Transcript for:
हराएको बालकको पुनर्मिलनको कथा

Report of a Missing Child. About 10 years old. Dusky skin tone. Wearing a sky-blue shirt and black half pants. No slippers on his feet. Reported to be from Jhapa. A child named Kale. Since the first week of Poush, 2047 BS (January 1990)... He has been missing from around Jorpati, Kathmandu. Anyone who finds him... We request you to contact the nearest Police Station. About 35 years later... The same boy was found in a Yak Shed at Tsum Valley. By this time, he had already forgotten... His real name, address, parents, age, & the years he was lost. He didn't have any memories to remember. They said kids shouldn't weave carpets as they'll be sick. Where would I go after that? So the employers here asked me to go with them. They brought me here saying I can get a job. At first, it was difficult. I was the only one to speak Nepali. Who would I talk to, right? They didn't understand me & I didn't understand their language, Eventually, I adapted. I began forgetting the Nepali language. I don't know Nepali that much. We, who were driven to the Yak shed by a coincidence... We tried to dig out his forgotten memories. Was there no one at home? -There were, my mother and father. My father had married 3 times. I remember that a little. It was difficult for us to sustain. Didn't you want to go back to Kathmandu? I wanted to but I didn't know the way back. I didn't know where to go in Kathmandu, I knew no one there. I grew old here only. What might your age be? I don't remember much. Most people ask him his age. He doesn't know how to count his age. He knows the Tibetan song to sing while filtering butter from "Madani". (Singing Tibetan song) People ask me how old I am, and it's hard to answer. I just give them a random number. I like it here than with the people in the village. I like it here than with the people in the village. When I go down people say many things. I don't like listening to them. But the Yaks don't speak, I listen to their bells only. That's how cowherds are. Where will you take the Yaks today? We will ascend that hill. I suffered so much. Sometimes... I felt like crying. It's monsoon now. During monsoon, it's all cloudy. We can't see Yaks there from here. We can't see Yaks there from here. The Yaks scatter everywhere. When it rains, we get all soaked. There's nowhere to dry clothes. I lit a big fire. Dry the clothes on my body. Didn't you marry or start a family here? I don't own anything or have a roof over my head to start a family. All these years, didn't you earn any money? -Nothing. When I first came, they said nothing about salary. I also didn't ask for it. Do you know your village's name? Not much, I know it is in Jhapa. It's Jhapa Tinkatthe. Do you know your parents' name? -I don't. My father used to be a witch doctor... My father used to be a witch doctor... Everyone called him "Jhakri ba"(witch doctor). No idea if it's my mom's name or people called her casually. They called her Saili. I left home saying I will weave carpet in Kathmandu. But I am stuck here. No one in my family knows. Do you not wonder where your home is & what happened to your parents? I do wonder, but what can I do? When you start getting old... You start missing them. If anyone takes you to Jhapa, do you want to go with them? I want to. I want to go and see my village. If my parents are still there... What do you remember about your village? Not much... In the village there was one... School. Do you know the school's name? -I don't. I didn't study back then. I don't even know how to write my name. We asked Prakash... "Do you want to go and find your hometown?" In the last 35 years, this was one question nobody ever asked him. I must find out if there are any springs. Find out. Also see if there is a witch doctor in that village. The witch doctor has 3 wives. Yeah. We contacted Jhapa's journalist friend Parbat Portel... ..and asked about a place called Tinkatthe. We also informed Prakash. He was ready to move the next morning. There's a dog. It won't attack, will it? Prakash's employer was in a dilemma about sending him. The employer's wife didn't want to send him. After a lot of pleading... Prakash got 10 days off. Here is the expense you will need to eat on the way. The employer gave him 5000 rupees for travel expenses. I am happy. I am worried about going up & looking after Yaks. Look after the cattle. I am worried about that. Before leaving, Prakash's cowherd friend came to see him off. We have been friends since we were kids. I heard he was going, so I came to meet him. Goodbye! Bye! I will return soon. You met him because of God's grace. I am happy. Did you never feel like searching for his home? I didn't know where he is from, where would I go? Okay, thank you so much! We left the mountain on a long & uncertain journey. When I was a kid... It was snowing when I first came here. I couldn't walk. I was carrying load over that. I didn't have the habit of wearing slippers. I used to wear it the wrong side. How might your place be, who might be home? I can't say much. I had a few brothers. My own brother, Ritthe. He couldn't see properly during the day. Sometimes... I dream about reaching home. That's why, today... Going with you feels like a dream. When I talk about my parents... I can't even speak properly. After all, you love your parents. Sometimes, I think to myself... If I were in my home, what could I have done by now? Now at other’s place... I couldn’t make a penny no matter how hard I work. I couldn’t achieve anything. Just worked for them. Even now... They would not let me go if I had not insisted. They said ‘don’t go’ “Why do you want to go during the working season.” Brother! What are you doing? I used to come here herding Yaks. Leave the Yaks to graze & come here to talk. Will you return or not?

• I will return. He says only you call him Prakash. Others call him Paka. I am fine with anything. My name is Prakash but everyone calls me Paka. (Laughs) He is the only one to pronounce Prakash clearly. Keep this money.
• No need! Okay, have a nice journey. By your luck, if you meet your parents, it would be great. Otherwise, visit the places. A little further from village at Chaurikharka... His shopkeeper friends bade him farewell with teary eyes. Looks like you bought new trousers. This one... A few days back they had been to Kathmandu. They brought me this as a gift. I had never worn it. I had saved it for occasions & kept it in my bag. I wore it today only. How far do you think Jhapa might be? Maybe because of excitement, I think it's near. Oh? Do you like suspension bridges? Yes, before I had not seen such things. Only wooden bridge. Now, so many things have come to practice. Okay, let's go... be on our way. We have miles to go. Prakash, who had spent a lifetime in this mountainous prison... The world outside wasn't that clear even in his imagination. Such a huge Dozer. It looked small from far but it's really huge. I think it's amazing. It must take ages if humans were digging. They are building roads in such terrain. In my village, there used to be motor road back then too. It must have developed so much. It might be a fishing season in my village Jhapa. I used to fish too, in a huge pond. Where did you buy it? Huh? -The mobile phone. They brought it from Kathmandu. Your employers did? -Their son. I asked him where he was, and he said in the Yak shed. (Laughs) We have arrived in Muglin. This is my first time in Muglin. First time? -Yes. Narayanghat is a big city, right? I had heard the name, Narayanghat. But I had never been here. What might I feel when I reach my own village, right? I feel like my parents are no more. But I am positive my brothers are there. And... If I get to see my parents' pictures... I think I can recognize them. (Singing) "Filling my eyes with desire." "I introduced new dreams." "It's raining heavily with hailstones." "The youth never returns." "I miss you every day and night, my beloved." My father is not that tall, he's of average height. His skin was dusky. He didn't have that big mustache. (Singing) "Whose Shawl is stuck on this road?" "It's not a new one, an old wound is opened." That's Bhuwan KC's song, he sang it or made it. (Singing) "Let's make a new world." "Let's share our happiness and our wounds." It hides so well. It's like an insect. Is it not available in the mountains? -It isn't. Hello? -Where are you? What is this place called? Hetauda. I reached Hetauda. What is he saying? He says the Tashi is crying after I came here. Awwww... and? I asked him why. "Maybe because you're friends." Says, he is crying after I am gone. From here, we have to go to Bhadrapur. Right? From Bhadrapur to an animal market. And down from there to Deuni River. While on the journey... Prakash's faded memories were coming back. He vividly remembered the Deuni River, the market, and the pavements near his village. Do you remember any of your friends? I used to mostly hang out with my brother Ritthe. We used to go fishing together. My sister is around my age only. They used to call her Kanchhi. We came together to Kathmandu to weave carpets & then separated. We again phoned our friend from Jhapa. We asked him if the places in his memories were still there. Yes? -He says about Deuni River. Yes, that's the peripheri. After crossing Deuni River, you reach a tea farm... Sagarmatha... -He also said Sagarmatha Bazaar. Yes, there is a Sagarmatha Bazaar too. -Oh right? He says he knows nothing about tea farms around his house. It might have been planted later. We all should search for his house, together. Okay. -Alright? I am very hopeful now. Prakash brother! Why are you crying? We should be happy now & go there dancing, okay? With your brother, what was his name... Ritthe. -Ritthe. "Ritthe, how are you, my brother? I was lost for so many years." "I have cried so much in your memories." Right? Say that to Ritthe. Looks like a potato. -It's not potato. It's Rasbari. He makes a pretty one. Is it not Lotus growing on mud? When I was young, I saw those with long necks eating these. Crane. Who must have named it? (Laughs) People must have eaten so many fish from here. It looks like a Tomato plant. -Not Tomato. It's bitter gourd. Look, one is growing there. It might not be available in the mountains. -It isn't. I got to see so many things. I was like a mischievous tiger when young. During lightening, I used to do sit-ups 10 times. That's why my name was Jhilke. Is it a huge river? I say Koshi, you say river. Oh my! It must be flooded during monsoon. They must kill so many fish here, right? Ouch, so hot! The river back there might mix here only. It doesn't. We are already in far east. What would I know, right? I like it, the white ones. The cattle here might die if taken to the mountains. (Singing) "Where has my life taken me." Where is my life leading me, right? What might happen next? What did your house look like? It wasn't that big, it was a thatched roof. Where are you? -Itahari. He tells me to return soon. After how long did you have a mango? Mango... First time after leaving Jhapa. Let's click a picture of everyone there. Let us two dusky brothers stand together. There is a huge pond like this near my house. Is it Banyan or Peepal, there is a huge one. You have started to remember so many things. Brother, do you believe in god or not? I have not worshipped god that much. But uphill, I have known Dalai Lama. I follow Dalai Lama. You don't know politicians? Uphill, they talk about politicians and votes or something like that. They said Prachanda was there. I don't know if they call him Prachanda to his face or behind his back. Everyone says Prachanda this Prachanda that. Do you know who Prachanda is? I don't know, who or where he is from. I am so stupid, right? How I have been working in the mountains... If I had worked the same way at my own home... I must have done something. If I married, I would have kids too, right? Once, I had a fever, & I couldn't even wake up due to body ache. I used to sweat heavily. If I had my people; mother, brother, or sister. At night... If not anything, I would have someone to sit beside me. I was bed ridden for 8 or 9 days. There is a small grassland. I said, "Hey boys, I can't wake up." "If I die..." "I don't have my parents." "You guys burry me in here carefully, okay?" They were laughing. The rich burn all their dead ones. They say it's because the smoke will reach heaven. They burn their people but the poor people are buried. If I die in that same village... I think that I might end up the same way. After death I can't see what happens next. Namaskar! Come here, my brother. I have fresh roasted corns. Come, eat, buy, and go. That's how life is in the middle of a jungle. It looks like a coconut. But there's water inside, what is it? It's not coconut. Is it? -It is a coconut, we drink coconut water only. It tastes like rice beer. Does it get you drunk like rice beer? I can guarantee, it doesn't. But it tastes like rice beer. Like the mountain people say... What's a little less than 100 years...90 years. You'll get wise only after reaching that age. That's what happening to me right now. It would be so great if I could die in my own village. I didn't have time to think back then. I was always working & never thinking. And at night... If I go to sleep with so many things on my mind... I can't sleep all night. Sometimes, I used to dream about reaching home. It was such a nice dream. I was dreaming of my mother or my father... I woke up but I was on my bed only. Finally, we have reached Jhapa. We are here, where are you? I am coming, I am nearby. -Okay. Namaskar! When you called... I felt like crying. I became hopeful that I might meet my family now. Even if my parents might not be alive... I might have my brothers, at least one of them. I don't know how much this place has changed. When you went down from Bhadrapur... While going towards Deuni River... Yes, a bridge is made over Deuni River now. There was a wooden bridge back then. After crossing the river, down the road... There is a grave, right? -Yes, a grave. Oh, he knows everything. First, I will ask about my parents. They might not know me. "This is my house. Who is the owner of this house?" I don't know how to exactly ask about that. They don't know me. They might wonder where this Bhote is from. They will. If my parents are still alive... I can only talk, I can't give anything. I can only talk to them. I want to give them so many things. But I have nothing. I will be happy just to meet them. (Singing) Where does that road lead to? -India. Bihar. Let's take a turn here. That's the Peepal tree I was talking about. Let's look at there for a while, okay? There was a Banyan or Peepal tree like this one. Let's go there, okay? It's this tree, a circular sitting place. While collecting woods, we used to rest here for a while. I feel so anxious. The graveyard he was talking about. I think this place has changed now. There's the graveyard, so I think we have to go that way. There is a road too. The road was small like that edge of farm. There were no electricity lines back then. There was a source of water around here. Yes, we have to go that way... And we had to ascend for a while. Mother! Where are you coming from? Down from Gaurishankhar. Do you know a woman named Saili? I don't know. It's way back. This road was the same before & my house was on this side. On the right. It looked like that. The school was big. Sister! Do you know Jhakri ba here? Who is that? Brother! Do you know a witch doctor who lived here? Namaste, uncle! Where are you taking them to? Around here... Do you know a Jhakri Tamang? Moktan Jhakri? -Yes, Moktan Jhakri. Moktan Jhakri has migrated to hills now. Is that so? -Yes. Bhojpur maybe. Bhojpur? Where is Bhojpur? -Eastern Hilly region. His son is here. Chimse... -Yeah, Thank you! Where is Chimse? He is in Kalimpong. He is my step-brother. They used to call my mother Saili. The youngest mother died. Whose son are you? My mother was youngest. The uncle we met on our way told us Prakash's mother was no more. Don’t cry brother. Will they scold? -They won't. They used to call my father "Jhakri ba". Jhakri ba? He had married 3 wives. Oh, 3 wives... it's there. Chimse was a son, right? Chimse, yes. Chimse was the son of either 1st or 2nd wife. Yeah, yeah... it's right there. Chimse is not here, he lives in Darjeeling. Other than Chimse... -Is there a brother of Chimse living here? He might not have a brother around here... His sister and her husband live here. The 1st wife had twin daughters; Ganga & Jamuna. This is Jamuna's house. Let's meet my sister. -Do you know your eldest sister's name? My eldest sister was called Maili. They might not recognize me. Are you Jhakri Ba's eldest son? Son-in-law. Son-in-law? They say he is Jhakri's son. From the youngest wife. By son of youngest wife, do you mean... The people around the village used to call me Kale. Oh, right... you were lost in Kathmandu. -Yes, I was lost in Kathmandu. I had a brother, who people called by the name Ritthe. -He is here. He is? I... -Nobody thinks you are alive. We were also talking about it, right? I... People might think I am dead. -Yes, they say you're dead. But they have not done your funeral rites. Where is his sister? -I will call her. Please call her. Is there no water here. Can you give us some water? Please come home early. How old are you now? I don't know what my age is. Everyone of his family is in Bhojpur now. Who is in his family? His mother, father, his brother... (Sighs) I remember having a brother. He has sisters. I have never known my sister. This is him. Yes, this is my father. It's him. Where is he now? -Bhojpur. This is my father. Is that his sister? Sister! Do you recognize me? Oh my, after so many years, my brother. Don't cry. Let me see you. He looks exactly like his mother. How did you come here? I couldn't come because I was lost. Where were you until now? I was amidst the mountains. How did you find out about here? I told them what the place was like, and we found the place. Even my granddaughter is this big. How old were you when you left? I don't know about my age. Everyone thought he was dead & gave up on him. What sister said is true. They come if they are alive. If nothing, I thought I would get to see a photo. Now, I recognize my father in this photo. Where were you until now? I was as good as dead. Nobody thought you'd be alive. Don't cry, you got to meet everyone. It's all good now. It was because of luck, you met all your sisters. He is Chimse's elder brother? Chimse's youngest son is already this big. He is the youngest son. Him? -Yes. How old are you? I don't know my age. He must be over 40. I have neither citizenship nor anything else. Until this age... How might your parents feel when they hear your news? Father is ill at this time. My eyes were twitching for days. It was to see this. To meet him after ages. This is Jamuna, that Ganga. Do you see them? Sister! Look at here! After how many years? No idea, it's been ages. I was lost for years, sister. It's all good now. Don't cry. You met your sisters, now you'll meet your parents. It's something to be happy about. We were hopeful that if he were alive, he would come. Now... What should I do? I want to go to my parent's house to meet them. Where in Bhojpur should we go to? Jhyampokhari, Sampang. After meeting his sisters, Prakash's heart was half healed. His father, mother, and sibling are alive in the hills. This is your aunt's daughter. This is sister. This your brother. Not brother, it's your son. Your brother's son. He must be this big when he left. Yes, he was exactly like this. You must be hungry. -I am not hungry. Everyone stand here, okay? I will be sure to come next year. What's your name? We used to call you Kale. Now, my name is Prakash. -Prakash? People don't even say Prakash. They say Paka. Paka, that's my name. Okay, we are leaving. I will meet you next year. I will come here next year any how. I will keep calling you. I had thought my parents were dead. From Jhapa, we began straight for Bhojpur. Prakash's face had lightened up a lot by this time. He was forgetting about all the years lost... ..and was waiting for a new time. (Singing) "What message did you bring, hey cloud?" "Covering the whole sky." The person from here... Came down here, through here & reached here. From top to the bottom at once. We might say that, right? It is like a boat, right? I got to stand in my own district I had never heard of. My village is here! My village is here! Why are you crying, buddy? You should be happy about it. You can buy many of those Yaks after selling Yarchagumba. Don't talk about the Yaks. (Laughs) I shouldn't? Sorry, my brother. Sorry. We are here. We have reached Dingla Bazaar. Okay, brother. We are near your village. One bike is dead. Why did they come to such a place? There... A little further from that settlement. Get in, my friends. Where is Chhaple Gaun? It's straight from there. There is a turning, don't take it but go straight. Are you the ones bringing the lost person? Go, go, his sisters are on the way. The news of the lost person coming back to village... It was scattered everywhere. After how many years are you meeting them? No idea, I don't even know how old I am. Your parents will cry with happiness after they meet you. Where is Chhaple Gaun? Down from the junction. Chhaple Gaun? -This is Chhaple Gaun. Is it? Where does Jhakri Ba live? Huh? -Jhakri Ba? Jhakri? -Yes. Down there. Uncle! Where is Chhaple Gaun? This is. Do you know Jhakri Ba? -I do. Where is his house? -Go down from here. From here? Who is Jhakri's son? I am. -You? Ritthe's brother? -Yes, I am Ritthe's brother. (Laughs) Is there a road this way or that way? One is down from there. It looks like a house is there. There might not be a house here. It might be the other side. Maybe it's a hut. No, that's a house. There are people. Why did he come to live in a corner like this! This road leads to the house. Is this the house or is it further down? What is your name? My name is Kiraj Tamang. Oh! Whose house is this? This is my house. Which one is Jhakri Ba's house? -This is it. Ritthe?
• I am Ritthe. I am your brother. We met Prakash's brother Ritthe with poor eyesight. These two brothers, who were separated during childhood... They couldn't find words to break the years of silence. Prakash's house was crowded with relatives and neighbors. Where is father? He is inside. To control the volcano of happiness... ..given by a dream-like news that their dead son was back, His mother drank a little alcohol... And was standing like a rock. The happiness was forcing its way out through her eyes. Prakash didn't recognize his mother. Where is mother? Do you remember our mother? Mother is here. -I am your mother. Mother, I couldn't recognize you. God bless you! Stand up. Now you remember your mother? Huh? You recognize me? Now, I recognize you. Father is inside. Your father is ill. How is father? Is he severely ill? How is he? Don't cry. Don't cry, my son. How long were you lost for? I don't know mother. Do you recognize me? I don't know much. We were together in Kathmandu before you were lost. Are you the Kanchhi who went with me? Yes, they called me Kanchhi. You returned home but I ended up in the mountains. Do you recognize me, then? Huh? -You recognize me? You look like my elder brother. He is, right? Yes, yes. He is your eldest brother. Let me see father once. Here, Father! This is my father. Is it me? -Yes. Do you remember me, father? -Why would I not? I did. God wanted me to meet my son before I die. And they are? -Grandsons. Eldest brother's son. Brother's son. -Ohh! So, he is my son too, right? -He is your son too. They say I have younger sisters but I don't remember. Your sisters are married already. Big Kanchhi and Small Kanchhi. I had never seen them. Have you studied or not? What would I study? I can't even write my name. Sister might have studied? Little, I can write my name. I know nothing. How old do you think you are? I don't know my age. I suppose I am over 40. I don't have citizenship, I don't know my age. What should I do? It feels like a dream to me. I got to meet him. Even if I die now, my kids are together. God made me meet you. Don’t cry. If one cries, everyone will start crying. God blessed me. All my sons are together. Don't cry, don't cry. His name was Sukra, given by Lama. He was dusky, so everyone called him Kale. Everyone called him Kale. We always called him 2nd brother. They said I had an elder brother too. Didn't know where he was. Only Ritthe was born when I was lost. He recognized me as Ritthe as soon as we met. What is that place called?
• Chhekampar Chhekampur? Gorkha district. At the China border. I must go up there again. Where? -Uphill. There only? -Yes. I will come here. What will I do there? Are you not staying now? I will come after a year during festivals. What are you looking for? -Is there a mountain here? We can't see mountains from here. We can't see mountains. I lived in a place like this. Near the mountain. Let me see where you were living. We... We used to play marbles when we were kids. I used to beat him a lot when we were kids. We used to play and... When we lost, I used to beat him. I used to meet him in my dreams. I only saw him as a kid, so I used to dream of a kid. He says he will go back. Don't know if he will return. Now, we met... we have to get your citizenship. I have my father and my mother. Now, I have nothing to worry. Come home in Dashain no matter what. I will call you. We have to be in contact. You are already old, you must marry now. Give us your phone number. I have to click your photo and save your face. Otherwise, I can't read name & I won't know who it is. You must not have studied either. Instead of studying we were playing marbles & you were hitting me. Do you have a phone? I do but it's small. -Doesn't matter, give me your number. The lonely person who was lost in the mountains until yesterday. Now, he is surrounded by his relatives at his own home. Have they not given you any monthly salary until now? -Nothing. Leave that place and come live here. He works but they only give him food. What's good in just food & clothes when your life is already spent? Like cowherds. Even cowherds are given a monthly wage. They treat you like dogs. Eat their food and work for them, that's it. You have to come here no matter what. Leave that place anyhow. I am worried that he might not return. He might not come after leaving. Come here. I will carry alone, it will be difficult otherwise. Don't worry, otherwise, you will get worse. I am hoping you will come back. -I will come back no matter what. Come back for sure. You too - don't worry about anything, okay? Mother. I have brought nothing. I came here barehand, keep this money. No, no, I don't need it. Keep it. I have nothing else to give you. While returning, Prakash handed the expenses sent by his employer to his mother. He promised to return home for Dashain. Talk to your employer & come back here. I want nothing else from you. Take care of mother and father. You must marry too. I think I should not marry. My father still talks about marrying again. One shouldn't marry 2 or 3 wives like my father did. Here. My brothers have made a lot of progress. I am a stupid Lahure. Everyone talks about marriage only. Because you need a partner. I am not worried about marriage. (Laughs) I am the youngest. I will click a photo of the three of us, okay? Can you take a picture? Now, only two of us. Don't take the pictures and forget about us. How will I forget? That's right, I was a lost person until now. What they said is true. I might not return. Please write us letters by the name of Kale Tamang. I don't know how to write. I will come back no matter what. Don't worry my brother. Come back. You and I have to search for a wife. Us, uncle and nephew, will get married together. My brother married when I was still home. We will marry on the same day. Yes? -Yes, I have said it. (Singing) "The poor have no one." When will you come back? Keep calling. We will call you too. Now, let's go. Come back, okay? We will stay hopeful. Please take good care of father. I will come back.