WriterStory Interviews of Writers
Author Ganesh Prasad Lath has created Anuradha Bhavan, Chhamiya, Aghatit and Kshama daan. Profession wise basically he is a businessman, involved in manufacturing of Textile Fabric as director of Noble Textiles Pvt. Ltd. Similarly he is involved in import business as well. Ganesh Trading Centre, Atlantic Overseas, GTC Overseas, Civil International are trading organizations, which import various kind of food machines, Agricultural Appliances, hardwares, tiles, and building construction materials etc. In addition, he manufactures and supply agricultural machines through GTC Engineerings. All his business houses are situated at Birganj, Nepal.
He has been extending his quality time in social and welfare activities providing his services as the President of Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Province 2 (the umbrella organisation of Business Community of Nepal). He is serving Dhamma Tarai Vipassana Meditation Centre as the Chairman of Trustees as he believes both mental and physical health are of utmost concern. Additionally he is active in some renowned NGO’s like Pathashala Nepal as Vice president Nepal India Co-operation Forum, Relief Society of Commerce, Radha Devi Brij Lal Lath Trust and Nepal India Socio-Economic Forum as the board member.
Being an enthusiast as a college student, he started his Karate training – Japanese Martial Art. Karate being banned in his country, he used to secretly travel to Raxaul everyday- the bordering town of India to join his group training. Later, he achieved Black belt from Shitoryu Karate Association, Singapore being the most prestigious and rare achievements those days. Academically, he had completed his graduation at the age of 20. Then, he left his further education and got involved in his family business. At the age of 50, he resumed his education and completed master degree in Value Education & Spirituality (the course introduced by Annamalai University, Madurai).
As a novel, Anuradha Bhavan (Nepalese Language) is his first creation, which was published by Lipi Prakashan Pvt Ltd, Kathmandu, Nepal and inaugurated by former Prime Minister, Hon’ble Madhaw Kumar Nepal. It was assumed that former Prime Minister wouldn’t give much time or attention to read his book. Surprisingly he didn’t just read every sentence, but beautifully described it’s essence in various public programs for many years. He has been publicly recommending, “The youth shouldn’t miss the chance to read this book.” It appears like a award in itself for the author. His third creation- Aghatit (Satirical Novel) has been achieved Rajkrishna Kandel Literature Award- 2076, which was provided by Chitwan Sahitya Parishad. I would most importantly like to thank The Book Bakers and appreciate all the work that my brilliant agent, Mr. Suhail Mathur has done in the journey of getting published in the Indian markets.
What inspired you to start writing?
So far as I remember, I was in 10th standard and had happened to go through an article in a renowned newspaper, which offended my sentiments. And, It worked like a trigger to write a counter article. This way, my writing journey had taken place.
What did you like to read when you were a boy?
Those days Madhumuskan, Mayapuri, Nandan and Lotpot were very popular magazines. I used to pour down all of my pocket money to buy these magazines.
What is the greatest challenge in writing a book?
Being honest with the characters, keeping yourself dis-joined from the characters and concluding the story.
How much research do you do before writing the book?
As much as possible. Mostly I use my own experience from visiting different people and places. I read a lot to expand my knowledge in certain areas and sometimes take help from google search.
What motivated you to write the book “Anuradha Bhavan“?
I belong from business community. As soon as I realized majority of our community measures success by wealth, just by wealth. Education, Integrity and values are secondary. Skills doesn’t fit in the bracket of success as it doesn’t signify a direct monetary benefit. These sentiments motivated me to write Anuradha Bhavan.
Can you tell us more about your latest book “Anuradha Bhavan?
The story starts with cremation and ends with the same. It’s the story of a middle class family. The main character, Biraju, belonging to a middle-class business community, loses his father at the age of 11. Being the eldest son of the family, coming out of his so far protected shelter, he is compelled to grow up faster than his age and look after his family business to support his widowed mother. His mother, Anuradha, battles with the world outside and her inner self to complete her duty. She sacrifices all kind of material desires and leads her life like a chaste.
Biraju witnesses a near death experience during his commercial visit to a hilly market at the age of 13. Being thrown off by a disastrous land slide and flowing down the flooded river, he loses his entire investment.
Having no understanding about a marital life at the age of 16, prevalent in his society, Biraju gets married to Saraswati. Saraswati being a religious believer, practices ritual activities where as Biraju finds himself disjoined from the same. Despite all odds and unconscious gender discrimination, Saraswati supports Biraju’s family full heartedly.
Saraju, the younger brother of Biraju, having contradicting thoughts and beliefs, invites a new chapter in Biraju’s life. Saraju starts believing in the goddess of wealth whereas, Biraju devotes himself to the goddess of wisdom. Biraju’s never ending thirst for wisdom makes the society perceive him as a failure and Saraju as a successful man. Manoher and Sohan (sons of Biraju), being lured by their uncle’s lifestyle starts revolting against the ethics of their father.
Time never stops its journey and extending different experiences. Suddenly, Saraju loses all that he gained and spends rest of his life on bed. Simultaneously, Biraju also gets caught by a serious illness.
Fortunately, Biraju gets a book, as a gift from his well–wisher. He understands the verse of the book after going through it many times and gets a new perspective towards his life. Saraju leaves the mortal world first followed by his elder brother Biraju. Till his last moment, Biraju keeps his presence vibrant and meaningful by not giving up even though his age compelled.
Nearing the end of story, the Mysterious Friend of Biraju, who has been narrating so far,declares himself as the Soul of Biraju. Having left his body, Biraju’s Soul too expresses its pain and agony in a very spiritual fashion.
Dube sir, Shyam Babu, Krishna Kumar, Radhe krishna, Hossieni and an unnamed Saint too are interesting characters of this book. They extend beautiful messages to the readers.
In nutshell, the sentiments and difference in thought between mother & son, father & son, two brothers and two friends are the main pillars of this story. The crisis due to generation gap has been indicated here fashionably. Along with flow of Biraju’s story, the clash of morals, dual standard of the society and the darkness of Business Community at the present days are raised. Anuradha Bhavan contains the message: Life is nothing more than a journey. It should be enjoyed just like a Passenger. Anuradha Bhavan is dedicated to those unsung heroes who take birth and leave this world silently. The main motive of this novel is to convey the message to the youth that the journey of life with high values and dignity may be difficult to lead, but it gives glorious completion.
What makes you stick to the idea of writing fiction genre book as compared to non-fiction?
I believe, through fiction, you can easily show the mirror to the society, can raise your own voice conveniently and can play according to your imagination. Fiction gives you maximum freedom with least amount of risk. But in non-fiction, you must think twice or thrice before writing. To remain away from unnecessary disputes, you have to hide a lot of ugly but important things, need to care about privacy of concerned people. Your slight ignorance can hurt sentiments at a mass level.
Who are your favourite authors?
Acharya Chatursen, Faneswar Das Renu, Rahi Masum Raja, Khuswant Singh, Taslima Nasrin, Narendra Kohali, Sudha Murthy, Alka Saraogi, Robin Sharma, Murakami, Sidney Sheldon, Bisheshawar Prasad Koirala (from Nepal), Manjushree Thapa (from Nepal), Kumar Nagarkoti (from Nepal) and Sarada Sharma (from Nepal).
How much time do you dedicate for writing on a daily basis?
Two – three hours daily, mostly in the evening. Since, I have to maintain balance between my core business and passion for writing.
What words of wisdom would you like to give to aspiring writers?
First of all, be a good reader along with being an unbiased reviewer. Read your own writing, not just as a writer but also as an outsider. If you aspire to write a book, start your journey by 1000 to 2000 words and gradually increase your writing. Before final touch up, be bold to crop those plots/paragraphs/sentences, which seem irrelevant/ repeated/confusing. Let one or two good readers read your creation and ask for their honest comments.
