A new edition of Siddhicharan Ka Jail Sansmaran, a collection of memoirs by Yugakavi Siddhicharan Shrestha, has been released. The book was originally published in 2052 BS by the Nepal Academy, and now it has been republished after nearly three decades by Book Hill Publications.
The book features 36 memoirs written by Shrestha, who was arrested on the morning of Kartik 2, 1997 BS, from his residence in Jhoche, Kathmandu. He was imprisoned for his involvement in the anti-Rana movement, particularly for using literature to spread political awareness and youth activism. The memoirs capture his five-year-long experience in prison, offering a vivid glimpse into that turbulent period.
The book also features the memoirs of notable figures like Ganesh Man Singh, Khadgaman Singh Basnet, Chittadhar ‘Hridaya’, Captain Bal Krishna Shamsher Jabara, Chiniyalal Singh, Gopi Chyame, and Dharma Ratna Yami, along with ordinary individuals such as jail cleaner Ram Maya Chyamin. The book also contains a speech delivered by the then Prime Minister (Shree 3 Maharaj) referencing disturbances caused by Shukraraj Shastri and Pandit Muralidhar.
Edited by acclaimed writer Sarubhakta, the memoir offers glimpses into the illiteracy of the time, the brutality of the rulers, and the early sparks of revolution that aimed to transform society.
The book also includes introductory notes by Sarubhakta and Siddhicharan’s son, Ravicharan Shrestha. Priced at NPR 500, Siddhicharan’s Prison Memoirs is now available in bookstores.
