Growing up: The Struggle, Joy, and Formation of Character (BLOG)

Phidim is a special place to me. It's a beautiful town in the hills of Nepal, and my entire family has lived there for generations. Growing up there, I remember it always being a bit of a struggle. There was little infrastructure, so we did not have paved roads, no water supplies, electricity for more than 20 hours, or well-equipped parks to play in. I spent my childhood wandering the hills and playing games with bare feet. As a child, I found joy in the simplicity of life. 

However, Phidim also included dark elements of the Maoist struggle. Growing up during the Maoist insurgency had a big impact on my childhood. The Maoists were fighting for democracy, and the monarchy was fighting back. This conflict casts a shadow over our lives with the threats of war. The joy of simple life was constantly at threat. One particular scary memory was when the Maoists threatened to blow up the city. Many people fled, but my family stayed because of my father's job. I can still picture my parents on the balcony, candles flickering, anxiously hoping for a safe tomorrow. 

Looking back, I realize that these childhood experiences have led me to believe that certain aspects of our country's politics, diplomacy, and development need to be reformed. My childhood experiences sparked a desire to be a part of something bigger than myself and make a positive impact on the world with more empathy and understanding. In my opinion, the impressions formed during childhood significantly shape an individual's character. A profound sense of responsibility and a commitment to aiding families and communities emerge from these early experiences. However, despite the challenges and hardships encountered along the way, the importance of contributing positively and striving for improvement ultimately prevails for the greater good.I believe that our perspective on our circumstances and abilities plays a crucial role in shaping our actions and defining our character. Our work and actions ultimately define our personality and determine our satisfaction. The key to achieving satisfaction lies in engaging in work that brings us joy and aligns with our passions. 

A short poem when I reflect back to my childhood: 

Square 

Stand on the footpath, 

Closer to a square, 

And force yourself to think, 

The lives each road has to offer, 

And as you give it thought, 

Look around for people, 

Who have taken the routes, 

While you were busy thinking, 

It doesn't matter, 

What made them walk the track, 

The road providing less traffic, 

The boulevard, the open sky, 

Or the sheer thoughtlessness, 

Noting of all is important, 

All that matter is, 

You taking a charge, 

Of how your life would look like, 

If you think before crossing the zebra line.