Mani Lohani: Nepali writer on love and deathCEFR B1
12 Feb 2026
Adapted from Sangita Swechcha, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by BLOG REGION, Unsplash
Mani Lohani is a Nepali writer and television journalist active for more than three decades in poetry and fiction. Originally from Nuwakot town in Bagmati Province, he lived much of his life in the Kathmandu Valley and uses local culture and world literature as sources of material.
His work focuses on love, life, human relationships and the mysteries of death. Lohani reads Eastern philosophy and argues that death is a natural part of life; if it is inevitable, people should not fear it. He believes acceptance of death can allow people to live more joyfully and to help others.
Lohani treats poetry and fiction as different tools: poetry is concise and inward, while stories engage society and can influence social behaviour. He has published collections of poetry and stories, won national awards, and his work is translated and taught in schools. Sangita Swechcha of Global Voices interviewed him by email about his ideas.
Difficult words
- poetry — artistic writing often using rhythm and short lines
- fiction — stories invented by an author, not real events
- mystery — a thing unknown or hard to understandmysteries
- inevitable — certain to happen and cannot be avoided
- acceptance — agreeing to a situation without resistance
- concise — using few words, clear and brief
- engage — to take part in or affect something
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you agree that accepting death can help people live more joyfully? Why or why not?
- Which do you prefer as a reader, poetry or stories? Give one reason.
- Give an example of how a story could influence social behaviour in your community.
