is timeless. Though the style and topics in poetry have changed over time, the essence of poetry will always stick around. Even nowadays, through poetry, you can see many writers gaining recognition after years of dedicated work. It is how they are making a mark with their artistic talent and contributing to society. Take my experience, for instance. My work ‘Dil Ko Gajur’ was awarded by a prestigious organization like the Songwriter Association of Nepal. That recognition pushed me to keep honing my creative and original side. I believe that poetry is a medium to bring about positive change in society while encouraging new talents.
