Pradip Paudel is a member of the Central Working Committee of Nepali Congress party. Paudel believes that reading is a must for any aspiring leader. The Post’s Alisha Sijapati caught up with him for a quick chat regarding his reading habits. Excerpts:

How did you first come to love books?

I would say it was during my teenage days that I really got into literature. During those days, I read books of all kinds, but mostly I read poetry—from Devkota’s Muna Madan to Laila Majnu, penned by Anjana Rawail.Gradually, my interest shifted to books on history, and politics and biographies.

Which books are you currently reading?

I am currently reading Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty, written jointly by Daron Acemoglu and James A Robinson. It puts forwards an intriguing analysis on such aspects of socio-political interest as institutional economics, development economics, and economic history. It is especially relevant for a country like Nepal.

Which book do you want to read next and why?

I am eagerly waiting to read Surya Nath Adhikary’s book about the Nepali Congress. Second in line is the History of Nepali Congress Volume I, by Puroshottam Basnet. I want to learn more about political philosophy; I hope it will help me build debating skills for the Youth Convention that is right around the corner.

What is your favourite genre and why?

Biography, auto-biography and historical books have always intrigued me.

Name a book that you would or would not recommend, and why?

My personal favourite is Between Ethics and Politics: Gandhi Today, by Eva Pfost. I doubt that any writer has penned the journey of Gandhi as well as Pfost has. It basically chronicles the life of Gandhi and his contribution to the Indian society. It’s astonishing to learnhow a man could contribute so much for society and the country in their lifetime.

Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction? Why?

I prefer non-fiction. I do like to read fiction as well but I find myself more inclined towards non-fiction—perhaps it is because of the sector I am working on.

What is good writing for you? What would you say makes a good writer?

Skill and imagination are essential for any writer. A writer who writes a book out of passion—and not just for the heck of publishing one—would make a good writer, I think.

Your advice for general readers?

It seems most of us in Nepal read books only when we have to. But lately, the trend seems to be changing. Read books according to your interest and passion. Also, if you aim to be a leader in a particular sector, reading is a must; leaders are born out of deep passion on a particular subject.

Are you writing a book right now?

My colleagues and I are planning to work on a book to document the objectives of Nepali Congress. Hopefully, it will soon work out.