Tej Bilas Adhikari is known for his crispy presentation of his surroundings—in his literary creations—that pinches, or punches sometimes—the readers and forces them to appreciate the presentation, if not the ideas. Recently, he has tested his mettle with 'Muktak' and come up with a book 'Utprekshan' consisting of 228 contemporary 'Muktaks'. 'Muktak' is one of the smallest forms of poetry, which is quick and sharp and can cause immediate emotions in the audience. If one has better skills to recite it, the impact is more profound. Dr. Devi Nepal, a literary critic from Nepal, said that while being the smallest form of poetry, 'Muktak' has electric power. This is the discipline in poetry that has attracted many, including legendary poets like Bhupi Sherchan and Hari Bhakta Katuwal.
Adhikari's 'Utprekshan' is a package of satire on the existing chaos, dishonesty, and selfishness visible in politics, society, and human relations. While doing so, he exhibits the utmost level of creator's integrity and does not leave any section of society that is not in order. No doubt, politics has become the main punching bag since the sector, which is the nucleus of all policies, development, and socio-economic relations, has degraded to a level from which it no longer can contribute to the prosperity and well-being of people. At times, he lambasts the court and temples as well.
No verdict on time, they call it a court
Murder at the cowshed, they call it 'Dharmashala'
Country has pushed into a chaos, alas!
No protection of people, they call it republic. (222)
Indifference of politicians and the government to the public and their issues, growing corruption, youth exodus, economic hardships of lower-class people and their struggle, and cultural degradation have got centre-stage in the poet's creations that are mostly contemporary and talk about the issues that are either familiar to the readers or express frustration over the issues that are representative. Several 'Muktaks' are focused on the moral degradation of modern politics, where political leaders sprout from the lower class but metamorphose to the higher and elite class after their elevation to the ruling class. They deceive the people, never fulfil their promises, and build their mansions instead of serving the country and providing basic amenities to the masses. Tej Bilas' creations have found their voices in the form of irony and satire. This is the biggest strength of his book, and this is what appeals to and amuses the readers as well. One of his 'Muktak' says that people are troubled from inside and their hearts are burning, but regardless of their pains and plights, the same one returns to the power in different attire.
Likewise, another tells us that there was a master plan before the election, but it turned into a loot plan afterwards as the leaders have focused on raising their election investments through 'behind the curtain' activities. Yet another expresses concerns about the royal lives of leaders and workers living with hungry stomachs. 'Socialism has become a fairy tale," concludes Tej Bilas. It is more worrisome that the political parties that ruled the country in the past several decades have 'socialism' as the core political philosophy.
However, the author sometimes requests that leaders and people tread on the right path and not refuse cheap speeches to make an impact on society. He has exhibited a good understanding of the economy, environment, and even climate change. While expressing worries over the economic downturn and omnipresent corruption, his creations also touch on the malpractices in cooperatives, education, parliament funding, and the management of public properties. Deterioration in the quality of public services has also found its way into the creation.
Corruption is rampant in the development budget
Complete personality has turned into rags
They damaged economy to such an extent
Millions have 'Sarangi' belly, sunken cheeks. (51)
Tej Bilas is also worried about the empty villages in the hills and mountains as a result of migration to the plains and urban areas. By the time roads, electricity, and other facilities reach the villages, the settlement is already deserted. It has caused a huge economic burden on the country while people are not benefiting from the development initiatives. In one of his pieces, he ironically says that even the gods have no chance for amusement since there are no people to serve them. He is vigilant about the country's overdependence on other countries, even for food items. On the contrary, the author has presented the amusements of love and beauty in nature in his four-liners. While he enjoys the beautiful flowers, like marigold, he suggests the gardener let all flowers blossom, as each one of them has its own existence in the world.
Meanwhile, Tej Bilas has also got time to care about media and journalism and suggests they offer valid and right information as it would not only enhance the knowledge of people but also empower them. You can also find a couple of recollections in his creations where he promises to be a good citizen and a good human being. The book is a representative voice of common Nepalis who are frustrated with politics without integrity, nepotism, and corruption.
He says that the social maladies burn his eyes and pierce through his heart. While people are moving with fake smiles, their lives have been spent offering artificial relationships and extending fake feelings. But he has found a way to console him.
Love is relative
Shadow is relative
Time has been changed
Development is relative. (191)
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