Poet Viplob Pratik Unveils Haiku Collection 'Schadenfreude'

KATHMANDU: Poet Viplob Pratik, known for his work across various literary genres, has now ventured into the world of haiku with his new collection, 'Schadenfreude'. The book was launched on Saturday amidst a gathering of literary enthusiasts.

The author presented copies of the book to Music Activist Rinchen Yonjon, Musician Nhyoo Bajracharya, and actor Sunil Thapa, marking its release to the general public. The ceremony began with Viplob welcoming the attendees with a haiku he composed on the spot.

The collection presents Nepali poet Viplob's emotions through the lens of haikus, a Japanese poetic form. The title 'Schadenfreude', a German word for the pleasure derived from others' misfortunes, hints at the book's exploration of a broader range of emotions beyond just sorrowful poetry.

Previously known for his contributions to poetry collections, songs, novels, plays, essays, journalism, cinema, documentaries, translations, and advertisements, Viplob is presenting his first-ever haiku collection to readers.

"I first encountered this form around 2006," Viplob said at the ceremony. "A haiku I wrote on a whim during a visit to Bhaktapur to recite poems is what brought me on this journey."

The poet explained how this form, restricting expression to 17 syllables within three lines, requires economy of words while delivering powerful emotions. The book's uniqueness extends beyond the content, as the text is printed in Viplob's own handwriting, allowing readers to savor the visual aspect as well.

"Initially, I thought a haiku collection wouldn't hold much market appeal and kept it within my personal collection," Viplob added. "However, I am grateful to the editors and publishers of Publications Nepal who saw the merit of the work itself, rather than market trends, and took the initiative to publish it."

The book features haikus divided into eight sections: Affection, Remembrance, Regret, Pain, Tears, Yearning, Dreams, and Sounds of Life, taking the reader on an emotional rollercoaster.

"We are committed to promoting not just other literary forms but also poetry," said Saijan Maskey, CEO of Publications Nepal. "We are delighted to be publishing our first-ever haiku collection."

Publications Nepal, in its endeavor to take poetry beyond mere publication, has also been running the 'E-Kavita Abhiyan' campaign for several months now, coordinated by poet Shrawan Mukarung. Every Saturday, poetry lovers worldwide can listen to a poem recited by the poet himself through the internet.

Viplob's 'Schadenfreude' will also be available as an audiobook by Publications Nepal. This will allow listeners to enjoy the poems in the poet's own voice, mirroring the experience of readers encountering his handwritten text.

The book is priced at Rs. 495 and is available in both physical and ebook formats. The ebook can be purchased from thuprai.com, and international readers can also find it on Amazon. The book can be found in major bookstores across the country.