Sirjan Bindu

Sanu Sharma is an acclaimed Nepali writer known for her contributions to literature as a short story writer, novelist, lyricist, and Ghazalist. She has written six novels, a collection of short stories, and composed moving songs. Her debut novel, "Ardhaviram" (2003), was followed by "Jeetko Paribhasha" (2007), "Artha" (2011), and "Biplavi" (2017), all of which garnered praise. In 2018, her collection of short stories titled "Ekadeshmaa" received widespread acclaim and a nomination for the esteemed Madan Puraskar Award. Sharma's fifth novel, "Utkarsha" (2021), and sixth novel, "Pharak" (2022), further established her as a prominent voice in contemporary Nepali literature.

Sharma's narratives have been adapted into audiovisual presentations, expanding her reach. From the hauntingly beautiful tale of "Bhaujoo" to the enigmatic "Ek Raat", the thought-provoking "Jawaaf", the ethereal "Pari", and the poignant "Urhin", her stories have come to life through the creative talents of her readers. These adaptations showcase the universality of her narratives and have allowed her storytelling to reach new heights.

What sets Sharma's writing apart is her focus on portraying the challenges faced by women in the home and society. She delves into the complexities of fragmented families and the struggles of the elderly. Sharma presents these issues candidly, revealing harsh truths and unveiling the darker aspects without resorting to propagandist slogans. Through her storytelling, she prompts readers to confront societal complexities and injustices, fostering understanding and empathy towards women's daily struggles. Her writing serves as a mirror, exploring the multifaceted struggles faced by women and the brokenness that permeates families and communities.

In addition to her prose, Sharma is a talented lyricist and Ghazalist, adding another dimension to her artistic repertoire. Her ability to weave words together, whether in prose or in song, demonstrates her versatility and exceptional talent as an artist. Sharma's contributions have made an indelible mark on Nepali literature and the creative arts. Her compelling narratives, thought-provoking short stories, and gripping novels continue to captivate readers and inspire creative endeavors. Through her work, she sparks conversations about the challenges faced by women, the complexities of family dynamics, and the injustices that persist in society. Sanu Sharma's writing is a testament to the power of storytelling, inviting readers to introspect, empathize, and strive for a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Sanu Sharma is a writer.

Thomas Kebede Woldemariam, in his master's thesis titled "Counter-Terrorism Measures and Autonomy in Kenya Since 2015: A Study of Daily Nation and The Standard Newspapers," submitted for the degree of Master of Arts in Global Journalism at NLA University in Norway, in May 2018, has cited this very poem as part of his academic exploration. Woldemariam's work navigates the intricate interplay between counter-terrorism efforts and the pursuit of autonomy within the Kenyan context, drawing on the resonant themes found within "Every Morning."

The poem "Every Morning" is written by Suman Pokhrel, a Nepali poet, lyricist, playwright and translator. It underscores the grim reality of existing in a world saturated with violence and turmoil. The poet confronts a daily awakening that greets them with news of calamity and the forfeiture of lives, eliciting a pervasive sense of apprehension and insecurity about their personal well-being.

Within its verses, the poem proposes that the mere act of arising from slumber and being alive is a cause for gratitude, a testimony that one has evaded the grasp of the brutality and aggression manifesting all around. This amplifies life's fragility and accentuates the value of cherishing each fleeting moment.

In its entirety, "Every Morning" emerges as a potent discourse on the persistent trials endured by countless individuals globally, accentuating the necessity for empathy and benevolence when faced with adversities. The poem rallies readers to acknowledge the preciousness of existence and to hold in high esteem the seemingly mundane act of awakening every day.

Diving deeper into the context, "Every Morning" originates from the creative mind of Suman Pokhrel and was initially composed in Nepali as "Harek Bihan" in 2004, amid Nepal's insurgency era. The poem found its place in his anthology titled "Jeevanko Chheubaata," which saw publication in November 2009. The work underwent translation into English, making its debut in the anthology "Sweet and Sour Dreams," a compilation of South Asian poetry, issued by FOSWAL in 2011. Subsequently, the poem achieved presence in diverse poetry collections and digital platforms.

The poem articulates the profound unpredictability of life's existence, prompting a jolting realization of how often the mundane is taken for granted. It stands as a poignant reflection on a world brimming with violence, tragedy, and a disregard for human life. "Every Morning" underscores the importance of embracing gratitude for mere existence. It gently reprimands humanity for its lack of appreciation in the face of adversity.

Remarkably, this poem has garnered widespread acclaim and citation by a broad spectrum of individuals, transcending political, scholarly, and social boundaries. Renowned figures, including politicians, scholars, and social media users worldwide, have turned to its lines for expression during varied circumstances. The poem has served as an opening citation in literary critiques, such as Dr. Shividya Shivkumar's exploration of poetry's response to terrorism in The Hindu. It has been featured prominently in reviews and discussions, symbolizing its enduring relevance.

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Qasim Khan Suri, shared excerpts from the poem on Twitter, underlining its resonance across cultures. Academics have invoked its verses in scholarly work, and individuals from diverse backgrounds have embraced and disseminated its message through social media, particularly during periods of hardship or bloodshed.

Thomas Kebede Woldemariam, in his master's thesis titled "Counter-Terrorism Measures and Autonomy in Kenya Since 2015: A Study of Daily Nation and The Standard Newspapers," submitted for the degree of Master of Arts in Global Journalism at NLA University in Norway, in May 2018, has cited this very poem as part of his academic exploration. Woldemariam's work navigates the intricate interplay between counter-terrorism efforts and the pursuit of autonomy within the Kenyan context, drawing on the resonant themes found within "Every Morning."

In the digital realm, lines from "Every Morning" reverberate across platforms like Twitter and Instagram, serving as a shared expression in the wake of bloodshed incidents, regardless of their specifics. This enduring impact reflects the poem's ability to provide solace and introspection amidst adversity, rendering it a beacon of reflection and unity across the human experience.

Sanu Sharma is an acclaimed Nepali writer known for her contributions to literature as a short story writer, novelist, lyricist, and Ghazalist. She has written six novels, a collection of short stories, and composed moving songs. Born in Kathmandu, Sharma later moved to Australia. Her debut novel, "Ardhaviram" (2003), was followed by "Jeetko Paribhasha" (2007), "Artha" (2011), and "Biplavi" (2017), all of which garnered praise. In 2018, her collection of short stories titled "Ekadeshmaa" received widespread acclaim and a nomination for the esteemed Madan Puraskar Award. Sharma's fifth novel, "Utkarsha" (2021), and sixth novel, "Pharak" (2022), further established her as a prominent voice in contemporary Nepali literature.

Manpareka Kehi Kavita (English: Some Selected Poems) is a compilation of poetry in Nepali translation, translated by Suman Pokhrel.

Within this work, Suman Pokhrel presents 64 poems by various poets from different countries, all translated from English to Nepali. The collection includes renowned poets such as Anna Akhmatova, Anna Swir, Allen Ginsberg, Octavio Paz, Gabriela Mistral, Jacques Prévert, Delmira Agustini, Nâzım Hikmet, Nizar Qabbani, Pablo Neruda, Farough Farrokhzad, Mahmoud Darwish, Yehuda Amichai, and Sylvia Plath.

Suman Pokhrel emphasizes that the act of translation goes beyond a mere word-to-word conversion; it involves capturing the essence, emotions, and beauty of the original work, conveyed through carefully chosen words, metaphors, and poetic devices.

In his critique, Abhi Subedi praises Suman Pokhrel's translations featured in "Manpareka Kehi Kavita," commending the preservation of the poems' originality and authenticity. Pokhrel's introductions to the poets and their representative works, along with the portrayal of their struggles within their poetry, are also lauded.

Suman Pokhrel himself shares that his translations are not limited to the literal translation of words; instead, he endeavors to convey the visuals and music embedded within the language. His focus is on translating the emotions and soul of the original poems, allowing them to resonate as distinct Nepali verses.