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Bikram Subba’s Rojja Kabita hits the shelves
Poet Bikram Subba’s anthology of poetry Rojja Kabita, which comprises 46 poems written over decades, was released amid a function at Patan Musuem on Saturday.Poet Bikram Subba’s anthology of poetry Rojja Kabita, which comprises 46 poems written over decades, was released amid a function at Patan Musuem on Saturday. The book was launched jointly by cultural expert Satya Mohan Joshi, linguist Dr Madhav Pokhrel, former Nepal Academy chancellor Bairagi Kaila and writer Sharada Sharma, among others.
Poet Subba is primarily known for his “anti-Panchayat” poems. Sagarmatha Nangai Dekhinchha, also anthologised in the latest collection, was one of Subba’s popular poems that, according to popular belief, was written as a satire aimed at the notorious practices of Panchayat era. Later on, as the agitation for multiparty democracy was paramount, Subba wrote poems such as Bhandinu hai Parijat Didi Lai... and Nirankush Junga Biruddha. Kabi ko Aankha, Sumnima, Bikram Subba ka Kabita ra Geetharu are some other noted work by the poet.
Speaking at the event, Satya Mohan Joshi said that Subba’s poems present a reflection of the contemporary society. He also referred to poems Itihas and Parewa ra Cheel from the book as his favourites.
Similarly, Bairagi Kaila referred to the poems Kathmandu Saheb and Harmonium as poems that act as “inspirations to fight against negative feelings inside ourselves and to work collectively for the greater good of the society.”
Linguist Madhav Pokhrel appreciated the “simplicity and lucidity” of the poems as well as Subba’s analytical skills; while writer Sharma said that Subba’s poems carry with them a certain “spiritual flavour.” She further added that Subba’s works resemble that of Bhupi Sherchan’s, as they were influenced by socio-political turmoil prevalent in the nation.
The event also saw poet Subba recite his poem Sagarmatha Nangai Dekhinchha and even offered a brief commentary on the country’s political atmosphere, stressing on the creation of national identities based on the Hindu, Kirat, and Buddhist civilisations “upon which our history, values, and philosophy are based.”
Subba had previously announced retirement from his poetry career but, to the surprise of many, introduced this new collection at the age of 65.
Kabita Rojja is published by SangriLa Books.