Krishnahari Baral

Krishnahari Baral (born 4 January 1954) is a Nepali lyricist, songwriter, poet, literary critic, and author who is professor of Nepali at Central Department of Nepali, Tribhuwan University, Kathmandu. Dr. Baral has written more than forty books including course books, literary criticisms, and collection of lyric poetry.

Biography
Krishnahari Baral was born in a middle-class family on 4 January 1954 in Hatpate, Sindhuli, Nepal. He spent most of his early childhood in the same village and near the bank of Kamala River. He grew up in an environment where his Grandmother was putting her own words in local folk tunes and singing them unprofessionally, while his grandfather was regularly reciting verses from Hindu epics. His father, Khadananda Baral is a farmer and his mother Late Padma Kumari Baral was departed early in his childhood. He started writing lyrical poem when he was in grade five. Unfortunately, there were no publications of any kind in the village at the time.

There was no High School in the village at that time. So, he moved to Janakpur in 1967 AD and joined Shri Saraswati Multi Purpose High School. Moving to Janakpur was a milestone in his career. It was a city much larger, much developed, and different from his village. Here, he was exposed to Hindi movies, which usually contained excellent songs with melodious tunes and great lyrics. In 1973 A.D., he published his two lyrics for the first time in Usha magazine.

After completing undergraduate studies in Janakpur, he moved to Kathmandu in 1977 A.D. The same year, his lyrics ‘Ma Bhakta Hu Yo Desko (I am a devotee of this nation)' was sung and recorded for the first time in Radio Nepal, the only radio station of the country at the time. He got married in 1981 AD to Sushma Baskota. His wife gave birth to their first child, a daughter in 1982 AD, followed by another daughter in 1986 AD and a son in 1987 AD. He completed Masters Degree and Phd in Nepali from Tribhuwan University. Currently he is a professor of Nepali literature at Central Department of Nepali, Tribhuwan University.

He has written books of linguistics, collection of lyric poetry, and literary criticism. He has co-written course books on Nepali from grade one to masters Level also. He published many of his books after 1994 AD, which include 'Bhasa Bigyan Ra Nepali Bhasa (Linguistics and Nepali Language)' in 1994 AD, followed by 'Sandristi (Critique Collection)' and, 'Upanyas Sidhdhanta ra Nepali Upanyas (Theory of Novel and Nepali Novels)' in 1999 AD, 'Kabi Bhupi: Bishleshan ra Mulyankan (Poet Bhupi: Analysis and Evaluation)' in 2001 AD, 'Geet Sidhdhanta Ra Itihas (Theory and History of Lyrics)' in 2004 AD, and 'Bastuparak Samalochana (Objective Critique)' in 2005 AD. His lyrics collections are 'Ek Phool, Anek Patra (Single Flower, Myriad Mails)' published in 1995 AD and 'Geetkar Krishnahari Baral: Srijana ra Samalochana (Lyricist Krishnahari Baral: Creation and Critique)' published in 2002 AD. The latest among his books is 'Ghazal: Sidhdanta Ra Parampara (Ghazal: Theory and Chronicle)', published in 2008.

Dr. Baral is also one of the most popular lyricists and songwriters of Nepal. Talking about his career as lyricist, it all began when he used to be fascinated by a radio program and its hosts (Devi Sharma and Pandav Sunuwar) during his youth. He even wrote a letter to the program which was broadcast on air. Later in a meeting, it was them who suggested him that he should write lyrics. He did so and there was no looking back. Until now, he has written many lyrics and almost 400 of those have been recorded. He has contributed many solo albums, numerous published songs, and two song collections. Some critics have even called him ‘magician of words’ and ‘lyricist of lyricists’. Not surprisingly, he has received most of the nation’s big awards for his contribution in song writing, which include the ‘Chhinnalata Musical Award (2000 AD)’, the ‘Nai Kalanidhi Musical Award (1999 AD)’ and many other awards. Recently, by Kantipur FM, a leading FM station, he was named to be the lyricist whose songs were aired the most throughout a year. He is as successful as a literary critic as he is as a lyricist. His critiques on songs, novels, dramas, poems, and various other subjects are considered to be neutral and very significant. Dr. Baral is recognized as a brilliant critique by the respected academicians and the recognized writers of the country. He has published his criticism in many magazines as well as in his books. He is the first and only person to write a book about song criticism in Nepali. Other than that, he has written books on criticism of novels, and dramas as well. His PhD thesis itself was a research paper about criticism of ghazal (a kind of lyrical poem).

As a lyricist
Dr. Krishnahari Baral is one of the most successful contemporary lyricists of Nepal. He has provided lyrics for popular songs in movies (list of Nepalese films), television episodes, and commercials. Most of his songs however are ‘modern songs’ and ghazals, which is considered to be the ‘evergreen’ form of music. Until now, almost 400 of his lyrics have been recorded. His songs have also helped various artists to establish themselves and be very successful in the field of music. Also, he has published two song collections books to the date, first of which is ‘Ek Phool, Anek Patra (Single Flower, Myriad Petals)’. The second collection book ‘Geetkar Krishnahari Baral; Srijana ra Samalochana (Lyricist Krishnahari Baral; Creation and Critique)’ contains his lyrics as well as their criticism by others. 'The lyric poetry of Dr. Krishnahari Baral' is english translation of some of his selected lyric poetry. The book has been translated by Swapnil Baral and published by Lulu Enterprises, North Carolina, U.S.A.

His well formed lyrics invoke human emotions in the readers and the listeners, due to its numerous poetic qualities. Although he writes on many subjects, the contents of his songs can be primarily classified as patriotic, philosophical, love songs, and about nature.

The patriotic songs are usually about the geographical and historical contexts of Nepal as well as the bravery shown by Nepalese warriors and martyrs. They also contain the message that Nepalese should build their nation on their own.

In Baral's songs, we can find reflection of romanticism and existentialism in addition to the discussions of life and its mystery. His various songs have many qualities, such as materialistic love in surface and spiritual attachment in deeper sense. His songs represent more of the inner power of the god and less of the physical description.

In his love songs, description of beauty, happiness of being together, and grief of separation is skillfully written. He has been found to describe love as worship in some songs. In fact, love is a highway to reach to the Lord or the beloved ones. While reading some of his love songs, it is difficult to resolve whether he is referring to the Lord or the lovers. In his love songs, occasionally we can find traces of contemporary contexts and satire as well. He has in some places looked at love as a means to forget our daily scarcity. He has also offered a comparison between nature and love in some of his songs. His lyrics are usually about daily problems and happenings in life, to which his readers and listeners can relate to. Some of his lyrics due to the same reason have gained the grade of quotations as well.

Both subjective and objective description of nature and the personification of nature are found in his lyrics. In many songs, nature has been used as simile, metaphor, and symbol. Using nature to describe persons, or using persons to describe nature is his favorite tool. The transition of seasons has been viewed as the ups and downs in life. Depending on the content of songs, both fierce and calm form of nature has been discussed in his lyrics, very much like Wordsworth.

Excessive use of feelings and fantasy in his lyrics makes them very original and superior. Usually, his lyrics contain natural emotions and expressions, catchy symbols and outstanding figurative language. Writing excellent lyrics in either prose or metrical verse is the quality of Dr. Baral.

As a Literary Critic
Dr. Krishnahari Baral is a famous name in the field of Nepalese literary criticism. His journey of criticism began in 80's with the publication of his first critique "Rupmati Upanyas: Adhuniktako Prashna (Rupmati Novel: Matter of Modern times)". Now his theoretical as well as practical critique creations have spread to different genres like Novels, Poems, Songs, Ghazals, Essays etc. His works have been published in many books and articles.

Some of his critiques are focused entirely on the works of an individual, while others are detailed analysis of various subject matters and their historical account. Whereas "Geet Sidhdhanta Ra Itihas (Theory and History of Lyrics)", "Ghazal: Sidhdanta Ra Parampara (Ghazal: Theory and Chronicle)" and "Upanyas Sidhdhanta ra Nepali Upanyas (Novel theory and Nepali Novels)" contain theoretical stuff as well as the entire history of songs, ghazals and novels respectively, "Kabi Bhupi: Bishleshan ra Mulyankan (Poet Bhupi: Analysis and Evaluation)" is limited to thorough examination of works of poet Bhupi Sherchan. Besides, "Sandristi (Critique Collection)" and "Bastuparak Samalochana (Objective Critique)" are collections of many scattered analytical essays.

Baral's works expose his extensive knowledge of theories, literary devices and emerging experimental aspects of both, western and eastern literature. Depending upon the situation, his works are found to have formulated new theories also. His analysis technique is basically objective and he is of the school of thought that creations should not be examined from a single point of view only. Baral's works, packed with solid subject matter and decorated by crafty language, are valuable in the collection of Nepali Literary Criticism. Historically, among Nepali critiques, Baral's name comes after Motiram Bhatta, Suryabikram Gyawali, Ramkrishna Sharma, Dr. Taranath Sharma, Dr. Ishwor Baral, Dr. Basudev Tripathi, and Indra Bahadur Rai.

The views expressed by Dr. Taranath Sharma, Dr. Govindaraj Bhattarai, Dr. Himanshu Thapa, Dr. Durga Prasad Bhandari, and Prof. Mohanraj Sharma also prove the abilities of Dr. Baral as a critic.

As an Author
In addition to being a lyricist and a critic, Mr. Baral is involved in other fields too. He has made an important contribution by writing many course books. Most of those books are co-written. Among them, "Bhasa Bigyan Ra Nepali Bhasa (Linguistics and Nepali Language)" is co-written with Prof. Mohanraj Sharma and remaining course books with Netra Atom.

He has published Nepali Grammar books for students from Grade 1 up to Grade 10. These consist of "Sachitra Bal Byakaran (Children's Grammar with Illustrations)" for grade 1-5, "Nimna Madhyamik Nepali Byakaran (Lower Secondary Nepali Grammar)" for grade 6, 7 & 8 and "Madhyamik Nepali Byakaran (Secondary Nepali Grammar)" for grade 9 & 10. He has also published "Anibarya Nepali Byakaran, Abhibyakti ra Abhyas (Compulsory Nepali Grammar, Expression and Exercise)" for I.A., +2 & B.A. and "Sadharan Nepali (Simple Nepali)" for B.Ed. He has provided foreword in many books of many writers too.

Involvements

 * Former president of Nepali Lyricist Association
 * Professor of Nepali– Central Department of Nepali, Tribhuvan University
 * Assistant Lecturer of Nepali– Mahendra Ratna Campus, Tahachal, Tribhuvan University(1986)
 * Advisor – Tanneri Magazine
 * Advisor – Pyas Magazine

Works
• Collection of lyrical poems • Literary Criticisms • Linguistics • Course Book • Text Book •Edited Works: •Music Albums: •Lyrics contribution in songs of Motion Picture (list of Nepalese films):
 * Ek Phool Anek Patra
 * Geetkar Krishna Hari Baral: Srijana ra Samalochana edited by Netra Atom)
 * The lyric poetry of Dr. Krishnahari Baral (English translation)
 * Sandristi
 * Kabi Bhupi, Bishleshan ra Mulyankan
 * Geet: Siddhanta ra Itihas
 * Bastuparak Samalochana
 * Ghazal: Siddhanta ra Parampara.
 * Upanyas Siddhanta ra Nepali Upanyas –(coauthor)
 * Upanyasko Bisleshan
 * Bhasabigyan ra Nepali Bhasa – (Mohan raj sharma)
 * Bastuparak Samalochana
 * Abhibyaktiko Utkhanan
 * Katha Siddantha
 * Nepali Akhyan ra Natak (B.A.)
 * Nepali Katha ra Upanyas (B.Ed.)
 * Sadharan Nepali (B.Ed.) (Hajurko Pasal)
 * Anibarya Nepali (B.A.) (Bidhyarthi Pustak Bhandar)
 * Anibarya Nepali (I.A.)
 * Anibarya Nepali (10+2)
 * Madhyamik Nepali Byakaran – 10 (Taleju Publication, Kathmandu)
 * Madhyamik Nepali Byakaran – 9
 * Madhyamik Nepali Byakaran – 8
 * Nimna Madhyamik Nepali Byakaran – 7
 * Nimna Madhyamik Nepali Byakaran – 6
 * Sachitra Bal Byakaran 5
 * Sachitra Bal Byakaran 4
 * Sachitra Bal Byakaran 3
 * Sachitra Bal Byakaran 2
 * Sachitra Bal Byakaran 1
 * Nepali Dipika – 8 – (Bharat Bhattarai)
 * Nepali Dipika – 7
 * Nepali Dipika – 6
 * Nepali Dipika – 5
 * Nepali Dipika – 4
 * Nepali Dipika – 3
 * Nepali Dipika – 2
 * Nepali Dipika – 1
 * Rajani Mala, Rajani Publication
 * Rajani Magazine
 * Rishaideu na binti. Music Nepal
 * Hallaharu. Music Nepal
 * Safalatam. Save the children
 * Ki ta timi man parchhyau, Music Nepal
 * Bimba, Music Nepal
 * Sambhavana, Music Plus
 * Maya, Music Plus
 * Lokarpan, Bindabasini Music Center
 * Maya Baiguni
 * Basai
 * Nai nabhannu la
 * Devyani
 * Andolan
 * Anjuli
 * Himmat
 * Khalnayak
 * Hifajat
 * Sapana
 * Rakshyak
 * Kawach
 * Prahaar
 * Chhabilal Kanjus Chhaina
 * Khusi
 * Marda
 * Arjun Dev
 * Hasideu Ek Phera
 * Rhythm
 * Bacha
 * Barsat

Awards

 * Sarba Shrestha Geetkar– Pratham Video Chalachitra Mahotsav
 * First Prize (Nationwide Poem Competition held by INHURED)
 * Chhinalata Geet Purashkar (Song Award)
 * Bhupalman Singh Yuva Sahitya Award
 * Sarbotkrista Geet Purashkar - Gorkha FM
 * Bahadur Singh Smriti Purashkar
 * Best Lyricist (All valley inter-school singing competition)

Honors

 * Nai-kalanidhi Sangeet Samman
 * Maha Kavi Devkota Sata Barsiki Samman (Rautahat)
 * Green Lawns Academy Samman
 * Nepal Sanskritik Sangh Samman
 * Bal Srijanalaya Secondary School Samman
 * Kumari Club Samman
 * Sindhuli Sahitya Abhinandan
 * Dovan Pratibha Samman
 * Music Nepal Samman
 * Ghazalshri Samman
 * Sindhuliya Shrestha Samaj Samman
 * Kantipur FM Samman