”I have developed an addiction to writing something and not reading anything every day”, says Seema, ”now I have become a woman who cannot write or read”.
Poet-narrator Seema Abhas' first novel 'Mahayug' was released on Saturday. Her first novel came out after 17 years of pregnancy, publisher Book Hill said in a statement. He claims that this work born from the journey of dreams, pain, love and resistance is a search for an alternative world.
Around the year 2066, Seema was at a stage in her life where she had neither plans for a novel nor ambitions for a narrative. While studying in Kirtipur, she had a deep love for literature at that time, but she never thought of writing a novel.
Suddenly, a fellowship opportunity came from the German Technical Corporation (GTZ). The form had to be filled, but the title of the story was required. Seema, who was confined to poetry and short stories, became confused. At the same time, writer Krishna Dharavasi advised, 'You should not write a story on the form. You can.' Never wrote a
narrative She hesitantly filled the form.
Dharavasi laughed and replied, 'There is nothing that cannot be written. You can write.'
That 'Ukera' of Dharavasi gave him the energy to write a story. Which took a new turn in his literary life. The writing that started out of compulsion gave results within three months. Staying in Dharan, she explained to GTZ the format of the collection of stories named 'Tapuka Swarharu'.
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While studying in Kirtipur, one day she had a dream of Ajiv. That dream gave birth to the novel 'Mahayug'. There were half a dozen other options for the name of the work. However, the Mahayuga survived him. In her dreams, she saw stone trees, fruits covered with frost, unmarried girls like her. She still hasn't forgotten that dream that the sky, nature and human form are different. One day she told Dharavasi about that dream. Dharavasi advised, 'Now you turn this dream into a novel.'
Then she started collecting the plots of the novel. But, There were many other turns in the journey of life. got married Became a mother. During that period, she lived in the shadow of insecurities, sometimes in despair, sometimes in struggle. "Before marriage, I used to feel very insecure", she recalls, "Thoughts of home, family and society weighed on me. Maybe that's why the dream came like that. It took him about 17 years to prepare
'Mahayug'.
Sometimes she weaves stories, sometimes she writes poems, sometimes she throws sub-stories. "Removing a sub-plot would be like pulling the trigger," she says. During this period, 9 years ago, she wrote 'Ma Stri ie Imai'.
as his third novel is being published before Dasain. As it is about to be published after a long wait, it has been energized from within. It is not just a chain of stories, it is the story of four generations of women who grew up in her. It is the story of grandmother, mother, daughter and granddaughter. Each character lives in a different era. But struggle, love, pain and the ropes of resistance have tightened them.
'Maha Yuga is a deep discussion of women's existence, power and differences imposed by society', a member of the Koshi State Public Service Commission told one recent evening, 'The long wait has finally come to an end.' He thinks that during menstruation and pregnancy, women go through the most powerful situations in their lives. But, Society worships women as goddesses on the one hand, and on the other hand, considers them inferior.
That is why women are placed at the center of power in the 'Maha Yuga'. Pregnant female characters are presented as beings who create invisible power.
The cover of 'Mahayug' has also received both discussion and controversy. Some have commented that the cover of sexual posture is 'vulgar'. Some have considered Shaktimudra to be a symbol based on Eastern philosophy. That is, there is a mixed reaction, about the cover. However, Seema clarifies, 'I have not done anything for cheap popularity. This is my point of view.
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For Seema, writing is not just a craft, it is a way of living. While writing poetry, she feels as warm as a baby in its mother's arms. However, the struggle is different in the novel. "Poetry excites the mind," she says, "but the novel explores the question of thinking, class, discrimination and existence."
That is why 'Mahayug' is not just another work added to many literary works, it is also a document that challenges the social structure. For him, writing is always a necessity, a practice. She says, "I will not stop writing." As much time as I can save, I spend it on writing. He is an author who often writes in newspapers. He believes that one should always write something. Therefore, on days when she does not have time to write, she is content to write only on social media.
"I have developed an addiction to writing something and not reading anything every day", says Seema, "now I have become an Ammali Jasti who cannot write or read."
