Climate justice activist Shreya KC is dedicated to promoting climate education and effecting positive change. She is one of the contact points of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) working group of the Youth and Children Constituency (YOUNGO) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

She was also one of the young leaders listed in ‘EE 30 Under 30’ by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) in 2022. EE 30 Under 30 celebrates and recognises the leadership of young leaders around the world who are making a positive difference through environmental education.

KC shares her love for reading books and how it all started in an interview with the Post’s Aarati Ray.

How connected are you with books?

In today’s world of technology and social media, it’s easy to feel lonely and question where we belong. That's why I think books are a great way to stay connected and grounded.

Due to my job, I often travel to different places, even abroad. I always bring books with me—one for company and another for giving as gifts or to connect with new people. I meet many people during my travels, and as a gesture of love and thanks, I like sharing books with them.

Books can make you feel less alone, which is something we all need. I believe the person I am today is greatly influenced by the books that have been my companions and teachers throughout my life.

Another wonderful thing about books is that they don’t judge or discriminate. While some people might get upset if you can't do what they want, books are always there for you without judgement.

How did your reading journey start?

I spent my early years up to the fifth grade in my maternal uncle’s home in Pakhribas, Dhankuta. With a large family and plenty of friends, I was rarely alone. However, everything changed when I moved to Kathmandu for the sixth grade. As I was adjusting to the loneliness and struggling to make friends initially, I missed the liveliness of Dhankuta.

Our vegetable shop in Kathmandu was close to a stationery shop. I recall buying magazines like ‘Muna’ and storybooks there. Inspired by one of my uncles, I began reading novels around grade ten. During my eleventh and twelfth grades, I turned to poems.

During my first and second years of college, my reading habits were inconsistent. I would either read three books at once or go without reading for three months. However, from my last year of college, I’ve established a consistent reading routine. Regardless of how busy I am, I always try to read books regularly, even if it’s just five pages at a time.

What do you usually read?

Back in high school and college, I studied science. Due to social conditioning, I thought that it was the most important subject. However, my perspective shifted as I started working on climate change. I’ve come to realise the importance of policy, law and politics, prompting me to explore books related to these topics.

Recently, I read ‘Why We Get Wrong Politicians?’ by Isabel Hardman, which discusses how having the wrong politicians leads to incorrect policies, making citizens suffer. I also appreciate books that highlight the often-overlooked female perspective.

Which books have influenced you the most?

Throughout my life, numerous books have played a crucial role in shaping my thoughts and aiding me in various ways. If I had to choose one, it would be ‘The Help’ by Kathryn Stockett. This book exposed me to the severity of inequality. It motivated me to be more responsible, advocate for justice and equality, and raise awareness about these issues. During challenging times, I revisit that book. It reminds me why I embarked on my journey to advocate for justice.

Given your appreciation for books with good female representation and perspectives, what are your thoughts on how women are portrayed in Nepali literature?

Books reflect real life; they act like mirrors to society. An example of this is ‘Aina’ by Ramlal Joshi, which talks about sex workers in the Far West. I read it recently and appreciate how it portrays the reality and highlights the challenges faced by women in Nepali society.

Obviously, I haven’t read every Nepali book, but some of the ones I’ve read, like ‘Jhola’, ‘Yogmaya’, and ‘Radha’, shed light on the struggles faced by women. However, there's room for improvement, especially in how traditional gender roles are depicted and in creating a supportive environment for female authors to thrive.

Why do you think reading is important in today’s world?

Sam Levenson once said, “Learn from other people’s mistakes. Life is too short to make them all yourself.” I take this to heart. We should try to learn from others, not just from our own mistakes. It’s okay to make mistakes, but if we want to be responsible and understanding citizens who care about the struggles of different communities, books are a great way to learn.

Books can also inspire social change. When we become aware of issues in society, it can lead to self-realisation and awareness, empowering individuals towards activism and change.

Initially, when I began working on climate change, I felt frustrated and questioned why more hadn’t been done earlier. However, through stories and initiatives about climate change found in books and other documented sources, I realised I wasn’t alone. Understanding this is crucial for social change. Books also teach us the importance of teamwork, communication and humility in creating social change.

How can we cultivate the habit of reading?

To make reading a habit, I suggest viewing it as a necessity rather than just a pastime. I’ve observed that when I become too occupied and neglect reading, my self-confidence tends to decline. So I make a conscious effort to prioritise reading books, especially during weekends or in the morning.

If you are just starting out, try to dedicate at least fifteen minutes every day to reading and stick to that routine. If life is so hectic that finding fifteen minutes for yourself becomes a challenge, it might be worth reevaluating your time management strategies.

It’s essential to recognise that reading is not for the benefit of authors or others; it’s for our own personal growth. By integrating the habit of reading into our self-care routine, we can establish a consistent practice and gain valuable insights.

Shreya KC’s book recommendations

Phirphire

Author: Buddhisagar

Publication: FinePrint

Year: 2016

‘Phirphire’ narrates the story of the friendship between two boys, Pawan and Basanta. The characters are vibrant, and the story evokes deep emotions. Reading it will take you on a journey of tears, smiles, and conversations with the characters.

Aina

Author: Ramlal Joshi

Publication: Brother Books

Year: 2016

‘Aina’ is a collection of short stories that depict the harsh realities of the poor individuals in Far Western Nepal. The book was awarded the Madan Puraskar in 2016. I think ‘Aina’ is a must-read for everyone.

The Help

Author: Kathryn Stockett

Publication: Penguin Books

Year: 2009

Stockett portrays painful instances of discrimination, racism and the struggle for fundamental rights by the black community in Mississippi in the early 1960s. This book is particularly meaningful to me.

Why We Get the Wrong Politicians

Author: Isabel Hardman

Publication: Atlantic Books

Year: 2018

‘Why We Get the Wrong Politicians’ is my most recent read. Hardman offers insight into why we end up with the wrong politicians and policies, which ultimately impact disadvantaged and vulnerable communities the most.

Silent Spring

Author: Rachel Carson

Publication: Houghton Mifflin

Year: 1962

Published in 1962, ‘Silent Spring’ is widely recognised for its influence on the environmental conservation movement. In the book, Carson advocates for careful and responsible human actions to save nature and the Earth.