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Off-the-Track: The word-architect
Samip Dhungel is a rising star in the Nepali slam poetry sphere. He is known for writing and performing works informed by a socio-political consciousness and a hint of cynicism—a perfect recipe for great slam poems.Samip Dhungel is a rising star in the Nepali slam poetry sphere. He is known for writing and performing works informed by a socio-political consciousness and a hint of cynicism—a perfect recipe for great slam poems. For the last few years, he has been actively promoting slam poetry in Nepal through Word Warriors, a spoken word poetry group, along with his fellow poets. He also routinely visits villages on the Book Bus, a library on wheels. In an interview with The Post’s Gaurav Pote, he talks about his love for slam, his travels and what he’s noticed about gender roles in our society. Excerpts:
What keeps you busy these days?
I just finished volunteering for NSET as a civil engineer for the Post-disaster Detail Damage Assessment project prior to my Dashain break. Besides that, I was recently in Pokhara attending our Write to Speak Intro Tour.
How did you decide to take up poetry? What inspired you?
It was never a deliberate decision, per se, to take up poetry fulltime. It happened quite spontaneously. One thing led to another and I sort of found myself writing poetry round-the-clock and often performing it, which I enjoyed a lot. I recollect my English professor handing me a competition flyer for slam poetry. When I got home, I googled what slam poetry was and stumbled upon performances by young slam poets. They were very different from the usual poetry recitals: they were using body movements and gestures, which I thought was incredible. They had inspiring perspectives, too, very unlike conventional poets looking to distill the meaning of existence or life. These slam poets were more like storytellers masquerading as poets and their medium was not their notebook page but the open stage. It was simply amazing. Although I didn’t take part in that competition, I kept myself active in their online community, Word Warriors, formed after that event. Initially, it was merely a Facebook group for me where I posted poems and received feedback. I got to read what people of my own generation were writing. Gradually, it transformed from a virtual group to a real and active community of young slam poets. The inspiration was always there, and it still is; what was crucial for me was the platform, which would allow me to transform that inspiration into expression. For me, Word Warriors was that very platform.
We would certainly like to know more about Word Warriors. How are you involved in the group and what do you guys do?
Word Warriors are a Kathmandu-based group of young poets leading the spoken word movement in Nepal. We perform and conduct events, competitions and workshops all over the country, sharing the platform that spoken word provides for youth expression and voice. Personally, I am involved with the Word Warriors as a poetry instructor. I previously worked with them as a programme coordinator for Write to Speak, a project to introduce spoken word poetry to diverse communities in Nepal, especially to young women from marginalised communities. I have also travelled with the Book Bus far-flung places in the country. We also do regional slam competitions and educational programmes tailored for schools. Apart from that we perform at various places, and hold our own events as well.
We keep hearing about the Book Bus. Can you tell us more?
The Book Bus is a mobile library, one of the eight projects run by the American Library. It is sponsored by the American Embassy in Kathmandu and is operated by our mentor organisation, Quixote’s Cove, which also manages our Write to Speak programme. We have an entire library retrofitted into the bus, with solar panels to power the internet and to screen videos under its pullout tent. You’ll have to see it to truly understand its unique setup. Two to four instructors, along with the librarian and the driver, travel with the Book Bus, to conduct science, poetry and art workshops for students and teachers. Our instructors administer the poetry workshops.
Being a poet and engaging with a literary movement like Word Warriors must be tough. What keeps you motivated?
It’s actually anything but tough. Sure, it can get tiring when you’re required to travel a lot but our projects lead us to places completely new to us, and allow us to meet remarkable people from all over the country. We get to interact with young people and listen to their stories, and in the process, we get to immerse ourselves in poetry. That is what keeps me motivated. The energy inside a room when we deliver workshops is as much alluring as it is exhausting, and the communities that these sessions help build afterwards make it all worth it. There are instances when we meet people who disapprove of the form of poetry that we are trying to promote. I perceive that as our own shortcoming: perhaps we need to able to articulate our intent more effectively.
What philosophy guides you in your life?
I am a tad spiritual so I believe in good karma. Do good, and good things will happen to you.
What’s your perception of Nepali society regarding gender differences and gender roles?
We have a rigid mindset and social structure when it comes to gender. There are predetermined gender roles that you’re expected to assume as a male or a female member of our society, even as children. There is little space for liberty and our patriarchal framework certainly doesn’t help. We are exceedingly sexist in nature—even our civil policies are. Our ways and dogmas are definitely improving in modern times but we are still in for a long march. The problem is that a lot of people, even from my own generation, don’t think gender identity is an issue at all. All of that has to change.
You must read a lot. Do you have a favourite book or an author? Can you provide some reading tips?
I read as much as my schedule allows. Regrettably, that is not as much as I would’ve wanted. I follow Sarah Kay and Taylor Mali, both American slam poets. Among Nepali poets, I like Bhupi Sherchan and Rashtra Kavi Madhav Prasad Ghimire. I do not have a favourite book, but I do prefer to read non-fiction. I get my poetry fix from YouTube and poetry-related websites. This might sound bizarre, but I pore over a lot of rap lyrics. Eminem happens to be my favourite rap artist and author. Kendrick Lamar is superb, too. I think reading sources should not include books alone. A multitude of media sources are accessible nowadays, and keen readers can use them to find what suits their tastes.
You’re a civil engineer by training. What is it like to balance poetry and engineering? Which role do you find the most fitting for yourself?
I don’t think I have been able to balance engineering and poetry. As of now, the scale is tipping towards poetry. Ideally, I would like to plunge into poetry whenever I feel like, but still be able to stand my ground regarding Civil Engineering at the end of the day—like an amphibian switching between water and land at will. I have a deep passion for poetry, but my training as an engineer doesn’t allow me to be impulsive about that. Let’s just say, I am trying to find that balance.
What’s next for Samip Dhungel?
I can’t really tell for sure. I might be looking to work as an engineer for at least a year. But I will certainly read and continue to write poems during that time.