Diary of a Rebel

A man with an enchanting smile, Navin Jirel, 23, has seen a great deal of upheavals in life. A former Maoist combatant, originally from Jiri, Jirel joined the fighting squad at the tender age of thirteen. He has recently come up with a book titled “Bhisan Dinharu,” an account of his life as a guerilla warrior and his experiences at the cantonment in Chitwan. Currently an undergraduate student, a social worker and a political activist, Jirel talks about his life and adventures with The Week.

What was your childhood like?
I was born in Jiri. My father used to work at the National Sports Council. I lived a happy life until my mother passed away. Suddenly, things changed. My siblings were sent off to live with my father’s sister and I had to live at my uncle’s place in Sindhupalchowk.