Exploring Life Through Essays 

Footpathma Bhetiyeka Jibran, an essay collection by Dr. Benjana Sharma, presents a wide range of life experiences while reflecting on contemporary society and the changes that have taken place between the past and the present.

The book takes its title from the fourth essay in the collection. It centres on an old second-hand book discovered on a footpath and conveys the idea that a book's true worth grows with time. Although a book may become old, the knowledge, wisdom, and experiences it carries remain timeless. A meaningful book never loses its relevance if it is read with understanding. The essay reminds readers that the value of a book lies not in its attractive cover, high price, or latest edition, but in the ideas it contains and its ability to nurture the habit of reading.

Second-hand books are commonly found on footpaths and in used bookshops. They are cheap, and their covers are often worn because they have passed through many hands. Yet their contents remain as valuable as ever. Sharma also argues that holding a physical book creates a sense of warmth, intimacy, and enjoyment that cannot be replaced by e-books.

Dr. Sharma's personal experiences form another important aspect of the collection. As readers move through the essays, they learn that she travelled to Australia to pursue a PhD. The collection opens with Gharko Flavour, which suggests that no matter where people live or settle, their love for their village, home, culture, and identity never fades. However far they travel, memories of their birthplace remain deeply rooted in their hearts.

Her experiences abroad are explored more fully in Kina Farkanubhayeko. In today's Nepali society, many assume that anyone who goes abroad should settle there permanently. For this reason, many questioned her decision to return to Nepal. Sharma offers a different perspective. She believes people should come back once the purpose of going abroad has been fulfilled. Towards the end of the essay, she expresses this belief with deep emotion, saying that nothing can truly replace one's own country. Family, traditions, customs, and the bond with one's homeland remain inseparable, just as no one would abandon their own mother for someone else's.

As the collection progresses, the defining qualities of the essay genre become increasingly clear. Each essay stands on its own, draws from real-life experiences, presents informative ideas, and is written in clear, accessible language. Unlike a novel, the essays are not connected by a continuous storyline, which may make the book feel less engaging for readers who prefer narrative fiction. Nevertheless, the reflections and observations they offer leave a lasting impression. The collection is valuable not only as enjoyable reading but also as a source of insight into life and society.

In Rumani Ragko Aayu, Sharma reflects on love and married life. She argues that couples should share a common destination in life. As people grow older, their interests, priorities, and beliefs naturally evolve. Even when opinions differ, partners should respect each other's feelings, wishes, and decisions to maintain a healthy relationship.

The essay Athiyako Abasan expresses concern over the gradual disappearance of traditional Nepali household items and ways of life. Objects such as oil lamps, wooden churners, grinding stones, agricultural tools, and traditional fireplaces are becoming unfamiliar to younger generations. The author fears that these cultural symbols may eventually disappear altogether.

In Virtual Jungle, Sharma examines the growing dependence of modern society on technology and the digital world.

Sapanako Bhasa explores the enduring connection people have with their birthplace. Whether they move from village to city or from Nepal to another country, memories of home continue to shape their dreams and identity. No matter where they live, their roots remain firmly grounded in their original culture.

Matra Suruka Paancha Panna suggests that peace of mind often comes from avoiding unnecessary arguments and learning to accept differing opinions. Sometimes simply saying, "Okay," "That's fine," or "You have a point" can preserve harmony and mental balance.

Ma Kabuliwala tells the touching story of a man returning after serving a prison sentence. Through this emotional narrative, Sharma highlights the enduring power of memory, affection, and human relationships. Another essay similarly portrays the deep emotional bond between humans and animals, showing how companionship strengthens love and attachment.

The collection also highlights the importance of raising children to become independent from an early age. Sharma discusses practices common in many Western countries, where children are encouraged to participate in outdoor activities, travel, and camping and gradually learn to take responsibility for themselves. By contrast, she observes that many children in Nepali society remain overly dependent on their parents, making it harder for them to cope with life's challenges later on. In Sansar Ek Asar, Sharma stresses the importance of sharing household responsibilities. In the past, one spouse typically worked outside the home while the other managed domestic duties. Today, as both husbands and wives often pursue careers, household responsibilities should also be shared equally.

Bicharko Achar reflects on how people largely create the world they experience through their own thinking. A positive outlook often leads to a more positive perception of life.

In Ma Euta Bridashram Khojirahechhu, Sharma discusses the growing need for elderly care facilities. As more children move abroad or live separately from their parents, demand for nursing homes continues to rise. However, private facilities remain beyond the reach of many families. She argues that local governments should establish affordable nursing homes that are accessible to everyone.

The essay Ma Kanha Khelnu? highlights how rapid urbanisation and migration have reduced the open spaces where children once played freely. With fewer playgrounds and fewer neighbourhood friends, childhood itself is becoming increasingly restricted.

Bidrohako Aago Jagaunu Bahini addresses violence and discrimination against women. Sharma argues that women should not silently tolerate abuse but become self-reliant and speak up to protect their rights and dignity.

In Spitting People, the author criticises the widespread habit of spitting in public places. She observes that while society has readily embraced Western customs such as birthday celebrations and anniversaries, it has neglected equally valuable practices such as cleanliness, discipline, and respect for public spaces. The essay encourages readers to adopt these positive social habits.

 Dr. Sharma presents a rich collection of personal reflections alongside observations on society, culture, family, and everyday life. While she does not reveal every aspect of her personal journey, she shares her experiences with honesty, balance, and maturity. By the end of the book, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own lives, consider the changes society needs, and broaden their understanding of the world around them. Overall, the collection is a thoughtful work that invites readers to better understand life, society, and themselves.

(The author is a journalist at The Rising Nepal.)