Memories of The Crying Father

Published15 June 2017

Reading Time 2 mins

Author Stories of Nepal

Location Nepal

"I remember father cry with mother one evening. I only assumed it was his struggles raising us that troubled him. My fathers tears hurt me that day and even at such small age I vowed to obey him. I would go with him to the fields and watch him work and take lunch to him that mother had prepared. As I grew older I worked with him and also, I came to fully understand his predicament. I understood that half of the yields was to be given away to the landlord. I also understood that if the yield was denied the punishment would be dire. Father owed money to the landlord too as it was very difficult for him to sustain a family. Sometimes the interest would equal the principal and sometimes even exceed it. So father had no choice and I saw that. As I looked around the entire community was indebted to the landlords. I knew I had to get out of it and live life differently if I were to have freedom. So I started looking out opportunities outside of my community and started engaging myself in training programs related to agriculture. That showed me a whole new way of living. After the training, I started traveling to different villages and district educating people on agriculture. I would also advocate people on the ways of living a free life from slavery. Many would listen, many had accepted their fate just like my father. I am glad I got out of that life and that my children will not have to live under someone's law. During tired hours, I still remember my father shed tears with my mother, in that dark smokey kitchen." (Paltan Chaudhary, Besisahar 8, Lamjung)

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