Exemplary Lahure

The deity of the Pun community is – Karbakeli Baba. The national level Than of that Baba is built in Myagdi District, Annapurna Rural Municipality-8 Kafaldanda (2,332 meters). Inside the shrine there are full-sized idols of Karbakeli Baba, his two wives Himla and Fimla and their sons Ramchan and Kulchan.  

Kafaldanda has been a hot topic among Nepali people since Karbakeli Than was built. Moreover, by keeping it in the center and exploring the ‘Karbakeli Eco Tech’, Karbakeli Baba and Kafaldanda are also becoming known among foreigners.  

The footpath from Punhil to Phulbari, Karbakeli Than and connecting the headquarters of Myagdi to Beni Bazar has been branded as ‘Karbakeli Eco Trek’. This trail was explored in 2075 Baisakh.  

Many people have spent their bodies, minds and money in the development of footpaths and the construction of the site. This work is led by Lahure Cham Bahadur Pun, a retired British Army.    

Retired British Army Lahure Cham Bahadur Pun’s contribution to the social development of Karbakeli region is exemplary. Even at a declining age, he is active in the Kafaldanda of Myagdi with youthful energy.

Cham Bahadur, who has returned to the campaign to promote the art, culture and culture of the community, is walking in 64 years. He has been active in Karbakeli area since the beginning of the lockdown due to covid-19 and after that. At this time, he is again involved in building a community museum. If the corona-free environment is created, the museum will be opened next November.

Pun, who gathered many kinds of experiences, made the last phase of his life creative. He has received the support of many when he started working on the formation of ‘Karbakeli Research Committee’ in Kathmandu, the construction of Karbakeli Than and Community Lodge in Kafaldanda, the Karbakeli Eco Trek Explore and the construction of a community museum.  

Inaugurated in 2069, Karbakeli Than was spent 74 lakh rupees. Now 45 lakhs has been spent on the construction of the community museum. He estimates that it will cost another 15 lakh rupees.

A lot of money has also been spent on the branding of ‘Karbakeli Eco Trek’. Promotional materials including trail identification, booklets, brochures, videos and posters have been produced.

All the above works have been made possible with the help of volunteers in the country and abroad.  

Doing good deeds like this brings a smile of satisfaction on his face. Cham Bahadur is a selflessly active man with social sentiments in his heart. Nothing is lacking for him, his entire family lives in the UK. He lives in Nepal for 6 months of the year and in Britain for the remaining 6 months. Making retired life creative.  

When the British government allowed ex-Gurkha soldiers to stay in their country, they started living in the UK. In the same vein, his family also moved to Britain from 2006.  

He spent the fertile 15 years of his life in the British army. Joined in 2030 and retired in 2044. Even though Lahure became financially strong, the question of how to eradicate the poverty of the village kept playing in his mind even when he was in Paltan. Therefore, he is active in the campaign to enrich the village with his free time from his job.    

He spent the fertile 15 years of his life in the British army. Even though Lahure became financially strong, the question of how to eradicate the poverty of the village kept playing in his mind even when he was in Paltan.    

His wife Radha is also a culture worker. She is also good at social work. He has two sons Shamsher and Dhruv and a daughter Savina. The eldest son lives in Hong Kong and the rest of the family in the UK.  

‘I have been able to do social work only because of the support of my family’, he says, ‘I have also received good support from the devotees of Karbakeli who live in the country and abroad.’  

His mind is stuck towards his country’s Karbakeli. Laughing here. Danced here. He has been engaged in social work since 2057. What inspired him to take up social work?

“When I lived in Kathmandu, I used to go to programs of Newar, Thakali, Tamang, Gurung, Chhetri, Bahun and other castes. When I saw that they were protecting their language, culture and tradition there, he explained the reason, I felt that we should protect the art and culture of our community as well. And I decided to go to work.’  

The road to life is not easy. You have to deal with difficulties step by step. Many turns must be cut. Those who lose courage lose with life. Those with strong self-confidence kiss the hearth of success. Social worker Cham Bahadur has blessings of Karbakeli Baba on his head. That’s why he is pouring labor, skill and wisdom in the village while easily digesting the pain.  

One day after birth we have to die. ‘We are not only born to eat, we have a responsibility towards the society’, he says. So we humans must do something for the society. This is what gives you self-satisfaction.’  

Born in Kafaldanda, he grew up facing Dhaulagiri Himal. His childhood was spent in the village. At the age of 14, he was admitted to Class II at the same time and did not even take the annual examination. Climbing to higher classes became a distant subject. However, he failed after many tests in the ups and downs of life.  

He is a versatile talent. He has made two films in Pun language. In it he acted in the role of ‘villain’. However, he has become a ‘hero’ on the stage of life.

His father Punya Bahadur was also from Lahore of the British East India Company. Even in his childhood, the fascination of becoming Lahure grew. His two brothers also followed in their father’s footsteps, joining the British and Indian armies.

Great self-satisfaction in life is achieved by engaging in social work. However, not all of life’s dreams have been fulfilled.  

‘I want to take Gwarragwarti tourists on the Karbakeli Eco Pathway’, he said, his dream for the rest of his life, ‘Now I will help the villagers to modernize agriculture.’  

Like in his time, today’s Tanneris in Kafaldanda also dream of recruitment. He thinks that not always by working abroad. You have to grow gold in your own place. That is why he is sowing bright seeds of tourism and agriculture.  

He is a versatile talent. He has made two films in Pun language, Agee Part 1 and Part 2. He also acted as a villain in that movie. However, he has become a hero playing a positive role in the theater of life. Wish him good health and long life!