Ulaar (Novel) (उलार):Gem of a book: Ashesh Malla

                                 Gem of a book  
 
ASHESH MALLA

These lines appear in Nayanraj Pandey’s gem of a book, entitled “Ulaar” (Kathmandu: Laxmi Press, 1998). This book brings to surface the corrupt climate of Nepali society and politics in light of the democratic revolution of 1989/90. I feel the themes tackled in these pages stand as true today as they did when first published.

The title “Ulaar” itself denotes the device which is used to rear a cart. It determines the balance of movement, and the novel itself is a portrayal of the need for balance between the political and social spheres of Nepal.



The lines quoted above convey two different aspects of life in Nepal: First, it explores the lack of balance between where we as a society and people remain politically, and in contrast where we dwell socially. The lines prove that although we have been given freedom, and progress has been made on the political front, on the social stage we are still stuck somewhere in the 18th century. With modernization, the development of new technologies and globalization as a whole, the once enormous world has turned into a small village.

However, as these lines reveal, this kind of progress is nothing in the face of social stagnation. While there may be political freedoms, and human rights and NGOs looking to represent injustice, Nepal still faces socio-cultural backwardness. In this way, these lines serve as a challenge to those who claim to bring progress and development to Nepal. The challenge lies in claiming that freedom for the sake of political movement does not imply any real and substantial freedom or change.

The tradition practiced in Nepalgunj, as of having daughters and wives serve as prostitutes, is perfectly felt through these lines. Notice how the father is seen to be nonchalant, and furthermore anxious about the possible decline in the number of clients for his daughter. So what good is this political progress when such traditions are just as they were hundreds of years ago? There must be balance between the two.

The second aspect that is explored in these lines, and the book as a whole, is the extent to which poverty is consuming Nepali society. It surveys the corruption of the minds of the people, brought about by the extreme poverty which they face. The confines are such that a father is so desperately in search of material gains that he is willing to aid in the prostitution of his very own blood, his very own daughter.

The story brings together the exploitation of Nepal’s two major weaknesses – poverty and lack of education. The exploitation by politicians of the masses, and the immediate effects faced throughout society are reiterated on numerous occasions. The content, while it can be seen to be heavy, is juxtaposed by the literary style. Somehow, Pandey brings a sense of ease and comfort into such dark and looming topics. It is simply effortless to visualize the scenes and the characters. The form itself is such that one feels as though it is taking place in the present, and we collectively bring to life the various characters.

There is much talk among intellectual circles that there is no standard in Nepali literature. “Ulaar” proves otherwise and stands tall as a challenge. It would bring me honor, if I could one day turn it into a theatrical production. In the meantime, anyone living through the turbulent times of present Nepal must read this masterpiece.

(As told to Bidushi Dhungel)

Published on MY REPUBLICA- 2009-12-25 08:57:17