Poet Santosh Kumar Pokharel: A Peace Ambassador

SahityaPost Correspondent
August 22

A month before the war between Russia and Ukraine erupted on February 24, 2024, poet Santosh Kumar Pokharel made a public appeal to end the escalating border tensions. In a powerful stance for peace, Pokharel penned numerous poems opposing the impending conflict, calling for harmony and understanding between nations.

One of his poignant poems, addressed to Russia and Ukraine, captured the attention of the world. The Argentinian poet and renowned rhapsodist Patricia Peñalver Gallardo was so moved by his words that she translated the poem into Spanish and recited it in a video, recorded by the beach, which she then shared with the Spanish-speaking world.  Poets from around the globe have been spontaneously translating and creating audio-visual renditions of Pokharel’s work, spreading his call for peace far and wide.

The writer of latest books, The War and Other Poems and the Hindi collection Pahad aur Sagar, the Peace Ambassador flew to Russia from Tribhuvan International Airport on August 8 amid rising war tensions that were stagnant for the last few months.

He had a meeting with the Russian ambassador in Kathmandu before his departure to Russia where the ambassador had sought Pokharel’s moral support in the ongoing conflict. The poet, true to his principles, expressed that Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians share the same roots, being of the same Orthodox Christian faith, and possessing similar cultural traits and rituals. He emphasized that the war was unjust and counterproductive to their shared heritage.

Currently, poet Santosh Kumar Pokharel has been exploring the Kaliningrad in Russia. Despite being enchanted by the beauty of the surroundings, he remains steadfast in his mission, continuing to advocate for an end to the war.

For the last few days the war has abruptly escalated after the Ukrainian part broke into Kursk and bombed Zaparojhiye. It’s a pity that Russian Orthodox Christians are fighting each other. Zelensky has been ultimately ruining Ukraine for the west and America, as the poet says.

Pokharel is a prolific writer, known for his immediate and heartfelt poetic responses, most often shared publicly on Facebook. When asked about the risk of his poems being stolen, he confidently remarked that no matter how many of his works are taken, his creative spirit remains inexhaustible.

Writing in six languages, with his poems translated into 39 languages, Santosh Kumar Pokharel stands as a towering figure in the literary world. His contributions to global literature and culture have earned him the prestigious titles of World Poet and World’s Golden Writer. As an ambassador of peace, Pokharel is the first Nepali citizen to devote many years to the cause of world peace, gaining recognition and admiration worldwide.

We wish him success in his noble mission and a safe return to Nepal. His relentless pursuit of peace and literary excellence makes Santosh Kumar Pokharel a true pride of the global literary community.