Pabitra Sunar’s poetry anthology, Yukta Awaj, was recently released in the market. Sunar who is a journalist by profession draws on various aspects of life and society—from personal growth to politics—in her first book. In this conversation with Post’s Samikshya Bhattarai, Sunar, who is also the president of the Nepal Dalit Association, talks about her new book, discrimination against Dalit women in Nepali society and importance of inclusivity. Excerpts:

What was the inspiration behind Yukta Awaj? 

Yukta Awaj consists of poems—inspired by everyday experiences—which I have written over the years. This is a collection of poems that covers a range of themes—from society and politics to love and womanhood. I have tried to put light on my personal experience of being a Dalit and a woman in this collection; however, this book is not meant for a small target group. I am sure everyone can relate to the poems because they draw on everything that is happening around us. 

How did you get into literature? 

I have been reading and writing ever since I was little. My father used to tell a lot of stories which inspired me to read. I was encouraged to participate in a lot of literary activities at school too. The poems and songs I wrote would always be well received by my teachers and friends who motivated me to write more.  

How is it being a female author in Nepal? 

More and more women are becoming independent and contributing to the family income today. However, they are still perceived as the primary caretakers, while men are perceived as the primary bread winners. Therefore, women who want to work have to take care of their families before they go on to take care of their career. While women are not directly undermined or disrespected in literature, they do struggle with having to invest more time and energy than their male counterparts. Women have to work harder to reach a certain level and to gain certain recognition. Even when we’re working in the same field, and gender should not affect literature that we are creating as writers, men and women are always put under different lights in Nepali literature. 

You also belong to the Dalit community, does it add to the challenges? 

Of course, it only makes it worse, as the discrimination doubles. We are seen as Dalit first and writers later. We are not judged on the basis of our capabilities and skills but on the basis of how we as Dalits are performing in any field. I remember how when few years ago a Dalit woman became a parliament member, the media instead of focusing on her professional capability dug into her personal life. Instead of looking at her as parliament member, the media focused on how she was a Dalit woman who became a parliament member.  

You have been working for the equity and inclusivity of Dalits, what efforts do you think should be made in the field of literature?

Literature mirrors the society and has the power to bring light to important issues to invoke transformation. The one way we can advocate inclusivity is by making more space for Dalit writers and issues. We need to create platforms where Dalits and other members of the community can collaborate and understand one another. We need to create common spaces where writers can thrive as a community and set example of a world that is free of prejudice and discrimination. 

What makes a good writer and good work of writing? 

I think good writing primarily thrives on creativity, but there is more to it such as simple language, good flow and meaningful content that matters.  What makes a good writer is individuality and originality—the writer needs to stand out from the crowd. A good writer is also capable of finding inspiration in her environment and of coming up with new ideas that can be communicated to the readers. It is also important for a writer to be an avid reader and an ethical person.