"I am a blacksmith. I mold and beat iron into kuto, kodaalo, haseeya and bancharo. People who are smart have shops that display and sell these tools in Charikot. They have taken this cottage labor into market commerce for profit. And people like us have been left behind. I do not have the money to buy iron to mass-produce nor do I have money to open a shop. And because the farming tools that I make are completely handmade, I cannot compete with the prices of the tools sold in these shops. Also, people want everything here and now. They throw money and they want it now. And I cannot satisfy them so they choose to go and buy tools from the market. For people like me raising a family is difficult.
After the earthquake, our house fell down and things worsened. I do not speak twisted truth nor can I conspire for money. But I need to send my girls to school, I need to look after my ailing father and I need to bring food home. So I go around the village and ask for work, any kind. Since the villagers know me, they show sympathy. They call me to fix their tools and to lend a hand in what needs fixing. My wife has also been a great support. She is smarter than me, can talk fast, and can answer any questions. She also brings home some money and we get by. In front of the girls, we smile. But when they go to bed, both of us are back to our worries. Back to the fears of what problems tomorrow might bring."
(Suresh BiKa, Bhimeswor NP 2, Tikathal. Dolakha)
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