Viplob Pratik is a Nepali poet, novelist, lyricist, translator and former journalist whose work has shaped the literary environment of his country for more than four decades. He is the author of the poetry collections "Nahareko Manchhe" and "A person kissed by the moon", the novel "Abijit" and the haiku collection "Schadenfreude". His writing stands out for its lyrical and introspective character, focusing on themes of love, memory, human vulnerability and the search for meaning.
Sangita Swechcha of Global Voices interviewed Pratik by email about his multifaceted trajectory in poetry, the novel, music and translation. Pratik noted that the critical admiration of his readers motivates him to write. "I practice a writing that connects readers. I want to touch their souls, gently", he said. He added that it is difficult to identify a single source of inspiration, but that "perhaps hatred and discrimination in the world drive me to write".
Regarding the impact of recent social, political and cultural changes in Nepal on contemporary literature, Pratik noted that those changes "may have stirred the minds of all artists and people". He argued that while people may forget, artists and writers transform pain into creations that reflect those periods. "We need more creations to rise above mediocrity", he stated.
With respect to bringing Nepali literature to global readers through translation, Pratik emphasised the importance of creative sincerity. "If you write sincerely, it will spread", he said, adding that he considers all forms of art as mirrors of the creator, not of society.
On the role of poetry and literature in the age of social media and fragmented attention, Pratik expressed confidence that literature will endure. "People will seek refuge in poetry, music and art. It is food for the soul of humans", he noted. Pratik has worked as a judge on reality television programmes such as "The Poet Idol" and "Junior: The Poet Idol" in Nepal, whose popularity constitutes, in his view, further proof of the relevance of poetry.
