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By Susan Koirala

Dr. Aparna Koirala Basnet, a distinguished dermatologist and assistant professor at the Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, has devoted her life to medicine. Her daily routine involves treating patients, mentoring students, and contributing to the advancement of dermatology in Nepal. However, beyond her medical career, she has another profound passion—storytelling.

Dr. Aparna published her first English novel, Fallen, in Love, in 2018, a literary work dedicated to her grandfather B. P. Koirala and Tarani Prasad Koirala and her late mother Kalpana Koirala Basnet, hailing from Biratnagar, a city known for its rich political history, Dr. Aparna’s deep-rooted connection to Nepal’s socio-political landscape is evident in her novel.

Dr. Aparna has recently opened her clinic. It is a dermatological clinic where she manages conditions and diseases of the skin through a holistic approach considering the whole person, including their physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well being, as interconnected aspects that all contribute to overall health, rather than focusing solely on treating symptoms of a specific illness. Her clinic is called Aparna’s Speciality Skin Clinic (015920644) and is located in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal.

A Fictional Journey Through a Transitional Nepal

Fallen, in Love takes readers through the emotional and social turmoil of Nepal’s transitional period following the post-conflict years. The novel introduces Anna, the protagonist, whose journey mirrors the struggles and transformations of Nepali society during that time. The book delves into the instability of the socio-cultural and political side of life in Nepal and the helplessness experienced by people amidst uncertain times.

While the novel carries romantic elements, it is not solely a romantic novel. Instead, it explores love in its broader forms—love for family, friends, country, tradition, and religion. Although Fallen, in Love unfolds in a melancholic time in Nepal, it ultimately concludes on a hopeful note.

Anna’s original Nepali name, Annapurna, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. In Hindu tradition, Annapurna is the goddess of nourishment and abundance. As Nepal evolved under increasing Western influence, traditional names like Annapurna were often shortened or replaced with modern alternatives. The transformation of Annapurna into Anna symbolizes a broader societal shift—how global influences shape individual identities and aspirations. However, in the end, she returns to her roots, realizing the importance of Nepal and embarking on a journey toward inner space and spirituality.

A Doctor Who Writes Stories

For many, it may seem unusual for a medical professional to write fiction, but for Dr. Aparna, storytelling is another way of understanding and expressing human experiences. As a dermatologist, she observes people closely—not just their skin but their emotions, struggles, and resilience. Her ability to perceive human suffering and healing may have influenced the creation of Anna’s story.

Writing a novel in English was also a significant decision. English, though not Nepal’s primary language, connects Nepali literature to a global audience. By choosing English as her medium, Dr. Aparna ensures that her novel transcends national borders, offering the world a glimpse of Nepal’s culture, religion, spirituality and literature through time even during periods of conflict and transitional periods for a deeply personal and emotional narrative.

Bridging Medicine and Literature

Dr. Aparna’s journey from medical science to literature is an inspiring testament to the versatility of human expression. Her work demonstrates that storytelling is not confined to professional writers—someone with a deep understanding of human nature and a passion for expression can become an author. Through Fallen, in Love, she intertwines history, culture, and emotions, making Nepal’s past accessible to readers worldwide.

As Dr. Aparna Koirala Basnet continues her work in medicine, she has also left an indelible mark on the literary world. With her unique perspective, she may bring more stories that blend history, society, and personal experiences—stories that reflect Nepal’s evolving identity, much like her protagonist, Anna.