Janak Raj Sapkota is an author, most recently of an anthology of reportages, Kahar, which is themed around the plight of Nepali migrant workers and their families. With the trend of young Nepali flocking abroad for employment showing little signs of abating, Sapkota—a journalist by trade—believes that conversations about the economic, social and psychological impacts these migrations have on the society need to be brought to the limelight. In this conversation with the Post, Sapkota talks about his new book, his inspirations, and his reading habits. Excerpts:

How was Kahar conceived? What were the inspirations?

As is the case with most Nepalis, I have relatives and friends working abroad. Foreign employment is today a big trend among Nepalis. I am very touched by the agonies they and their families have had to endure. When I was a kid, I lost a family member-my grandfather’s brother-who had gone abroad seeking employment.

So, this issue has always been close to my heart.

My aspiration to write about this burning issue came to life when I got a chance to reach far-flung Nepali districts. With this book, I have tried to bring to light the social, cultural and psychological impacts of migration.

Although it is a nonfiction book, it is as moving as a work of fiction-with its acute sense for details and its character development. How attentive were you to the style?

The book was first conceived as an academic research book. Later, I thought a research book would not be read by a large audiences, that is, the everyday Nepali. Hence, I reworked it to make it readable by everyone. I was very concerned with the style.

Were you always a bookworm? How did you start reading books?

My reading experience during my childhood in Chitwan was limited to a few magazines and course books. Later, after I passed my SLC and travelled to the district headquarters for further study, I was exposed to a plethora of reading materials. I used to visit the library often and I read voraciously, to put it mildly. Needless to say, it has helped my own writing and research.

Regarding your writing, would you say it is influenced by works of any particular writer or books?

I can’t name one particular writer who has influenced me; I admire a lot of writers. Writers such as Shankar Lamichhane, Harka Gurung, have been very inspirational. And among the recent crop of writers, I like the works by Buddhisagar, Amar Nyaupane, and Nayan Raj Pandey, among others.

Any book that you’d say is a must read?

I think Khabuj by Benyamin is one book that we should all read. Similarly, Loo by Nayan Raj Panday and Paaniko Gham by Amar Nyaupane are also very readable.

Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction?

I prefer non-fiction. I read fiction too, and I think it enriches our imagination and is very satisfying. But with non-fiction, one can get the reality in its rawest form, which is very important to me. A carefully written work of non-fiction can be informative and thought-provoking and provides the society with direction.

Do you have any books on the pipeline?

I am actually working on a couple of ideas. They will be both works of non-fiction and will revolve around different facets of the society.

Advice for aspiring writers?

Whether you are working on fiction or non-fiction, research is of paramount importance. Gone are the days, where you’d let your imagination loose and write as it directs. Today’s audiences are very discerning and any contrivance in the plot are instantly ostracised, especially when working on a book based on real life.

But more than anything, you have got to have passion, and zeal. Reading, needless to say, is paramount as well.