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Interviewed by Janaboli Team
Tulasi Acharya, born in 1981 in Biratnagar, Morang, Nepal, has established himself as a prolific writer and academic with significant contributions to literature and scholarship. His journey from a small town in eastern Nepal to becoming a respected academic and author reflects his dedication to addressing complex social issues and providing marginalized communities with a voice. Acharya moved to the Jhapa District when he was only four years old, and this experience shaped his understanding of identity and culture from an early age. His academic path began with an undergraduate degree in Nepal before he moved to Kathmandu to pursue a Master’s degree in English at Tribhuvan University.
In 2008, seeking further academic opportunities, Acharya relocated to the United States. He completed a Master’s degree in Professional Writing from Kennesaw State University, Georgia, followed by a Master’s in Women’s Studies and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University. His doctoral dissertation, which explores the intersection of critical theory, sexuality, and postcolonial studies, specifically investigates the experiences of women with disabilities in Nepal. This work laid the foundation for Acharya’s ongoing exploration of gender, disability, and the socio-cultural dynamics within South Asia.
As a scholar, Acharya’s research focuses primarily on the intersectionality of gender, disability, and the cultural and political structures that impact marginalized groups in Nepal, particularly women with disabilities. Alongside his academic endeavors, Acharya is also a respected literary figure, known for his work as both a fiction and nonfiction writer. His early career began with poetry, but over time, he expanded his scope to include short stories, novels, and academic articles. His debut English-language novel, Running from the Dreamland (2014), delves into themes of immigration, identity, and cultural assimilation, focusing on the experiences of individuals in the United States
Looking ahead, Acharya’s body of work promises to continue inspiring critical thought and sparking important conversations on issues of gender, disability, and social justice. His ability to seamlessly blend personal narrative with academic rigor ensures that his contributions will remain relevant and impactful for years to come. Through his scholarship, his fiction, and his advocacy, Tulasi Acharya stands as a powerful voice for change, creating a space for marginalized communities to be heard and valued. Currently, he teaches at South Georgia State College. Here Janaboli team has asked Dr. Achary five questions.
Tell us about yourself. Are you an academician or a writer?
I love both writing and reading, with a particular preference for nonfiction, though I also enjoy fiction. I began my writing career as a poet, but recently, I’ve focused more on fictional writing and storytelling. In terms of whether I’m an academician or a writer, I consider myself both at the moment. I’ve been teaching at a college and doing research work, and I’ve published a couple of books, particularly in the academic field. I write in both Nepali and English, producing both fiction and nonfiction. I don’t want to limit myself to being just a writer or just an academician—I’m both. However, I am more inclined towards being a writer, and that’s something I continue to hone. Writing is something I’m deeply passionate about, and I’m always striving to improve.
Your academic research focuses on gender, disability, and marginalized groups in Nepal, particularly women with disabilities. What do you believe are the key barriers these women face, and how can your work help break them down?
My research primarily focuses on marginalized communities in Nepal, especially women with disabilities. My PhD dissertation centered around the condition of Nepali women with disabilities, and over time, I expanded my focus to include broader gender issues, psychological needs, and taboo topics such as sex and desire. In Nepal and South Asia, discussions about sex are often suppressed, seen as a taboo, and linked to family honor, which results in the oppression of women. These norms have historically been used to dominate and silence women, creating immense physical, emotional, mental, and psychological barriers. Women from lower castes or poor families face compounded oppression—being doubly or triply oppressed due to their gender, economic status, and caste. My goal is to give a voice to the voiceless and shed light on these issues in my research and writing. The barriers women face are rooted in societal attitudes and structures, and my work aims to address these barriers, both academically and creatively.
You’ve written in both Nepali and English, spanning fiction, poetry, and academic scholarship. How do you navigate the creative and intellectual challenges of writing across these languages, and how does it shape your approach to storytelling?
I’ve been writing in both Nepali and English from the start. Writing in different genres—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and academic scholarship—presents unique challenges. Academic writing requires in-depth research and careful structuring of ideas, while fiction and poetry demand creativity and a different narrative flow. However, I’ve found that academic research enriches my understanding of topics, and this knowledge can be applied to both fictional and nonfictional writing. The challenge lies in how to weave academic knowledge and research into stories while maintaining the craft and narrative flow of the genre. Academic scholarship gives me a deep well of information, which I can use to inform my fiction, but translating this into a compelling narrative requires practice and skill. Writing in both genres isn’t particularly difficult because of my familiarity with them, but it is a matter of mastering the craft and finding the right balance between research and creative storytelling.
As an immigrant and writer in the U.S., your novel Running from the Dreamland explores themes of cultural assimilation and identity. How do your personal experiences as an immigrant shape your portrayal of these themes in your writing?
This is a great question. Running from the Dreamland centers around a character who, originally from Nepal, comes to the U.S. as an international student to further his education. While navigating his studies, he also faces a range of cultural challenges and adjustments, learning about a new environment that is vastly different from the culture he was raised in. The character’s struggles with assimilation are very much shaped by my own experiences as an immigrant. As someone who went through similar trials and tribulations, I was able to draw from my personal experiences in creating the novel’s themes. While the novel includes fictional elements and reflects the experiences of many international students, it also includes aspects of my own journey of cultural adaptation and identity, making it a personal and deeply reflective work.
Given the intersections of your academic work and your literary career, how do you see the role of writers and scholars in driving social change, particularly in the context of South Asia’s evolving discussions on gender, disability, and cultural norms?
Writers and scholars play a crucial role in shaping society and bringing attention to marginalized voices. Through research and writing, they can have a positive impact on the lives of people and influence societal change. Much of my work, both academic and literary, focuses on gender issues and disability in South Asia, exploring how women and disabled individuals face marginalization, often due to deeply ingrained cultural and patriarchal norms. Writing can help expose the flaws in societal structures and challenge harmful perceptions. Research offers insights that can inform policy and societal change, while fiction and nonfiction writing can spark conversations that shift cultural norms. As a writer and scholar, I see my role as contributing to this ongoing dialogue and using my work to bring about positive change. Writing is an essential tool in the fight for social justice, and it can influence both public opinion and policy, particularly in South Asia where discussions around gender and disability are evolving.
