Prakash Thamsuhang is an Ilam-based poet and essayist. He has been working in the literary field for the past three decades and has published ‘Palamko Murchana’, a poetry collection and ‘Sabdathum’, an essay collection.

Thamsuhang is currently the chairperson of the Yakthung Writer’s Association and Ilam Nagar Sahitya Kala Sangit Pratisthan.

In this talk with the Post’s Kshitiz Pratap Shah, Thamsuhang discusses his literary inspirations, writing in various forms and genres, and the importance of his locale to his writing.

What was your early reading experience? Tell us about your first read.

I remember reading comic books when I was younger. In Ilam bazaar, there was this comic store called Srijana Store, where I would eagerly wait for new editions of Chacha Chowdhary comics.

When I got older, I started buying issues of magazines like Muna and Yuva Mancha from the same shop. I loved reading Khagendra Sangraula's works in Yuva Mancha. My brothers also bought me books, like Prakash Kovind’s novels and Hindi detective stories. I also recall reading Garima magazines and Sajha Prakashan’s Sajha Katha.

I still remember one book I couldn’t finish reading as a kid: Robinson Crusoe. The book is about a sailor whose ship got wrecked and was stuck on a remote island. I believed that story to be true and was thoroughly excited by the adventures of the stranded sailor.

Unfortunately, the Nepali translation was incomplete. I still wonder if that sailor is still stuck on the island or if he was rescued eventually.

How has your experience been with reading as a writer and an essayist? What things prompted you to write essays and poem writing?

From my early school days, I have been interested in literature. I always thought of myself as a reader with an author hidden within me.

Writing helped me expand my vocabulary substantially. My belief in dedicating myself to critical, reflective and analytical writing came through the books I read. These texts made me realise our duty to read humanity itself.

Through my readings, I realised how writing can be used to criticise and illuminate the discriminations and wrongdoings in our society.

What is your favourite text or book that had the most impact on you, personally and professionally?

My writings have been heavily inspired by Bairagi Kaila’s poetry. His poems are philosophical and culturally aware, and they make great use of myths.

I aspire to write poetry in Kaila’s style, but it would be difficult to emulate such heights, even with lots of experience and study.

Through Shankar Lamichhane’s writings, I am also learning how to make my writings even more relatable to readers. His writings inspire me.

How inclusive would you say Nepal’s writing space has been for you in terms of opportunity, language, and other aspects?

Nepali literature in the past was limited, and there was little representation of the actual state of Nepali society. Diversity is an intrinsic part of Nepal’s social identity. Yet, our literature kept presenting the reflections, myths and cliches of only one ethnic group and culture, that of the politically dominant community. Due to this one-tone focus of Nepali literature, many of us started on the path of identity-focused writing.

Even then, the mainstream literary society labelled us as a minority and attempted to sideline us. Marginalised writing and the diverse corners of Nepali literature have historically been treated unfairly.

Yet, our repeated intervention and many literary movements have helped establish inclusivity as an important discourse in Nepali literature. No one can attempt to discredit or interrupt writers who want to write about their identity.

Still, we need to include more writings of different mother tongues in Nepali literature.

What text are you reading currently? Tell us something about your reading preferences.

I am currently reading historian and former journalist Rajkumar Dikpal’s ‘Prithvi Narayan Shah: Alochnatmak Itihaas’. This book tells of the hidden or lost historical truths from the famous king’s time.

In the context of most Nepali historians idolising Pritvi Narayan Shah, this text’s attempt to see things more critically has been refreshing to read.

Currently, my focus is on reading texts focused on the Mundhum, cultural and historical matters.

How do you think your hometown and your experiences in Ilam have helped you in your academic and other written works?

Ilam has a significant literary heritage. Prominent local authors like Santa Gyandil Das, Raharsingh Rai, Mahananda Sapkota, Dr Tana Sharma, and Janaklal Sharma have continuously inspired my writing.

I hope that my works and writings inspire the younger generation in some way. This is my current goal.

We recently opened a community library with the help of the Ilam Municipality to develop a reading culture among the local youth and remind them that technology alone cannot fulfil their quest for knowledge.

The annual Ilam Literature Festival is also held here to encourage literature-inclined students of Ilam and guide them through the contemporary literary landscape.

I have found that this helps young writers in their understanding of the field.

Prakash Thamsuhang’s Book Recommendations

Nawacoit Mundhum

Author: Bairagi Kainla

Year: 2002

This compilation of texts belongs to the oral tradition of the Yakthung Limbus, handed down through generations for centuries. It discusses the universe, the earth, and the origins of humanity, emphasising that words were the first creation.

Abstract Chintan Pyaj

Author: Shankar Lamichhane

Year: 1967

Publisher: Sajha Prakashan

I frequently recommend this classic literary masterpiece by Shankar Lamichhane to readers. It showcases his exceptional writing skills and provides a deep understanding of his articulation of ideas through essays.

Damini Bhir

Author: Rajan Mukarung

Year: 2012

Publisher: Phoenix Books

Mukarung’s writings are extremely helpful for understanding Kirati culture, and he is good at writing about them. He excels at capturing local tales and the essence of the region, vividly portraying the roots of common people.

Tangsing

Author: Raja Punayani

Year: 2022

Publisher: Book Hill

The poems in this book are about climate change and nature conservation. They examine the relationship between human institutions and nature through the lens of Kirati culture.

Prithviko Avishkar

Author: Sundar Kurup

Year: 2019

Publisher: Shangri-La Books

The poems in this collection have an organic flavour. They artistically portray the movements of life and the minute elements of society.

Abba

Author: Shyam Shah

Year: 2014

Publisher: Phoenix Books

This collection of stories highlights the untapped potential of tales from Madhesh. Shah’s writing helps us appreciate the novelty and beauty of Madheshi stories.