A 1750 km long border stands between India and Nepal. For years, in this backdrop for years, a mixed culture flourished. This cultural relationship, must say is rather complex. But the Nepalese were grown with it. This is not at all pure in the context of any of the border country. But it exists in reality. A Nepali-Indian English language author exactly fits in this picture. He was invited in March last year to Paris Salon du Livre (Book Fair). He represented Indian literature. In his own words, Prajwal Parajuly described his identity as such.
Prajwal Parajuly was brought up in two countries
I am of Indian and Nepalese heritage. My parents are from two different countries. I grew up in a former Himalayan kingdom, Sikkim. Later India annexed it. I think it’s perfect to get goosebumps when one hears the Indian national anthem. But feels more at home in Kathmandu. It’s okay to pledge allegiance to one country and have a lot in common with another.
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Prajwal considers both English and Nepali as his first languages. He thinks and dreams in English. But often pray in Nepali. To him, it’s a privilege to represent Indian literature at a book fair in Paris. He likes the idea about a festival having a guest country of honor. After all, it brings up the importance of translations. In his words, ‘translations will keep the world sane’
Calcutta based Prajwal’s first published book was The Gurkha’s Daughter. The book is a collection of short stories. The stories describe the life of Nepalese people and their diaspora. It spans from Bhutan to New York. This 2012 debut book of Parajuly was shortlisted for 2013 Dylan Thomas prize. The same year the book was also longlisted for The Story Prize.
His second novel is Land Where I Flee. Parajuly passionately calls it a love letter to the Nepali language. The book is featured in the coveted longlist of France’s Guimet prize. France’s Emily Guimet Museum awards this prize. Every year, an Asian author is awarded with this prize. But beforehand, the author’s work must be translated into French. Prajwal’s novel was translated by Benoite Dauvergne to Fuir et revenir.
