Bijayata Pradha
BOOK NAME- TRAVEL HISTORY
AUTHOR – DAWA YONZON
NUMBER OF PAGES -111
PUBLISHER – THE POET HIMSELF FROM GRAFFIC PRINTS, SILIGURI
LANGUAGE – NEPALI
GENRE- POETRY
ISBN- 978-93-90991-42-6
PRICE- RS 110 INR
Dawa Yonzon, an avid reader, poet, and observer, was born and brought up in the mystical and divine place of Thingling, Khechiperi, West Sikkim. He received his elementary education in Sikkim. Currently, this bohemian is working as a member of the Sikkim Police, serving his nation in the Indo-China frontier, located in East Sikkim.
Travel History is Yanzon’s debut collection of forty-six poems that explore and engage with his travel experiences throughout his lifetime up to the present, serving as his agency to orient his location. This collection of poetry marks his fresh venture into the vast realm of literature, driven by his urge to become a poet.
The title of the collection, ‘Travel History’ suggests a connection to time. The poet strategically chose this name, as it reflects how the time in which he lived has influenced his experiences. Just as literature mirrors the era in which a writer is born, the poet’s choice of title subtly acknowledges this influence. Despite his profession as a policeman, he fulfills his duties diligently on the front lines, all the while reflecting on the challenges faced by both himself and his colleagues. Through his poetry, he offers a raw and authentic portrayal of the topsy-turvy life of a policeman, drawing directly from his own experiences. This genuine perspective adds a layer of reality to his work, grounding it in the complexities of everyday life.
“…jimmewari lai angalnu parne
Paristithi lai sangalnu parne
Rishaaweg lai pansawnu parne
Ghrina lai sahanu parne
Ma police manche..”
Every morning, he steps out into the world, a mere passenger in the journey of fate. Oblivious to the twists and turns awaiting him, he faces each day with courage and curiosity, embracing the unknown with unwavering resolve. His path unfolds before him, a tapestry of chance encounters and unforeseen challenges, yet he navigates it with grace, for he knows that within the uncertainty lies the beauty of life’s unpredictable adventure.
“…. ghari eta dagurdai
Ghari uta dagurdai
Sansarmajhaka
Bisarjit faant haru ma
Youdangojyan !..”
Notwithstanding, his other poems like “Badal”, “Dristicone”, “Timira Ma”, “Arko Gham”, “Feri Ramawne Chha Mero Gaon”,etc. portrays positivity and optimism.
” Timro desh sanchai
Swarga ko desh
Ramauchha u afnai andaz ma
Jamchhau afnai hisab ma
Hazarau mile koyatra ma
Chahdaina kunai sadhan
Jaba thakchh au timi
Jamcha timro sharir
Barsanchha u aviral jharibani
Ani bhijaunchhauyopyashidharti..”
Optimism is the beacon that guides us through the darkest nights, illuminating paths unseen. It is the belief that even in the face of adversity, there exists opportunity for growth and renewal. With its boundless energy, optimism fuels resilience, turning obstacles into stepping stones towards brighter horizons. In the tapestry of life, it weaves threads of hope and possibility, inspiring to dream, to dare, and to journey ever onward with unwavering faith in the power of tomorrow.
“..tathapiyaslaikewalbhagya-chakra samjhaun
UjyalobihaniawashyaAwnechha
Ferihaasne cha merogaon
Naachne cha chichingkote, putali rabhamaraharu
Gaunchakoili le geetafnaibhaka ma
Jodi dhukkurharuferiRamawnechhanafnaisansar ma..
…aniferiramaune cha merogaon…”
The desire for a liberal life beckons with its promise of boundless freedom and unfettered expression. The poet whispers of open minds, embracing diversity and dissent and celebrates the beauty of individuality unfettered by constraints.
“…befikrimanoharprakitilaiangalnachahanchu
Ma timijastaijeunachahanchu..”
In the pursuit of a liberal life, the poet yearns for autonomy over his choices, unrestricted by societal norms or dogmas. It is a quest for inclusivity, where every voice is heard, and every soul is free to dance to the rhythm of its own unique melody.
“..Chari jasari
Niskiye ma
Khojdaijeunesambhavnaharu
Badalbichchardai- orlindai
Vinnaimutuharukodesh ma..”
However, glorification of festivals has been a leading characteristic of Yonzon’s poems and is reflected in “Tihar”, “Losar “,etc.
“Chulha ma selrotipaakyohola
Sadhaijhaidewse team baniyohola
Ketaketikhubramaudaiholan
Cheliharu mala undaiholin…”
It shows the poet’s treatment of Nepali traditions, customs, cultures are characterized by down-to-earth realism.
Life’s monotony, on the other hand, where repetition reigns and spontaneity struggles to find its voice. Yet within its unyielding rhythm, lies the comfort of familiarity and the opportunity to uncover beauty in the mundane. The poems like “Quarantined Dharti”, “Simana”, “FeriTyahi Galli”, reveals such monotony of poet’s life.
“…Tara bato bhulera hoki
Tyo sangharsha…
Yo Maan ferityahi Galli vitraposecha..”
Moreover, the poet significantly chronicles the modern man’s struggle to come to terms with a ‘patterned’, monotonous life, where every moment he futilely tries to break the pattern through mundane experiences. He questions the absurdity of life and seeks inspiration from his inner self.
MY VERDICT: Yonzon’s diction, which is essentially modern and charged with emotion, adopts a matching poetic technique to suit his purposes and the demands of our age. For the vigorous and sweeping expression of his verse, he did not need the artificial and flashy techniques of the language school; instead, he drew upon the immense liberty and flexibility of contemporary popular regional poets like Raja Punyani and Manoj Bogati. In fact, he resorted to “verse libre” or “free verse,” which allowed him ample freedom of expression in verse form without letting the emotions slip or their intensity diminish.
“Travel History” is therefore not just a book of poetry, but a testament to the power of language to awaken the soul and expand young minds. It is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and uplift readers with its profound wisdom and boundless spirit.
