Writes: Bicky Sharma
We had recently shared a news regarding the release of a book titled “Bhanjyaang ka Geet Haru” by Shri Pradeep Kumar Sunuwar (Mukhia). This story follows from the same news, and tries to give a closer look to the background on the release of the book. This is in fact not a telltale but draws on the events, emotions, and inspiration that went into the making "Bhanjyaang ka Geet Haru" possible - this is a story about Pradeep and his life, his struggles, and his never-give-up spirit.
Born in a small village of Siribari in Risheehat, Pradeep Kumar Sunuwar had a single parenthood who was brought up by his mother. Having completed his high school from Risheehat itself, Pradeep moved to Government College, Darjeeling for his higher studies from where he completed his Intermediate with Commerce in 1980. As fate would have it with most of us living in Darjeeling in those times, Pradeep, however, had to give up his education owing to the lack of financial support. After returning home, Pradeep started helping his mother in sustaining their lives. It was from then on that Pradeep’s passion for writing started to dawn upon him.
From 1980 to 1985, Pradeep had a good set of writings well poured onto his notebook. But then, those pieces of art had a tragic end to their journey. The Gorkhaland Andolan of 1986 had everyone pay something or the other in their part. Sadly, Pradeep too had a sacrifice to make for the same, his house was torched in the wake of the andolan, and all his works - which included a complete novel - went to ashes along with the house. Dejected, but still full of hopes and courage, Pradeep, along with his mother, shifted to Lizahill, and later to Ghoom.
The decision to make Ghoom his new home proved lucky for Pradeep on two counts: the family of two were to have a new member as Pradeep took nuptial vows and married in 1988; and, Pradeep secured a teaching job at Bhalukhop Primary School, where he still serves as the headmaster.
The challenges Pradeep encountered in his life could not end his lust for writings as he continues to sail with his passion. Till 1997, Pradeep had completed a number of poems, but then those poems could never have any reader to their fate. He never had the confidence to share his work with the people, and continued to keep his talent buried inside a notebook in some corner of his home. This lack of confidence had a very demoralising effect on Pradeep as he convinced himself not to follow his passion of writing anymore. However, fate had other plans.
In an interesting incident, which Pradeep recognises as the most important turning point of his life, he was offered a chance to visit Burma by his friend Sukhraj Diyali, who was a well-known member of the Nepali Sahitya Sammelan, and also a teacher at Nepali Kalyan High School in Siliguri. Pradeep saw it as a chance to visit a foreign land, and happily agreed to join him for the trip.
Pradeep was soon in Burma attending a Sahitya programme among around forty noted “Sahityakars” who took the stage to recite their poems one-by-one.
Pradeep, feeling a little odd among the noted poets, had never thought that his name would be called out on stage when he was invited at the end.
Luckily, he had one of his compositions with him, which he recited to great appreciation from such an elite gathering of poets and literary figures. This brought about a big leap in his confidence as he started to acknowledge his own talent, that he had buried within himself for a long time now.
Having visited Burma, Pradeep had already made a mark of entrance into the world of Nepali Sahitya. Thanks to his friend Sukhraj Diyali who insisted Pradeep to compile and publish his scattered works, Pradeep found he already had 33 compositions with him to which he needed to add a few more that would eventually come to us in the form of the recently released “Bhanjyang ka Geet Haru” – a beautiful book containing 73 striking poems and songs.
The journey of this book, however, was not a smooth one. Most of the poems that were added later were written by Pradeep while he was fighting a different battle in his life. On 3rd September 2015, Pradeep was diagnosed with cancer relating to his intestine.
Since then, Pradeep has been fighting for his life, with around 17 chemos done so far.
Not giving up on his love for writing, Pradeep let his life flow with the gift which very few of us are blessed with. He has shown the courage to give us a beautiful piece of art defying all odds. The disease, no matter how strong, could not stand stronger than his love for literature, and it is not stopping him there.
Touched by the love and appreciation he received from the people, Pradeep now plans to gift and entertain us with his another compilation - “Bal-Kavita” - that would be published soon.
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We request our readers to buy his book "Bhanjyang ka Geet Haru" as a celebration of the brave Gorkha life that Mr. Pradeep Mukhia has lived
Via : TheDC
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