These are questions that I answered for this news:
Where in Nepal are you from?
I am from XXXXXXX Nepal which lies in Western Development Region. It is west to Capital city, Kathmandu and east from the epi-center (Barpak Village) of first earthquake of magnitude 7.8 in April 25, 2015.
How long did you live there?
I have been living there since my childhood. I was born in XXXXXX in DOB; completed by tenth grade in same village from community school and moved to capital city, Kathmandu, to persuade my high school degree and Chitwan, another district, to persuade my undergraduate degree. Though I, temporarily, migrated to capital city and some other places, I used to go to my birth place in weekend and vacations. My immediate families and extended families are still living in my birth place.
When did you move to the United States?
I moved to USA in [Date] after Completion of undergraduate degree from Nepal.
Do you have any family/friends still in Nepal?
Yes, all of my families, immediate and extended, are in Nepal. My parents along with my sister are living in capital city as my parents have job in capital city. Most of my other family members and extended family members are living in Tanahun, very few being in capital city. Majority of my friends are living in Tanahun.
What is your favorite thing about Nepal? Something you remember from your time living there?
First of all, Nepal is my motherland and everything there, every moment that I spent in there is very precious moment to me. Besides, right this moment, I am remembering villages that went totally abortive after the devastating earthquake. Some badly affected districts are Gorkha, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Rasuwa, Nuwakot, which are directly related to me. I have been in those places and experienced the life of people; I had felt their life how hard it was before earthquake and now, I am wondering how they are living their life after the earthquake. Those places even don’t have access to transportation as well as medical care.
Barpak village, epicenter of first earthquake in 25th of April, was beautiful village (Population around 10,000) on the top of hill with typical Gurung, local ethnical group, Culture. The village was declared as model village and was one of best tourism destination of Nepal which turned into ghost village destroying virtually all houses. The agricultural trail, only transportation route they had, has been destroyed by earthquake which push them out of transportation and communication facilities. Their lives will never be compensated and it is impossible to build the similar civilization and culture in future. Whole the country lost the proof of ethnic diversity and culture forever that was build up with the century’s long efforts.
Lantang valley of Rasuwa district was one of the most fascinating place to feel the breezes from mountains drinking coffee with yak milk; which is now merely in memories as whole village has been swept away by landslide and earthquake. Since I worked in that places for nine months in intimate connection with those peoples in Rasuwa district and Lantang valley, I have emotional attachment with them as well. I always remember their warm welcomes, warm greetings and the way they treat guest, as a god, who ask for shelter during night.
Another thing I remember about Nepal, particularly, capital is those world heritage sites, evening walks with friends in those sites and the food that we eat with them. Those place will never be like before; coming generation will not get the opportunity to see the places that has history since centuries. Also, I cannot recall the memories with some of my friends whom I lost in the earthquake. Those moments will always be in my memories no matter how hard I tried to forget them. I wish their soul will rest in peace and their families will be able to gain the strength to cope with the losses they had due to the disaster. My words and thought are always with then.
How will donating to this cause help Nepal?
This donation will make difference in the life of people. Even a penny will be very valuable since we can fill the tons of bags collecting pennies. I am very hopeful that this donation will be additional aid that reach to Nepal from different places helping. Being here in USA, it is not possible to help and rescue them physically. Only thing we can do, is pray for no more disasters, no more casualties, no outbreaks of diseases, good supply of basic needs, better life for them and god to provide strength to bear the unconditional losses in this time of disaster. More than that, we can donate some money for them from here so that they those monetary support will be very useful to supply food, drinking water, maintain good sanitation, clothes, tents, blankets, medicines, and some other basic needs.
Personally, I want this fund to go to those remote areas where people don’t have access to transportation, communication, and access to drinking water, medicines and basic sanitary condition. Places like Langtang, Barpak do not have even single hospital and they lost the connection with capital because of down flow of roads and agricultural trails. I want that this fund to be very helpful for those peoples.
At last, I wish all dead souls could rest in peace and the injured people will be recovered as earlier as possible. And, finally my nation can bounce back from this horrible disaster very soon.
Pray for Nepal. Pray for Nation.
Link to the article:#KSU Graduate Student Asks Community For Help To Raise Money for #Nepal.
