Mr. Bidur Dangol, the proprietor of Vajra Books and Publication in Thamel, has over 30 years of experience in the publishing business. Recently, his publication released the English version of Mulukī Ain, titled ‘Mulukī Ain of 1854,’ a foundational legal text for modern Nepal, originally drafted under the initiative of Prime Minister Jaṅga Bahādura Rāṇā. This English version is translated and edited by RajanKhatiwoda, Simon Cubelic, and Axel Michaels. Shilash Thapa Tamang and Kushal Pudasaini from English.Sahityapost had an opportunity to converse with Mr.Dangol about his journey in the publishing industry and the significance of this recent publication. An excerpt of their conversation is presented below:
Sir, we would like to initiate this conversation with your journey as a publisher. Tell us how you started your publishing journey that led you to become today’s proprietor of Vajra Publication.
I started my journey in 2003. At the time, I owned a very small bookshop. Right from the start, I realized that one needs to have a publication of their own to rise in this field. Having a bookshop without a publication would be tough. I always had a great desire to own a publishing house. Incidentally, I met a writer named Martino Nicoletti, whom I knew before. I proposed to him that I wanted to be a publisher. He doubted me, perhaps seeing my small bookshop. But I was dedicated to convincing him. So I approached his professor, Robert Vitali, who persuaded him to accept my proposal. I also knew that this connection could help me initiate my dream of becoming a publisher. Finally, Robert Vitali agreed to publish his book titled ‘RIDUM: The Voice of the Ancestors’, which became the first book published by Vajra Publications. The journey proceeded from there. Nicoletti trusted me as he was impressed by the quality we maintained in his book. Then he brought several other publishing projects. One significant project during the course of my publication was with John Renold, whose book had been rejected by an American publisher. He asked me, “Can you publish my book?” I got what I was incessantly looking for. The book got published, and shortly after, I received a call from the publication that had rejected the book. They really applauded my work. Through that book, I was introduced to Western publishers. Our books started receiving space in their catalogues, taking Vajra Publication to the next level. And the rest followed smoothly.
So you did not stick to becoming a publisher alone but wanted to introduce Nepali publications to the West, right?
Very true. I always had the dream of introducing Nepali publications to Western countries.
Looking around at the books piled up here, I noticed most of the books are either in English or those by foreign writers. Is it because of your fascination for foreign writers?
Let’s not say fascination, but rather a connection with Western writers. Staying in Thamel for a long time, I grew accustomed to foreign writers, particularly Westerners. As I already mentioned, my first project was with a foreign writer, which likely had some impact. It’s not that we don’t publish Nepali writers; we always welcome and publish Nepali writers.
Now Sir, let’s discuss the recent publication of ‘Mulukī Ain of 1854’ in English, published by Vajra Books and Publications. Mulukī Ain 1854 has historic importance, not only for being the foremost written legal code of conduct but also for its lasting impact on Nepali society from every aspect. For a long time, this book was not easily accessible to the public for various political reasons. Now available in printed form in English, this book will reach global readers and is certainly a very useful material for scholars, law students, researchers, and general readers. How did Vajra Publication become a part of this achievement?
It was German-based Heidelberg University that first accessed the book, but only print-on-demand. Importing the book from Germany to Nepal was too expensive, costing around 14,000 rupees at that time. I requested the publishing team in Germany to allow me to publish the book from Nepal. Initially, they did not trust me, as they were looking for a big publisher for this book. I committed to keeping the price affordable if they allowed me to publish. They agreed. I made the necessary arrangements to the file they sent and maintained the best quality we could for the book. Then we published it! If there is anything I feel proud of apart from my 20-year publishing career, it is this book (Mulukī Ain of 1854). I believe this book will be a very useful source of information for understanding the socio-political condition of the time. Scholars, academicians, researchers, and law students will benefit the most.
Did you publish this book just as a customary work as a publisher, or did you have some distinct purpose or interest in it?
I had already realized the importance of Mulukī Ain of 1854 from various intellectuals. Though highly discussed by researchers, students, and intellectuals, Muliki Ain of 1854 was not publicly available. I felt that we as Nepalis should know about this book. So I took this book quite seriously. I also wanted to let people know about Vajra Publications by publishing this book. Most importantly, I wanted to target Nepali audiences through this book. In short, I felt that Muliki Ain of 1854 should be within reach of every Nepali citizen. So I took on the project.
How has the response been regarding this book?
The book has not been officially launched yet. We are planning to launch it in August with one of the editors/translators of this book. Still, we have received positive feedback from well-wishers so far. I find Nepali readers are excited about the book. So we are waiting for August. We, the publishers, are just the medium in the publication process. But Mahesh Ji calls us ‘ambassadors of the book’. (Laughs)
Mahesh (Paudyal) Sir is true indeed. It is the publishers like you who take the writers to the readers around the world.
Thank you. Just before, I was reading about the role of a publisher to the public. I found it very interesting as it dealt with publishers like us.
Let me put the same question then: what is the role of a publisher to the public?
We, the publishers, aim to deliver a good text to the public so that they benefit. It is a service more than just earning a profit. We link the writer and the reader. If one agrees with Mahesh Ji, we are the ‘ambassadors’ of the writer. Readers are always eager to hold a physical book. They are not satisfied until they hold a physical book, feel the papers, smell it, and read the letters written on it. So we help fulfill their thirst for reading books.
As the world enters the digital age, digital mediums like e-books seem to be replacing the book culture. Have you experienced any changes in printing culture as such?
When Amazon was first launched in America, people thought then the book culture would end. But did it? Then emerged digital apps like Kindle, which could accommodate hundreds of books. Now there are several e-platforms for reading books. But none could completely replace the book culture. This shows that people still prefer reading physical books. Reading physical books gives a different experience that an e-book cannot provide. Thus, books never die.
Sir, you must lead a hectic life as your profession demands. As a publisher, how is your reading habit? What sorts of books are your quick picks?
To be honest, I am not a good reader. I own tens of thousands of books here in my store. But my bond with books is such that when a customer comes and randomly picks a book, I can rightly tell the type of book they are holding. If a customer touches three books, I can show them nine similar books. This is my experience speaking. My customers often tell me that I help them save time by finding the books they are looking for. Regarding my reading habit, I love to read travel books. I still remember Tyas Bakhatko Nepal (Nepal at that Time) by Sardar Bhim Bahadur Pandey. But now, as you said, I lead a very hectic life, and I hardly get time to read books. Still, I manage to read the manuscripts we receive for publication. Besides, I find pleasure in spiritual books. It may be due to my age factor. I extract a great deal of pleasure from books on Buddhism, as they deal with compassion. Compassion is what I believe in.
Your facial glow is a proof that you lead a compassionate life, Sir. We have come to the end of this recording. What is your message to the writers, your audience, and the readers at large?
I would like to welcome them all. I welcome the writers to Vajra Publication. We are ready to give a beautiful book shape to any manuscript that our writers submit. Why seek foreign publishers when we ourselves are good enough to publish? I would also like to offer a chair to sit and read for those readers who cannot afford books. Welcome again.
Thank you, Sir. It was nice meeting you.
Same here. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to share my experiences.
