Nepali literature blooming in Diaspora
The poetry festival organised recently by the International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) in Baltimore, USA, alongside the convention of the Association of Nepalis in America (ANA) saw volumes of literary recitations that reflected deep feelings of nationalism, nationality and Nepaliness.
In fact, the Diasporic Nepali literature has superseded the conventional wisdom of evoking feelings on love, sympathy, nature or social evils over issues of nationality and ethnic identity in literary works. Most creations from the Diaspora speak of the importance of being Nepali in a distant land.
The history of Nepali literature getting beyond the seas is very short yet achievements are encouraging. Despite
their busy life, the enthusiasm of Nepalis in foreign land towards Nepali literature speaks of their love for nationality and national language and identity.
“There is a greater Nepal beyond physical Nepal. Nepali literature documents their feelings and experiences and brings them closer,” says Hom Nath Subedi, a pioneering figure of Nepali Literature in Diaspora.
The role of INLS which he established in 1992, which has now expanded to different countries, has been very strong in bringing about consciousness on Nepali literature beyond Nepal. Despite resource crunch, limited readership, absence of regular literary gatherings, limited time to spend for literary creations and marketing Nepali literature is gradually making its base within the Diaspora.
Even so, Nepali literature is not limited to Nepali community. Translations of Nepali creations have drawn good number of audiences overseas. Ram Babu Subedi, who recently returned from Switzerland trip, says he met many non-Nepalis having interest in Nepali literature in that country. “In one of my poems translated into English, I received better applause on recitation than I received in my original text,” he recounts.
An example of interest of foreigners in Nepali literature is evident in North Carolina State University (NCSU) where Dr Harihar Bhattarai heads the Nepali language department. Half of the students enrolled for Nepali language classes are non-Neplais, Bhattarai had told Nepalnews earlier.
America, having highest number of Nepali migrants, sees bigger number of literary activities. Despite being fringe and scattered, Nepalis in other countries are increasingly getting involved in expanding the Nepali literature. For instance, Finland and Ireland have a limited number of Nepalis, getting together is often by chance. However, Devi Sharma from Finland says their interest towards national language and literature is strong and is growing stronger.
It is not only the matter of interest and hobby, it is the matter of identity. Prof Mohan Situala, who spent years in USA working for expansion of Nepali literature, says the pursuit to Nepali literature is the result of consciousness and sentiments that Diaspora developed over the last 4-5 generations.
“They (Nepalis in US) are, on the one hand, to the cosmopolitan American society and on the other back to their own countries of origin – not only Nepal. Now it is the 3rd, 4th and 5th generations that are making new moves in the States. The cross breeds also are making their nice appearances. The interest and use of Nepali language and culture varies in great degree in these different generations,” Sitaula adds.
Hom Subedi makes similar observation, saying, “As each generation learns Nepali and reads Nepali literature, they will be able to understand their roots and global Nepali society. Nepali literature is important to document experiences of Nepali people in this greater Nepali nation so that Nepali identity is kept alive for many generations to come.”
Online blogs, websites, online radios and various publications in Diaspora have been instrumental for the expansion Nepali literature around the globe. To name a few – prabasinepali.com, nepalipost.com, online Nepali sahitya manch, samakalinsahitya.com, nepalquatar.com, America Darpan.
The Nepali communities in Europe have also come forward to give supporting hands in putting the Nepali literature before the global community. A number of organisations aiming to promote Nepali literature in this continent have appeared and literary activities and publications have been witnessed of late.
Gulf countries, South-East Asian nations also comprise a big chuck of Nepali population abroad thereby prompting more efforts to expand Nepali literature in that part of the world. United Arab Emirates and Japan have been projected to be the other hotspots of Nepali literature where the number of Nepalis is increasing at a faster rate.
Now it is not only Nepali products going global but Nepali literature too is fetching its market. To say the least, Nepali literature has been a key to bridging the differences among Nepalis abroad, strengthening the bond of oneness and one identity.
Published in Nepalinews.com
nice article. Try your best to recognize Nepali Literature all over the world. Wherever you are love Nepal. Thanks !