The untold story of Dipti Lama (Dipu)

DIPU is 9 years old and currently studying in class Nursery in Adarshu School. Picture: Krishna Bhattarai

Uncertainly my day started when I met DIPTI LAMA (DIPU) in Bungamati, which is around 12 km south from Kathmandu valley.

While I was having tea in local shop I found a little girl having noodles, which stroke my mind of taking portraits of her, as soon as I started talking with her, I got to know that:

DIPU is 9 years old and currently studying in class Nursery in Adarshu School. Her mother works in Brick factory nearby. She has 5 members in her family. (I slightly went into about her family).

Me: Why are you here at this time?
Dipu: I finished my examination, as often shopkeeper aunt offers me food I visit here.( I wondered )

Me: and how will you pay her? How much money do you have?
Dipu: it's for free; when I am free I help them washing dishes.

Me: oh it's sad to know, you are too little for this, well where are your parents mean your father?
Dipu: he isn't here?

Me: where is he then, in village?
Dipu: He was dead when I was in Mother's WOMB.
Me: oh!!! ( I was numb for a while, and got in dilemma about whether should I ask more or just stop, but I feel like if I could make story about her some of my friends would be ready to help her in future.)

Me: do you feel missing when your classmates talk about their fathers?
Dipu: yes I miss my father's care and love.

Me: do you all go school?
Dipu: my both brothers they don't go school because they are frighten with teachers when they don't do homeworks or any tasks. They might get scold and bitten. That's why they left school, and my elder sister is already married (she is just 20 years old) and next sister is giving S.L.C Exam (School Leaving Certificate).

Me: how does your mother manage all of these things?
Dipu: there are foreigners who help us for our study, after 2 months they will be here to see me and my family.
Me: oh!!! Thank god (I feel like at least there is someone to help you.)

Me: do you know where they are from?
Dipu: nope. I don't know, but they are foreigner.
(Now moving back so that it won't hurt her)

Me: how often have you been to your village?
Dipu: we went Bhihmphedi during Dashain festival.

I felt like giving her some chocolates and food then. I gave her something to eat and after that she performed dance for me. She also sang with me for a while.

I found some zeal on her to study more, as soon as she stopped dancing she started writing on her hand. I don't know what but it made me more focused to make one photo story of her.

Then after a while I came back home with a hope to see her again with some surprises in recent future.

(This article is the first part of its 2 parts. Second part will be published next week.)

© Krishna Bhattarai. Krishna Bhattarai is a freelancer photographer and social activist. Click here to visit his facebook page.