Poetic Aroma

Rijal's poems and songs have enriched the anthology of Nepali music and literature

By THAKUR AMGAI

Rijal : Born to write

One day, almost half a century ago, a young boy with an impressive aptitude in poetry, who had just entered Kathmandu City the previous day, went out looking for Bal Krishna Sama's house.

Elated with happiness when he finally saw his ideal figure Sama peeping out of his window, this young boy spoke out confidently, " Sir, I am an admirer of your literary works and have come all the way from Biratnagar to see you. I also write some poems. I request you to listen to them and comment on them."

After a couple of days, the famous playwright and poet Sama heard his songs and was very much impressed.

Today, after fifty years, the list of those impressed with his writings has expanded beyond his wildest dream as millions of his fans, established poets and singers admire his works.

The songs he has written over the years have become very popular among the Nepali audience. They speak out the essence of human lives. Whether during periods of extreme happiness or during the moments of despair, one can find solace from his writings.

A retired bureaucrat, Kali Prasad Rijal, has earned his place in the hearts of all those who speak Nepali language.

As Narayan Gopal became very popular as a singer by singing only a few but selected songs, Rijal, too, has become very popular with relatively only a few songs recorded. And Narayan Gopal himself voiced many of Rijal's songs in the early days. The former holds the credit of bringing such a talent to the Nepalese music industry. He literally forced him to write songs for him.

"I had stopped writing for more than 20 years," said Rijal. "So, it was very difficult for me when Narayan Gopal asked me to write songs for him."

"At that moment I even regretted discussing music with him (that had revealed Rijal's innate talent in front of Narayan Gopal)," Rijal reminisces.

That was about three decades ago, when Rijal was the director of the Department of Information and Narayan Gopal was the General Manager of National Theatre. Their offices at the opposite banks of Rani Pokhari faced each other and having common interest in music they would get together and discuss about issues in music.

Then, Rijal wrote two songs, "Ankha Chhopi Narou Bhani Bhannu Parya Chhha' and 'Jhhareko Pat Jhain Bhayo Udas Mero Jindagi."

"I wrote the songs, but was very skeptical about what Narayan Gopal (who was already a number one singer) would say about them," Rijal has told in several interviews. "With much reluctance I took out the scripts from the pocket of my coat and gave it to Narayan Gopal."

And that was it. Narayan Gopal took it to Radio Nepal had its music composed and recorded both the songs in his own voice on the same day. Both the songs instantly got popular among the audience.

Rijal's journey in Nepali music that begun from the pocket of his coat has now traveled far and wide whether in the form of cassettes, CDs, books and of course, in the hearts of millions of Nepalese and speakers of Nepali language.

From tragedy songs like the ones mentioned above to romantic songs like "Mero Hajurko Tanma Chandan Bas Aunchha" to patriotic songs like "Bihana Uthne Bittikai Himal Dekhna Paiyos" Rijal has penned his weighty verses and words in a variety of genres.

His words are sung by senior artistes like Narayan Gopal to new generation artiste like Ram Krishna Dhakal.

Another facet of Rijal's personality and more powerful, but not so well known to the general public is poetry - poetry that are not lyrical and, thus, not recorded as songs. In fact, poems like 'Ke Chha Ra Jindagi Bitaidinchhu' are more powerful than many of his recorded songs.

After his first poetry collection 'Jwarbhata' was published four decades ago, he has published about ten books so far. 'Yashodhara - lyrical drama' and 'Afainlai Harayapachhi' are the latest ones.

The avid interest in literature was seeded in Rijal from the early childhood. Inspired by his mother Krishna Maya Rijal on literary works he had begun writing at the tender age of eight. From the early childhood, he enjoyed writing, playing and singing.

On passing high school, Rijal came to Kathmandu, unlike his seniors of the eastern region - who held the tradition of going to Indian cities for further studies. Here again, his inclination towards literature drove him to Kathmandu, where he could meet several senior literary figures.

After graduating from Tribhuwan University, he went to Benaras for his postgraduate studies. After completing masters' degree in economics from Bishwa Hindu University, he was appointed principal at the Dhankuta Degree College at the age of 22 and after two years the government appointed him as a Land Reforms Officer. For the next 25 years he served as a civil servant in various capacities.

This experience as a civil servant has given him a lot of raw materials for writing. However, during his service period he always felt that he could not do justice to his 'literary personality'.

The poet, after retirement fifteen years ago has now got enough time to involve in literature. The Nepali music industry and the literature can still expect many masterpieces from this sexagenarian veteran.