27/03/2020
My Rising Up' to be read by people of all classes, especially the youth
'My Rising Up' reviewed by Prakash Prashad Upadhyaya, a senior journalist in Nepal and India (All India Radio). English translation of the book review is as follows:
Book Review: Ukliyeko Manchhe (My Rising Up) From an economical point of view, Bhakta Raj Ranjit, the writer, has a normal family at the very bottom of society. For a person born in such an environment, hardship is a normal part of life. In all areas of life, he has to deal with mental anguish while being the victim of discrimination and poverty. In such an environment, such a person makes a respectable place in society, it is like crushing iron.
In each society, there are people who defy the odds and blossom like Lotus flowers that rise from the mud. We have seen such characters around the world. We have read about them. We have admired their work ethics that enabled them to defy the odds, acquire the knowledge and skills and provide the best service to society. In his memoirs, Ukliyeko Manchhe (My Rising Up), Bhakta Raj shares with the readers how he worked his way up from the bottom of society; how his hard work and determination helped him overcome poverty and discrimination to make his dreams a reality.
Growing up in a poor and marginalized family, Bhakta Raj faced many financial and social challenges. After the death of his older brother, he became the main bread-winner of his nine family members. Despite many challenges, his hard work and a keen sense of responsibility helped him improve his family's situation and uplift them from poverty.
His memoir, "My Rising Up", describes the challenges that he had to overcome and how education became a catalyst for his success. His journey reminds us of the Sanskirt saying: "Education is the most important wealth".
Although Bhakta Raj's mother Janaki was not able to attend school, she was aware of the value of education in creating a better future for her son. Bhakta Raj. She always encouraged Bhakta Raj to pursue education despite all the obstacles.
Being a firm believer in giving back to society, Bhakta Raj became a social worker. During his post-graduate studies, he reached Kushma, district headquarters of Parbat District, and under the National Development Service program he was able to accomplish social works.
As a part of his social works, he launched an adult women's literacy campaign, restored the public library, assisted in the construction of toilets in many homes by launching awareness campaigns about the importance of toilets in public health, and provided right information on domestic and international news by the wall newspaper. His efforts were appreciated by people and he obtained a distinction in social works as a part of his Masters' Degree in Business Administration and Commerce from Tribhuban University in 1978.
Many of the services, Bhakta Raj provided to society required a sacrifice. During his various work, he had to deal with bitterness from a conservative society and extended family.
This 336-page book is in a way a novel and in a way a movie showcasing the hardships and struggles that the author went through: the issues of inter-caste marriage, and the tense atmosphere within the family. This book also shows how he overcome all these issues.
In a nutshell, Bhakta Raj's memoir ‘Ukliyeko Manchhe’; is an interesting and educational book to be read by people of all classes, especially the youth. It is also expected to become a popular book among the various books published by Ghost Writing Nepal.
Through his memoir, Bhakta Raj shows that patience in the face of difficulties, as well as education and devotion to service of humanity, are the major ingredients of success.
Books are available at Ratna Pustak Bhandar, Bagabazar, and Pathya Pustak Samagri, Ghantaghar, Kathmandu.
