Autobiography 'Ek Phirante Ko Chattyange Jivan' Hailed for Unflinching Honesty and Diverse Narrative

Kathmandu, 24 Magh: In recent times, as the trend of writing autobiographies increases, many books published prioritize fabricated episodes over the author's true self. An exception to this trend is the work called 'Ek Phirante Ko Chattyange Jivan' (The Erratic Life of a Wanderer). Shyammohan Shrestha's autobiography 'Ek Phirante Ko Chattyange Jivan' is a work that carries a distinct flavor and direction in Nepali autobiographical literature. This book is not just the personal life story of the author but a vivid record of Nepali society, politics, journalism, and intellectual journey.

Writing an autobiography is inherently a very dangerous desire. If one only praises oneself, the readers may not be pleased, but if one writes honestly about oneself, many acquaintances will certainly not be happy. Overcoming such challenges of autobiography writing, Shyammohan Shrestha has presented the realities of his life with honesty. This kind of writing broadens the repository of social knowledge in Nepal. The main characteristic of this autobiography is its honest presentation.

This life story of the veteran tourism entrepreneur Shyammohan clearly details the thrilling and adventurous Kathmandu-Paris-Kathmandu overland journey he undertook in his youth about 50 years ago, along with related episodes. The book is not just an autobiography but has become a thrilling document of travel, love, romance, experience, and self-discovery. The author has presented his life as an open book. Written fearlessly without being bound by the moral boundaries of right and wrong drawn by society, this book brings a new dimension to autobiographical writing. Because the ambitious author has included life events and experiences without hiding anything, the book has gained vitality.

Written with great ease and courage about all the events of his life, it seeks to evoke the feeling of a novel. The author, who states that he has presented his life as an open book and written without being constrained by the moral boundaries of right and wrong drawn by society, exhibits a mature and novel writing style. While presenting the colorful aspects of his eventful life in a simple manner, he has not omitted mentioning historical contexts in many places. His old friend, scholar Kedarbhakta Mathema, mentions in the book that Shyammohan has poured out all the colors of life, and they are captivating. He says, 'Many people write, but very few individuals can write so openly, revealing such intimate matters.'

This book, connected to the adventurous Paris journey, illuminates many facets of Nepal-France relations. Having worked for Air France for nearly 30 years, he is found to have played a significant role in spreading diplomatic relations between the two countries to the grassroots level. For his special role in Nepal-France relations, he received the highest civilian honor from the French government in 2019, the 'Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Légion d'Honneur'. He is also the founding president of the Nepal-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Furthermore, he has made a significant contribution to the tourism business by opening the Mirabelle Hotel in Dhulikhel, Kavre.

This book inspires the younger generation to venture out in search of truth, even if it means taking a difficult path rather than a safe one. This book is extremely useful for the generation struggling to find their place in society, becoming the life story of someone who continuously moves forward but never gives up. The ability to make it so readable that one cannot put it down after starting shows the author's capability. A thorough study of the book reveals that his life, right from the beginning, has been filled with struggle, quest, and questioning.

In the book, the author's wandering nature is not limited only to geographical travel; it also appears unstable in thought, philosophy, and outlook on life. Overall, there are many indications that this book is not just the autobiography of one person but also the story of a time, a trend, and a consciousness.

He has made it accessible to English readers by releasing the English version of the book, 'An Overland Odyssey'. It has been published in both Nepali and English to inform future generations about the ups and downs of his life. Both books honestly cover interesting and thought-provoking episodes from his nearly eight-decade-long life journey. These books can be considered not just autobiographies but also thrilling documents of travel, love, romance, experience, and self-discovery. The Nepali book published by Indigo Ink is priced at 799 rupees, and the English version is priced at 599 rupees.

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