Chador Wangmo

Chador Wangmo, a distinguished Bhutanese teacher-turned-writer residing in Thimphu, Bhutan, has carved a niche for herself in the literary world with her versatile writing. She is the author of four novels, including acclaimed titles like "La Ama" and "Kyetse", and has also contributed significantly to children's literature with ten illustrated books, notably the "Superhero Dema" series. Wangmo's literary prowess extends to poetry, evidenced by her first poetry compilation, "Phases". Recognized for her contributions to literature, she has been honored with an honorary Doctorate in Literature by Vikram Sheela Vidyapeeth, Sidharth Nagar, UP, and the Sidhartha Tathagat Sansthan Sahitya award. Anika Shah, representing Prachya Review, engages with Wangmo in an insightful interview to delve deeper into her literary journey and perspectives.

Wangmo's path to becoming a writer was not predestined but emerged from her deep love for reading and storytelling. Growing up in a cultural landscape devoid of Bhutanese authors, she was immersed in books from foreign lands. Her passion for reading and listening to oral folktales since childhood laid the groundwork for her future in writing. This transition from a storyteller in her youth to a published author underscores her natural progression into the literary world. She explains that her writing was born out of a lifelong engagement with stories, evolving organically from her storytelling abilities.

Wangmo’s literary canvas is broad, encompassing both adult fiction and children's literature. She emphasizes that her writing process is not a deliberate choice but a response to the inner call of stories demanding to be told. This spontaneity and flexibility in her writing approach allow her to transition seamlessly between different audiences and genres. Her creation of Dema, Bhutan's first young female superhero and a nun, in her children's books, reflects her commitment to timely and relevant themes like women's empowerment. Wangmo also discusses the influence of Buddhist philosophy on Bhutanese literature, noting how it shapes storytelling and reflects in the themes explored by Bhutanese authors. Her teaching background subtly influences her children's books, though she consciously avoids a preachy tone, preferring to embed educational concepts within engaging narratives. As for the literary scene in Bhutan, she observes a significant evolution, with more Bhutanese embracing writing and a shift towards writing in English. However, she remains optimistic about the future of Dzongkha literature. Concluding the interview, Wangmo hints at her upcoming projects, including the continuation of the Superhero Dema series and a new anthology of poems.