Summary of New Nepal Poem
This poem ‘New Nepal’ is composed by Shiddicharan Shrestha. The poet spoke for the hopes and frustrates of a politically suppressed people who were struggling for democracy. For writing revolutionary poems he was jailed for eighteen years. In this poem also, he prayed for Nepalese people to speak up for their rights.
It is a political poem translated into English by Shreedhar Lohani. The poem encourages Nepalese people to rise above the inequities of the past and bring in a revival (resurgence) of freedom and self-respect.
This poem was written during Rana’s rule. People were not able, courageous enough to speak anything against cruelty. If anyone tried to speak, that person would be punished. A lack of courage resided in the heart of the public due to the massive domination of the past. They could not bring new thoughts. Through this poem, the poet wanted to inspire innocent people, who had been suppressed by Rana’s rule and their atrocity as well as suffered from racial, political, cultural economical discrimination and ignorant.
He prayed to wake up, raise their voice against such ill-treatment, answer their injustice. He told the reader to speak the truth, show bravery, and move forward to bring a bright day. He requested mother Nepal to bless us with courage and caution, bless us with power and union. Our unity can make it possible. He advised us not to follow distasteful rituals, heartless class divisions, and chains of discrimination. And to eliminate (remove) completely such evil elements to change our Nepal into a new Nepal.
Who is the Writer of The Poem New Nepal
Shidhhicharan Shrestha
Shidhhicharan was born on Jestha 9, 1969 BS in Okhaldunga Bazar of Sagarmatha zone, Nepal. He was the son of father Vishnu Charan Shrestha, who was also a literary figure and mother Neer Kumari Shrestha. Siddhi was married to Mishree Devi Shrestha. They had nine children. Their eldest son, Viswa Charan Shrestha, died at the age of four. Siddhi wrote the poem "Viswa Betha" in his son's memory.
Siddhicharan Shrestha is honoured as "Yuga Kavi", meaning - "Poet of the Era".
Siddhi Charan Shrestha started his poetry journey at the age of 13. He had a natural flow of poetry. His first book Bhuichala was published in 1336. Siddhicharan wrote this book just after the horrible earthquake of 1936. Siddhicharan wrote many poems. He wrote both in Nepali and Newari. He also wrote a religious poem “Devighat”. “Mero Pyaro Okhaldhunga” is the most famous poem of Siddhi. Siddhicharan was a revolutionary writer of the time. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison and his properties were also confiscated by the then autocratic Rana regime. However, he was released after five years.
He was a then political prisoner. Siddhi was not even allowed to attain his father’s funeral while in jail. The sentence was rigorous. The great leader Ganesh Man Singh and other political activists were in the same jail and they were inspired by Siddhi Charan's poetry. Ganesh Man Singh once recalled the time in prison with poet Sidhhicharan and said “ if Siddhi was not there in prison, he would have gone insane”. Former high raking Nepali officer Dr Mohan Lohani, wrote in Rising Nepal: "Siddhi Charan's poetry is a guidepost. It teaches us that service to others is a noble goal… He not only sympathized with the suffering of humanity but felt their suffering as his own… Siddhi Charan, the revolutionary poet lived for Nepal and breathed his last for Nepal." He was known as Kaji dai among his nearer. Siddhi loved smoking hookah. He loved reciting his poems to his visitors. He was always an inspiration to many new poets and writers. He personally inspired and suggested improvements.
During 1957-1965, Siddhi was a member of the Royal Nepal Academy. Later, he was as a life member of the academy. He served in the standing committee of the state council from 1971 to 1979. He worked as a social worker during 1936 earthquake disaster. He was also associated with the literary journal Sharada and the bi-weekly Gorkhapatra. Later on, he was chief editor of Dainik Awaz and magazine Kavita as the chief editor.
He passed away in Jestha 22, 2049. That was in the year June 4, 1992 AD.
Siddhicharan's Works
Work in Nepali:
Urvashi, Mero Pratibimba (My Image), Ashu (Tears), Kopila (The Bud), Biswa Betha (In Painful Memory of Son), Mangal Man, Junkiri, Kuhiro Ra Gham (The Mist and the Sun), Banchiraheko Awaz, Jyanmara Shail (Murderer Shail), Tirimiritara, Bali, Bhimsen Thapa, Yudha Ra Shanti (War and Peace), Aatma Bilauna, Siddhi Charan Ka Pratinidhi Kabita, and Siddhi Charan Ka Jail Samjhana.
Works in Newari:
Lumbini, Trishna, Fuswa, Siswa, Gyaswa, Nari Hridaya, Urbashi, Siddhi Charanya Nibanda Sangraha, and Ghama.
Unpublished Works:
Muswa, Siddhi Charanka Angreji Kabita Sangraha, and Siddhi Charanka Yatra Smaran.
Awards:
Praval Gorkha Dakshin Bahu, Vikhyat Trishakti Patta, Tribhuwan Puraskar, Prithivi Pragya Puraskar, and awards by the Royal Nepal Academy.
Recognitions:
Yuga Kabi Siddhi Charan Highway (Katari, Okhaldhunga); Postal Stamp (Hulak Ticket Prakashan); Siddhi Charan Rastriya Pratibha Puraskar; Yuga Kabi Siddhi Charan Higher Secondary School, Gamnatar/Okhaldhunga; Yuga Kabi Siddhi Charan Prathamic Bidhyalaya, Jaleshwor/Janakpur Anchal; Siddhi Charan Avinandan Samiti, 1987; Yuga Kabi Siddhi Charan Puraskar; Yuga Kabi Siddhi Charan Prathistan; Siddhi Charan Smriti Guthi; Yuga Kabi Siddhi Charan Sanghralaya; Yuga Kabi Siddhi Charan Pustakalaya; Yuga Kabi Siddhi Charan Pratima Sthapana, Okhaldhunga; Yuga Kabi Siddhi Charan Pratima; and Siddhi Charan Chowk, Om Bahal, Kathmandu. Personal belongings of the late poet are displayed at Nepal Sikchaya Parikchyat building in Naya Bazaar.
