New Nepal -By Shiddhicharan Shrestha

Siddhicharan Shrestha (1912-1992) I Source of Image: Wikipedia

Siddhicharan Shrestha, who belongs to an affluent and educated family, was born on May 21, 1912, in Okhaldhunga district, Eastern Development Region, Nepal. His father Bishnu Charan worked for the government and wrote novels like Sumati and Bhismapratigya. Shrestha himself was a prominent Nepali writer and poet who contributed to the struggle against the autocratic Rana regime through his writings. He started composing poems around 1930. He did his job as an editor of Sharda and Gorkhapatra and, later on, as the chief of Awaj and Kavita. His first poem Earthquake was published in the Gorkhapatra in 1934. In the 1940s and the 1950s, Shrestha started continuously speaking about the hopes and frustrations of politically suppressed people who had been struggling for democracy for a long time in Nepal. His revolutionary poetry aroused freedom fighters against the Rana regime. He was sentenced to eighteen years of detention by the Rana rulers in 1940 as he wrote "There can be no peace without revolution."  After his fortunate release from jail in 1944, he again began writing about poverty, injustice, untouchability, and social issues of the time. In 1957, he joined the Royal Nepal Academy and remained linked with it as a life member even after. He is known as Yug Kabi, which means epoch poet and is considered one of the most prominent writers of Nepal. He has bagged several awards like Tribhuvan Pursakar (1970), and Prithvi Pragya Puraskar (1980). Moreover, he has written more than fifteen books of poetry including Kopila (1958), Mero Pratibimba (1959), Urwasi (1960) and others.

Interpretation of the Poem

"New Nepal" is a patriotic poem by the Nepali poet Shiddhicharan Shrestha, which celebrates the idea of a new and prosperous Nepal. The poem is divided into six stanzas, and each stanza offers a distinct perspective on the theme of a new Nepal.

Siddhicharan Shrestha's poem "New Nepal" which is a political poem voices a strong call for Nepalese to rise above the inequalities of the past and bring a resurgence of freedom and human dignity. The poem addresses Nepali people to raise their voices against the inequalities of the past and brings in a revival of freedom and self-respect. In the poem, the poet has expressed the feelings, problems, and pathos of common Nepalese people who were struggling for democracy. The intended audiences of the poem are those Nepali who are poor, oppressed, suppressed, and innocent. The speaker of the poem is a political rebel and freedom fighter. The poem encourages Nepalese people to rise above the inequities of the past and bring in a revival of freedom and self-respect. The poet spoke for the hopes and frustrations of politically suppressed people struggling for democracy. In this poem also, he prayed for Nepalese people to speak up for their rights. The poem is a call to action for Nepalese people to change their social, economic, cultural, religious, and political conditions.

The speaker appeals to ordinary people to wake up because it is the moment to reveal the hidden. The phrase "the hidden" has been used in two different senses - one is inequalities that are being promoted by the tyrannical rulers are to be brought to the surface, and the next is knowing your power that is kept unknown inside for ages. If we want to see a new Nepal, we have to speak the truth and have to disclose what is right and wrong.

There are many idle forces and evil elements: poverty, political suppression, oppression, inequalities, distasteful rituals, heartless class divisions, and social-cultural discriminations, that are dragging the whole nation into quicksand. These all are the black uphill precipice which we are to fly over with truth and beauty. In the fight against these, we must show vigour. We need to release the courage that we suppress for ages because of hostility and ill-treatment. 

The poet also urges Nepalese to be courageous and cautious too in their actions and words if they really wish to see a new Nepal tomorrow with a golden ray of equality, freedom and good governance. They are to move ahead to bring the bright day, and it is possible only if there is the power of unity among Nepalese. It means to say the poet talks about the need for unity and cooperation among the people of Nepal. He says that only by working together can they overcome the challenges that lie ahead and build a new and prosperous Nepal.

Nepalese people are to fill up their hearts with living thoughts to bring about change and progress. Every individual is to rise above every distasteful deed existing in the nation around. Here, the poet talks about the importance of education and knowledge in building a new Nepal. He says that education is the key to unlocking Nepal's potential and that the youth of Nepal must be educated and empowered to take the country forward. 

Till the cankerous inequality of wealth exists, the prevailing evil elements will never be annihilated from the nation. There will be many hungry stomachs and barebacks who will remain ever struggling for a morsel of food and a piece of clothing to cover their body. Therefore, the need for social and economic development in Nepal is necessary to embrace modernity and progress while preserving its rich cultural heritage.

The poet also emphasises the need for Nepalese people to be self-reliant and work hard towards their goals and expresses his hope and optimism for the future of Nepal where freedom, justice and equality prevail. He says that a new dawn is rising in Nepal and that the country is on the path to a bright and prosperous future. He urges the people of Nepal to work hard and remain united in their quest to build a new Nepal.

Understanding

1. Who is the intended audience of the poem? Who is the speaker?

The intended audience is those Nepalese who are poor, oppressed, suppressed, and innocent. The speaker of the poem is a political rebel and freedom fighter who urges freedom, self-respect, and equality. The poem is a political poem that voices a strong call for Nepalese to rise above the inequalities of the past and bring a resurgence of freedom and human dignity.

2. What is the general context of the poem?

This poem is set in the historical context of Rana's rule in Nepal. During this time, people were too timid to raise their voices against the Ranas because if anyone tried to speak, they would be punished severely. People were not courageous enough to revolt against the Ranas due to the massive domination of the past. Since the Ranas maintained fear, no one dared to speak against them. The poem speaks for the hopes and frustrations of politically suppressed people struggling for democracy. It encourages Nepalese people to rise above the inequities of the past and bring in a revival of freedom and self-respect. The poet calls for Nepalese to raise their voice above the inequalities of the past and bring a resurgence of freedom and human dignity.

3. Why is courage stifled? What is the effect of such a stifling?

"Courage stifled" refers to the suppression or inhibition of an individual's bravery or boldness. This can occur when an individual is prevented from expressing their true opinions or desires due to fear of punishment, social rejection, or other negative consequences.

The effect of stifling courage can be significant. It can result in feelings of frustration, helplessness, and low self-esteem. It can also prevent individuals from achieving their goals and potential, as they may be too afraid to take risks or pursue opportunities. This can lead to a lack of innovation and progress in society, as individuals may be reluctant to challenge the status quo or speak out against injustice.

In the context of "New Nepal", "courage stifled" may refer to the suppression of the Nepalese people's desire for political and social change during the oppressive Rana regime. The stifling of courage during this time may have prevented the Nepalese people from achieving greater freedom and equality, and delayed progress for the country as a whole.

4. What does the poet call for and who does he call?

The poet calls for change, unity, and the establishment of a new, progressive Nepal. Shrestha envisions a Nepal that rises above caste, creed, and regional differences, embracing the ideals of equality, freedom, and social justice. He also urges Nepalese people to speak up for their rights and to eliminate evil elements to change Nepal into a new Nepal. The poem is a political one that voices a strong call for Nepalese to rise above the inequalities of the past and bring in a resurgence of freedom and human dignity. The poet urges his fellow citizens to work together to create a better future and overcome the challenges that lie ahead. Overall, "New Nepal" is a call for a better future for the country, where people live in freedom, dignity, and equality.

5. What is the theme of the poem?

The poem "New Nepal" by Siddhicharan Shrestha is a patriotic poem that celebrates the beauty, culture, and potential of Nepal as a nation. The poet envisions a new Nepal that is free from poverty, corruption, and oppression, and where the people live in peace and harmony. The poem captures the aspirations of Nepali people for a better future, and it emphasizes the need for unity, hard work, and determination to achieve this goal. The overall theme of the poem is hope and optimism for a better future for Nepal and its people.

6. What are the evil elements referred to in the poem?

The term "evil elements" is not explicitly mentioned in the poem "New Nepal." However, the poem does make references to various social and political issues that were prevalent in Nepal during that time, such as corruption, inequality, and oppression. The poem emphasizes the need for a new Nepal that is free from such negative elements and where people can live with dignity, equality, and happiness. The poet calls for unity among all Nepalese people and urges them to work together to build a better future for the country.

Overall, "New Nepal" is a patriotic poem that reflects the aspirations of the people of Nepal for a brighter and more prosperous future.

Rhetorical/Language?Writing

1. Write a character sketch of the type of person the speaker is on the basis of what he says in the poem?

Based on what the speaker says in the poem "New Nepal" by Siddhicharan Shrestha, the speaker is a political rebel and freedom fighter who is passionate about bringing change to Nepal. He is a visionary who envisions a Nepal where people live in freedom, dignity, and equality. The speaker in the poem is a strong advocate for human rights and dignity, and he does not want to see any type of cruelty, atrocity, and ill-treatment. He is against social inequality, discrimination, and injustice, and advises people not to follow distasteful rituals, heartless class divisions, false beliefs, untouchability, and a chain of discrimination. Nepalese are inspired to speak up for their rights and freedom and ultimately overthrow the oppressive regime. He expects unity and solidarity among the Nepali people and emphasizes the importance of building a society based on mutual respect and understanding.

Overall, the speaker is a passionate, visionary, and strong-willed person who wants to bring about a positive change in Nepal and inspire people to fight for their rights and freedom.

2. What is the tone and mood of the poem?

The tone of the poem is patriotic, hopeful, and optimistic. The poet expresses love and pride for his country and his people and calls for a new Nepal that is free from social and political issues that have plagued the country.

The mood of the poem is uplifting, inspiring, revolutionary and reformational. The poet wants to inspire people to rise above the inequalities of the past and bring a resurgence of freedom and human dignity. The speaker of the poem is a political rebel and freedom fighter who does not want to see any type of cruelty, atrocity, and ill-treatment. His words also evoke a sense of hope and optimism for a better future for Nepal and its people. The poem inspires a feeling of national unity and a desire to work together towards a common goal of progress and prosperity.

The poet's use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors creates a sense of urgency and a strong emotional connection with the reader. Overall, the tone and mood of the poem reflect the poet's deep love and commitment to his country and his people and his belief in their ability to overcome challenges and build a better future.

3. What do "Heartless class divisions" (l. 22) refer to?

"Heartless class divisions" (l. 22) in the poem "New Nepal" by Siddhicharan Shrestha refer to the social inequality and discrimination that existed in Nepal at the time the poem was written. The poet advises people not to follow such distasteful rituals, false beliefs, untouchability, and a chain of discrimination. He inspires people to change Nepal by transforming it from the old Nepal to New Nepal, where social, economic, cultural, religious, and political conditions are changed. The poet calls for unity and solidarity among the Nepali people and emphasizes the importance of building a society based on mutual respect and understanding. Overall, the poet wants to eliminate such evil elements to change Nepal into a new Nepal, where people live with freedom, dignity, and equality.

4. Find examples of alliteration (repetition of the same consonant sounds) in the poem.

There is only one example of alliteration in the poem which is in the fifth line: ...cleanest current of consciousness.

5. What is the significance of the title "New Nepal"?

The title 'New Nepal' is significant because it reflects the poet's vision for a better future for Nepal. The poem is a call for a better future for the country, where people live in freedom, dignity, and equality. The poet envisions a Nepal where the poor are empowered, the rich are accountable, and all people can live without fear of oppression or violence. The title 'New Nepal' represents a transition from the old Nepal, which is characterized by poverty, illiteracy, discrimination, and social injustice, to a new Nepal, where people rise above the inequities of the past and bring a revival of freedom and self-respect. The poem encourages Nepalese people to work together to create a better future and overcome the challenges that lie ahead. The title 'New Nepal' is a symbol of hope and a call to action for Nepalese people to unite and build a society based on mutual respect and understanding

6. What are some of the specific hopes and frustrations mentioned in the poem?

The poet speaks of the hopes and frustrations of politically suppressed people struggling for democracy. The poem encourages Nepalese people to rise above the inequities of the past and bring in a revival of freedom and self-respect. The poet prays for Nepalese people to speak up for their rights. The poem also calls for the elimination of evil elements to change Nepal into a new Nepal. Specific hopes and frustrations mentioned in the poem are not explicitly stated in the search results.

7. How does the poet suggest that Nepalese people can achieve their hopes?

The poet suggests that Nepalese people can achieve their hopes by rising above the inequities of the past and bringing in a revival of freedom and self-respect. The poet prays for Nepalese people to speak up for their rights, show bravery, and move forward to bring a bright day. The poet requests Mother Nepal to bless them with courage and caution, bless them with power and union. The poet advises not to follow distasteful rituals, heartless class divisions, and chains of discrimination. The poet emphasizes the importance of unity and solidarity among the Nepali people and building a society based on mutual respect and understanding. The poet urges his fellow citizens to work together to create a better future and overcome the challenges that lie ahead.

8. How does the poet use language and imagery to convey his message in the poem?

The poet Siddhicharan Shrestha uses language and imagery to convey his message in 'New Nepal' in the following ways:

Contrast and imagery: The poet uses contrast and imagery to describe the current state of Nepal and the desired state of a new Nepal. He describes the current state as a "black uphill precipice" and the desired state as a place where "people live in freedom, dignity, and equality".

Personification: The poet personifies Nepal as a mother and requests her to bless them with courage and caution, bless them with power and union.

Metaphors: The poet uses metaphors to describe the people's struggle for democracy. He describes their struggle as "hidden miseries" and "chains of discrimination".

Repetition: The poet uses repetition to emphasize the importance of speaking up for truth and beauty, and to rebel against the prevalent domination, discrimination, and injustice.

Symbolism: The poet uses symbolism to describe the need for a drastic change in society. He describes the people's need for revolution to overcome severe exploitation.

This is how the poet uses powerful language and vivid imagery to convey his message of hope and frustration for politically suppressed people struggling for democracy. The poem encourages Nepalese people to rise above the inequities of the past and bring a revival of freedom and self-respect.

Discussions

1. What wrongs of "old Nepal" does the poet want "New Nepal" to amend?

In the poem "New Nepal" by Siddhicharan Shrestha, the poet wants "New Nepal" to amend the wrongs of "Old Nepal" which are characterized by poverty, illiteracy, discrimination, social injustice, and inequalities. The poet urges people to fight against oppression and suppression and to unite to end such negative aspects of old Nepal. The poet advises people not to follow distasteful rituals, heartless class divisions, false beliefs, untouchability, and a chain of discrimination and inspires them to change Nepal by transforming it from old Nepal to New Nepal. The poet envisions a Nepal where the poor are empowered, the rich are accountable, and all people can live without fear of oppression or violence. The poem calls for unity and solidarity among the Nepali people and emphasizes the importance of building a society based on mutual respect and understanding.

2. What are the themes of the poem that make it sound like a prayer?

The poem "New Nepal" by Siddhicharan Shrestha reads like a prayer because it has several themes that are reminiscent of prayer. These themes include:

Hope: The poet expresses hope for a better future for Nepal, where people can live in freedom, dignity, and equality. This hope is similar to the hope that people express in prayers.

Unity: The poem calls for unity and solidarity among the Nepali people. Prayers often emphasize the importance of unity among people.

Empowerment: The poet envisions a Nepal where the poor are empowered, the rich are accountable, and all people can live without fear of oppression or violence. This theme of empowerment is similar to the themes of strength and empowerment that are often present in prayers.

Transformation: The poet inspires people to change Nepal by transforming it from old Nepal to New Nepal. This theme of transformation is similar to the themes of transformation and renewal that are often present in prayers.

Resistance: The poem suggests raising the voice against any type of oppression and suppression. This theme of resistance is similar to the themes of resistance and fighting against injustice that are often present in prayers.

Thus, the themes of hope, unity, empowerment, transformation, and resistance make the poem "New Nepal" sound like a prayer.

3. Read the poem "No Smoke from the Chimneys", translated by Michael Hutt, and compare its theme with the poet's "New Nepal".

The poems "No Smoke from the Chimneys" and "New Nepal" share some similarities in terms of theme. Here are some comparisons:

Social Injustice: Both poems address the issue of social injustice. "No Smoke from the Chimneys" highlights the plight of the poor who are struggling to survive, while "New Nepal" describes the problems of old Nepal, which is characterized by poverty, illiteracy, discrimination, and social injustice.

Empowerment: Both poems call for the empowerment of the poor and marginalized. "No Smoke from the Chimneys" portrays the poor as victims of a system that has failed them, while "New Nepal" envisions a Nepal where the poor are empowered, the rich are accountable, and all people can live without fear of oppression or violence.

Unity: Both poems emphasize the importance of unity among the people. "No Smoke from the Chimneys" suggests that the poor need to unite to fight against their oppressors, while "New Nepal" calls for unity and solidarity among the Nepali people to create a better future.