Born on June 28, 1972, in the serene village of Kharelthok, Kavrepalanchok, Geeta Tripathee has emerged as a luminary in the realm of Nepali literature. A poet, lyricist, essayist, literary critic, and scholar, her words resonate with the struggles and triumphs of her people, addressing pressing issues such as women’s rights, environmental concerns, and societal injustices.
Growing up in a family that valued education, Geeta was nurtured by her father, Bedraj Thapaliya, an educator, and her mother, Ramadevi Thapaliya. This upbringing instilled in her a profound appreciation for literature and the arts. After completing her high school education in 1988, she ventured to Kathmandu, where she attended Padma Kanya Multiple Campus, graduating in 1993. Her academic journey did not stop there; she pursued a Master’s degree in Nepali literature, achieving the title of university topper and receiving a gold medal in 1998.
Geeta’s dedication to her craft flourished as she began teaching at various colleges under Tribhuvan University and Purbanchal University. Her passion for writing blossomed alongside her teaching career, culminating in her PhD in Nepali literature in 2017, further solidifying her expertise in the field.
Geeta Tripathee’s literary journey is marked by her versatile contributions across multiple genres. She has authored two volumes of poetry, including Thunga Banfulka (2005) and Nrisamsha Parkhalharu (2009), along with several books on literary criticism and essays, such as Ma Eklo Ra Udaas Ustai (2014). Her works have transcended language barriers, being translated into English, Hindi, Japanese, and Korean, and published in esteemed literary journals worldwide.
Not only has Geeta made her mark as a poet, but she has also served as a literary critic, analyzing the works of renowned Nepali writers, including the late Laxmi Prasad Devkota and contemporary figures like Suman Pokhrel. Her critiques have illuminated the thematic depth and stylistic nuances of their writings, enriching the understanding of Nepali literature.
Geeta’s contributions to literature have not gone unnoticed. She is the proud recipient of the Padmakanya Gold Medal in 2000, awarded by the Government of Nepal, and was honored with the Best Lyricist Award in 2008 by Sanskritik Sansthan, a significant cultural institution in Nepal. These accolades reflect her dedication and impact on the literary landscape.
Geeta Tripathee continues to inspire through her words, advocating for change and justice through her poetry and essays. Her commitment to addressing societal issues and her ability to weave personal experiences into her writings make her a significant figure in contemporary Nepali literature.
Unbrokenly
Whenever you come to my mind
my verses, converting to songs
start flowing towards you.
During the infinite distance
between your center and my perimeter;
I feel, a continuous river of faith
flowing for ages.
As long as water is there,
two banks accompany each other
for a period perpetual.
By growing entire waves of reminiscence,
I, a fellow traveler of the same period
will keep waiting for the
melody of your song
right at the same river… unbrokenly…
-Geeta Tripathee, translated by Suman Pokhrel
Curated by Jennifer
