Exploring ‘Jokhanama Vartaman’: An Anthology by Nawa Raj Subba
Published Nepali researcher-writer, Nawa Raj Subba, has once again showcased his poetic brilliance through his anthology Jokhanama Vartaman. Comprising 59 powerful poems, this collection reflects a decade of Subba’s profound observations, emotional depth, and societal reflections.
A Journey of Poetic Expression
In the anthology’s foreword, Subba candidly shares his relationship with poetry. For him, poetry is an extension of his soul—something inseparable from his existence. Despite publishing six prior anthologies, the urge to express unspoken truths through poetry compelled him to create Jokhanama Vartaman.
Subba’s poetic journey is deeply intertwined with Nepal’s history and his personal experiences. Events such as the devastating 2015 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 have left indelible marks on his creative process. Through his poems, he captures the resilience of humanity amidst adversity, alongside the evolving socio-political landscape of Nepal.
Unique Perspectives in Jokhanama Vartaman
This anthology bridges the traditional and the modern. Subba likens the role of a poet to that of a shaman, drawing a fascinating parallel between spiritual intuition and poetic creation. He portrays poetry as a tool for emotional and cultural exploration, reflecting both individual and collective human experiences.
The poems vividly depict Nepal’s rural life, capturing the transformation of traditional livelihoods into modern dynamics. Subba’s poignant imagery of a bygone era—represented by figures like “Balbahadur with his Dhakar”—contrasts with contemporary realities, offering readers a nostalgic yet insightful perspective.
Literary and Cultural Significance
Jokhanama Vartaman combines Eastern literary traditions with Western existentialist and postmodernist influences. The anthology explores themes like resilience, identity, and the complexities of human emotion. Subba’s use of vivid language, metaphor, and symbolism adds depth to his narratives, making the anthology a treasure trove for poetry enthusiasts.
For fans of his previous work, such as Yatra-Adha-Satabdiko, this anthology is another remarkable addition to Subba’s literary legacy. Dive into Jokhanama Vartaman to experience the essence of Nepal’s rich cultural and poetic heritage.
#NepaliResearcherWriter #NawaRajSubba #JokhanamaVartaman
जोखनामा-वर्तमान
बगरको सुसेली
रूझिरहेछु झरीमा
डुबिरहेछु जीवन
प्रिय,
नबगाउ भो आँशु
बगिरहने ए नदी रोक
पिउन चाहन्छु म तिमीलाई
एक अञ्जुली
नछाड मलाई बगरमा
एक्लो एक्लो ।
पहरा थिएँ म हिजो
आज बालुवा भएको छु
नदी थिएँ म हिजो
आज म प्यासी बनेको छु
हिजो मेरो गतिलाई
छेक्न सक्दैनथे हावाले
आज म बतासले जताततै
उडाउने धुलो बनेको छु
कसैको आँखाको कसिंगर बनेको छु
बहिरहने ए वायु रोक !
म लामो स्वास फेर्न चाहन्छु
नपार अलपत्र यो बगरमा
एक्लो एक्लो ।
मर्नेको लर्को छ यो बगरमा
आत्महत्या खोज्नेको आँखा छ नदीको गहिराइमा
मैले ममाथि नाच्दै खुशी हुने प्रेमील जोडी पनि देखें
मलाई बटुलेर दुई छाक टार्नेको पेट पनि देखें
यदि म पनि यही नदीमैं हाम्फालेर गएँ भने
कठै के खालान् ती मजदुरले
जसले दिनभरी मलाई चालेर
बेलुकाको छाक टार्दछन्
मेरै छातीमा टेकेर
जीवनको अन्त्येष्टि गर्दछन्
मलाई उडाएर लान खोज्ने
ए बतास रोक !
म एकपटक भेटेर आउँछु शान्तिलाई
अब ऊ कहिल्यै नआवोस् यो बगरमा
म जस्तै एक्लै एक्लै ।
