“Sunmaya, do you know something?”
These are the opening lines of Dhunwa ra Ama (Smoke and Mother), a powerful poem by Bina Theeng Tamang. In this piece, the narrator paints a vivid image of their mother, who moves tirelessly through the house, her motions akin to a dance, resembling Shakira’s grace. The narrator humorously likens her to a reality show contestant whose judges remain oblivious.
Bina’s poetry doesn’t intimidate; it invites. Her words bring to life the lives of Pasangs, Shermos, Chesangs, Ramayas, and Phulmayas — individuals from Nepal’s Tamang community. Through their stories, she captures the essence of contemporary struggles: fertile fields turned into malls, migrant workers returned home as lifeless bodies, the exploitation of lands by corporations like Monsanto, and the harsh reality of women being sold by those they trust most.
While her characters may seem unfamiliar to readers of mainstream Nepali literature, their experiences of love, pain, and resilience are deeply relatable and undeniably Nepali.
A Multifaceted Voice in Literature
Born in 1980 in Hetauda, Bina Theeng Tamang is a writer, teacher, community leader, and entrepreneur. Her first book, Chuki, a collection of short stories, was published in 2012, followed by her poetry collection, Raato Ghar (Red House), in 2015. Featuring 32 poems in Nepali and Tamang, it showcases her linguistic dexterity and cultural pride.
Celebrated as a bold and refreshing voice, Bina has carved a unique space for herself in Nepali literature. But her identity is not confined to being a poet. She is also a full-time teacher, a counselor, a mother, and a social worker.
Balancing Life and Passion
In addition to her literary achievements, Bina is an entrepreneur. She works with three other women from her community to cultivate roses and marigolds, selling them to florists across Kathmandu. Visiting these tunnels of flowers reveals the immense labor and dedication involved, leaving one to wonder how she manages her many roles.
After a long day of teaching, she prepares meals for visitors and carves out time to write in a room she fought hard to claim. Her mother-in-law had suggested renting it out, but Bina boldly offered to pay rent herself to keep it as her writing space. This determination reflects her unwavering commitment to her craft.
“Janajati women have something fearless about them,” she says with a smile, her dimple hinting at her quiet strength.
The Power of Words
Bina’s work reflects her deep understanding of language as both a builder of connections and a force that can alienate. Her poetry and stories explore themes of loss and resilience, shedding light on the struggles faced by women in modern Kathmandu who strive to pursue their creative passions despite societal expectations.
When asked why writers and poets are essential, she responds with characteristic insight:
“Investing in writers means investing in a better society.”
A Catalyst for Change
Bina Theeng Tamang’s contributions to Nepali literature transcend words. Through her work, she amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, highlights their struggles, and celebrates their identities. Her fearless storytelling inspires readers to reflect on the world around them and envision a more inclusive society.
While she wears many hats — writer, teacher, entrepreneur, and activist — Bina’s essence lies in her ability to balance it all with grace and grit. Her voice is not just a representation of her community but a call for everyone to see beauty and strength in resilience.
