Introduction: Remembering a Moment That Shaped a Decade
The book Nepal Bhukampa: Kaha Thiyau (Nepal Earthquake: Where Were You?) by Singaporean author and photographer Zakaria Zainal, known as Zak, and Nepali journalist Sahina Shrestha, invites readers to confront memory rather than distance themselves from trauma. As quakes ripple across the globe, the authors argue that documentation and remembrance can become a practical guide for living in a disaster-prone world.
From Trauma to Narrative: A Writer’s Choice
Zak’s approach is striking: instead of therapy, he chose writing as a path to healing. “It took me 10 years to face my fears, revisiting the exact location of the 7.8 earthquake, as well as learning from stories of survivors,” he reflects. The book blends intimate recollections with vast implications, reminding readers that personal memories can drive collective resilience.
Survivor Voices: Stories that Shape a Nation
The chapters open windows into lives altered forever. Ramesh Khatri, a guest house worker who lost his legs, channels trauma into purpose by competing in the Asian Para Games. Nur Yusrina Ya’akob, a Singaporean climber, pursued Everest after a traumatic avalanche halted her ascent—demonstrating how endurance can coexist with loss. And Laxman Ranjit, who survived Kasthamandap’s collapse, contends with love’s endurance as he rebuilds his life while honoring a lost partner. These testimonies anchor the book’s central message: memory can fuel meaning and action.
Memory as a Civic Tool: Lessons Beyond the Personal
The narrative is not merely anecdotal. It raises questions about governance, building codes, and disaster preparedness. Tak Ghale, who runs a Barpak hotel, frames memory as a public duty: “People need to remember, the next generation needs to know.” The book argues that preserving historical structures, understanding fault lines, and learning from past mistakes are essential to reducing future suffering.
Between Legend and Science: Explaining the Earthquake
Beyond the heart, the authors provide practical context: geology, tectonics, and historical data. They guide readers through why earthquakes happen, how communities can observe warnings, and how to build resilience at the local level. A pocket chapter unpacks legends and superstitions tied to earthquakes, showing how culture and science intersect in the public imagination.
Keeping the Conversation Alive: Memory as Ongoing Action
In a candid Q&A, Zak and Sahina discuss the care involved in collecting survivors’ memories. The language barrier is real—Zak, a Singaporean, interviews Nepalese speakers—but the authors insist that presence matters more than perfect translation. In today’s social media era, where facts and misinformation compete for attention, the partners argue that listening with presence can preserve truth and dignity for those who share their stories.
A Practical Manual for Living in a Quake-Prone World
The book closes with actionable steps for individuals and communities: mental preparedness, emergency kits, and local drills. It emphasizes that while no one can predict the next quake, people can organize lives and neighborhoods to weather it with less fear and more resilience. The parallels to recent earthquakes in the Philippines underscore the universality of these lessons: preparedness, accountability, and memory as civic practice remain urgent.
Conclusion: A Call to Action Through Memory
“Nepal Bhukampa: Kaha Thiyau” is more than a memoir; it is a manual for memory. By listening deeply to survivors and tying stories to science and policy, Zak and Sahina invite readers to live with intention in a world where disasters are a steady possibility. The work invites us to act—today—as a community, and to honor those we have lost by preparing better for tomorrow.
