Ranjit Chhetri, 75, the only son of martyr Mahasur Chhetri, has fallen sick since a few weeks. He tells that he has developed asthma and has been getting chronic each year. He is popularly known for having the most expensive marriage ceremony among his contemporaries in the country.
“I have lost my body weight significantly this time as I am confined to the bed most of the time,” Chhetri says. “I find it challenging to visit the nearby market at present since I am unable to walk as before.”
The AMDA-Nepal has been treating Chhetri in the camp-based health center of Beldangi-II whenever he becomes serious. However, he is not happy with the kind of treatment that he is getting.
“The heath centre serves me with a few tablets that last just for a week or even less,” explains he.
He has a big dream. He tells that he wants to visit a specialist in Siliguri of India or Kathmandu at the earliest so that he would live longer. “My dreams to get better treatment have not yet come true since I am handicapped financially,” he adds, controlling his irregular bridge.
According to his verse, some people have told him that even the chronic asthma can be treated when in big hospitals in Kathmandu.
Interestingly, Chhetri had visited Kathmandu in 1951 along with his mother. “That is a long story,” says he,” When my father was thrown alive into the Sunkosh River, I and my mother were brought to India and then to Kathmandu by some well-wishers of the Bhutan State Congress.”
The Gorkhaland National Liberation Front leader Subash Ghising, 75, was the driver of the Indian jeep that transported the Chhetris to Darjeeling from Bhutan, as per his narration.
“If I meet him again, probably he recalls that journey.”
Regarded as the bravest son of Nepali-speaking Bhutanese, Mahasur, who was thrown alive into the Sunkosh River on March 8, 1951 by Jigmei Paldel Dorji, was a resident of Labsibote of Chirang district. He was 53 at the time of the state betrayal.
Chhetri, the only eyewitness of the state cruelty against his father, has remained as the last surviving second-generation member of the Chhetri family following the passage of his sister Kaushila Budathoki and wife Pabitra Chhetri some years back in Sanischare and Beldani-II respectively.
He regards that the society has failed to recognize the contributions made by martyrs in Bhutan. “Just a few people talk about the sacrifice of my father, forget about others,” he comments.
Last year when the Punya Foundation offered him a pair of cloths, he had felt that his fellow-countrymen have not forgotten him, claims he. However, the feelings are changed now.
“Such feeling is gradually fading away,” Chhetri explains,” Even my neighbours have stopped inquiring about my health when I am forced to struggle for survival in my bed.”
I would be delighted to live longer if my community becomes willing to support my treatment, he adds.
(Mishra, who is currently undertaking a research on the political life of martyr Mahasur Chhetri, can be reached at [email protected] for comments or suggestions, if any.)
how interesting! this is yet another evidence that support greater nepal theory. people like mahasur ought to be remembered after all he was a forerunner of the trouble that is.
@Jedah Sorry, but what is the link with the greater Nepal theory?
This man is an old victim of atrocities by Bhutan inflicted upon his family long time ago. His life will end without him ever finding any justice. His story is endangered to be forgotten in the mists of time unless someone narrates it and publishes it. It’s a good thing that his story and his feelings about his current situation are made public. The man should be helped and honored.
Good to see your story of Rajit Chhetri/Mahasur Chhetri again.He has a courage to live in a solitary life in the camp. I hope to see more such stories in the days to come. Keep up your good work.
Thanks
When it comes in posting comments, be it an appreciation, a disgust, hidden betrayal or just shooting arrogant comments – it is easy; many people can do this. When it is a comment + money, only few dare to walk this GORETO. No neta any way.
Reality: Asthma is unfortunately incurable. If it gets cured, it is the almighty. But it is very well controllable. Person with asthma doesn’t need to suffer and doesn’t need to die of it; but can of course with its complications. There are really good medicines for it.
Mr. Chhetri needs to visit Dr. Bhampa Rai. Diagnosis of Asthma is not complicated, neither is its treatment.
I talked with my family members. On behalf of the foundation, one of my family members is willing to extend a helping hand for his treatment. However, I would like Mr. Chhetri to visit Dr. Rai first and get to a reliable diagnosis. If it is only Asthma – he may not need to go to Ktm or Siliguri.
In anticipation of the development!
Lakshmi Prasad Dhakal
Amsterdam
I don’t understand the relation of illness of Mr. Ranjit and the the theory of greater Nepal as said by Mr.Jedah. After all Mahashur is the breavest martyr ever born in Bhutan, it’s foolishness of this man to calld him a problem creater. Please don’t blame those who have sacrificed their life to build a better society… Martyers Jindabad
What can a jedah write more than this? After all he is jedah.
i think what jedah is referring to is chetri being taken to India by Bhutan State Congress (I believe the party was based in India, not in Bhutan) and then being driven by Ghising to Kathmandu in 1951. There is this theory that people like Mahasur and Ghising are operated from kathmandu by others like Koirala to form a so-called greater nepal.
If Ranjit chetri is the sole witness of the Mahasur’s killing, his testimony should definately recorded. It’s sad that a martyr’s family should be deserted in such a state. Good to note that at least Lakshmi Dhakal is walking the talk. He might as well be Alice’s next film or book.
The professional advice from Dr.Laxmi Dhakal is highly appreciating.
Hellow Yadu Ji,
I am in support of your comments. You made a real judgement. Jedha might be a hypothetical analyser. If jedha blames Mashur, definitely this person has no ideas about the past history of Bhutan. This person has to learn and build positive attitudes. Also, yadu ji, Jadha’s frame of reference has to get transformed from one coordinate system to the other in accordance with the law of integral transformation.
Hi Beda,
your cent percent support to Yadu is doubtful. i assume that you might get something favoring Yadu. I know this person personlly. He never makes a real judgement. He bluffs and exegerates things more than the true values. Be careful Beda Ji.
I think the author of this episode has wrongly quoted Ranjit Chhetri as ‘legendary’.The topic should have been ‘Son of a legend longing to visit Kathmandu’.Unlike his father Mahasur Chhetri who is believed to have been the ferocious critic of the then Wangchuk regime we get to hear less about Ranjit who failed to fit in his father’s shoe.In fact he spent his entire life as a common citizen.
Anyway,we all are ready to contribute if someone steps forward to collect some amount for his treatment.