Kathmandu, 9 August
The heart of Thamel buzzed with poetic energy on Friday as a thoughtful gathering of poets, critics, and literature lovers convened to delve into Taaliko Samajshastra (The Sociology of Applause), the latest and much-anticipated collection from poet Bishwa Sigdel. Hosted by Sunkoshi Bangmaya Pratishthan, with Chi:bahal Pariwar as co-organizer and eKhabar as media partner, the event was a vibrant exchange of ideas and reflections. In his deliberation, chief guest and senior poet Shyamal celebrated Sigdel as “a poet of immense potential,” sharing how his work has personally helped shape his own sense of identity. With a broader reflection on the literary scene, Shyamal cautioned that “the decline of cultural consciousness and the tendency toward linguistic minimalism begin from the stage.” He offered a heartfelt appeal for poets to cherish time, sidestep needless complexity, and enrich their craft by immersing themselves in world literature, all to truly elevate Nepali poetry.
Placing his critical observationd, critic R.M. Dangol remarked that the 45 poems in the collection hold a mirror to society, unflinchingly exposing its distortions and contradictions. “Bishwa Sigdel writes little, but writes weighty poems,” Dangol remarked, praising the intellectual depth, ideological clarity, and the elegant simplicity with which Sigdel tackles profound themes. Adding another layer to the discussion, poet and critic Sudha Mainali articulated Sigdel’s work as “a graceful rebellion rooted in social reality.” She thoughtfully explained how the book’s title itself is a commentary on how modern society’s applause can sometimes be a path toward servitude. She lauded the collection for its sharp, satirical edge and its deep, unflinching meditations on corruption and social decay. When he took the podium, Bishwa Sigdel himself embodied a spirit of humble reflection, stating he had come “to listen and to reflect” on the valuable feedback from his peers. “Only when thought and art travel together does poetry become truly poetic,” he shared, underscoring his commitment to learning from both seasoned mentors and his contemporaries.
The intellectual discourse was beautifully complemented by evocative poetry recitations from the collection by Rami Priya, Chandra Bahadur Lama, and Amogh Kafle. The event, chaired by Sunkoshi Bangmaya Pratishthan President Chhabiraman Silwal and expertly facilitated by General Secretary Pradeep Sapkota, was opened with a warm welcome from member Purna Bahadur Shrestha, setting the stage for a memorable literary evening.
