Kranti Pangeni
Baba, we are all remembering you today. I, Aama and Bhai remember you every day but this is a special kind of remembrance. We all are writing something for you, our prized possession that remains with us – our memories with you. I do not recall my first memory of you, but my favorite one is of the time in Pokhara when I was a little baby girl who could hardly speak but would follow you everywhere from the pan pasals in Chipledhunga to Annapurna School where you used to teach.
Teaching was your first love and the ideals of teaching is what built the foundation of your political career as well. Even though you left formal teaching and moved to Kathmandu, the teacher in you never actually left you, as you would constantly teach me something new every day. I remember the occasions when you told me and Bhai about how every piece of paper offers something to learn, some knowledge, some story, some information and if we find a paper on the floor, we should pick it up and read. It constantly reminds me your belief in lifelong learning, which is the reason you were engrossed in reading and learning in little time you had from your role of politician and social worker. You have always been an eloquent speaker and I know the effort in lifelong learning contributed to it. You could say anything, speak your mind regardless the person standing in front of you. I admire your self-confidence and I wish I could harbor the same.At times I had my grudges on your constant demand for learning and hated the homework you made me do during my winter and Dashain vacation as taking away my time from play. I reflect back and realize that it was for my own good and, Baba! thank you for making that effort to make me who I am today.
I love your humility and you demonstrated this all throughout your life. उपकारी गुणी व्यक्ति निहुरन्छ निरन्तर, फलेको वृक्षको हाँगो नझुकेको कहाँ छ र l I admire your sense of justice and the passion for service. I love you as a father and I have deep respect for you as a politician. Your beliefs in honesty and integrity has been the hallmark of your career. Never were we treated special nor encouraged to take undue advantage of your status. Your emphasis on hard-work and sincerity is something I have inherited and I feel proud of this.
I remember the conversation we had in our house in Syanga when as a young child I asked you about why our house was in darkness while the surrounding villages had been lit. I remember the passion, zeal and commitment when you said that you will bring the electricity at our home only after the whole village was lit. Your belief in helping others before yourself reflected in your lifestyle at both personal and professional level.
You always wanted to retire in Ujelidanda and I knew that you’d never actually retire. Given the person you were, I always believed, you would be doing something for the betterment of the place and people you loved the most –in our hometown Syangja – until your last breath. That’s how you lived and that’s how you always wanted to be. Your life was a dedication and I am sure you are happy that until your last breath, you were able to do what you loved the most – doing something to develop the place you loved so dearly. I just wish it could have been with also the people you loved.
