Last month I was on my vocation in Nepal, I
asked my friends and other whether they are Gurung or Lowa? Most of them
proudly say “obviously we are Gurung” then again I continue “why Gurung?” then
their tongue start twisting…Some clap on my back when I tried to clear the
darkness but some disagree. One beautiful lady told me “if we go with Lowa then
seems like there will be problem as in India Lowa is considered as low caste
and uncivilized so, they might get wrong idea with us too”. I said “no problem
at all.” As you all aware of swastika symbol (Yungdrung) use in different
countries as well as meaning. In Hinduism it symbolizes good fortune, luck and well-being
and in Tibetan it’s a representation of eternity. Same symbol was used by Adolf
Hilter back in WWII which strongly associated with Nazism and related concepts
such as hatred, violence, death and so on. One represents good while other
vice-versa but people understand in their respective field. What I am saying
is…there is no problem being going with Lowa.
“We
are Lhoba not Lowa” some argue…obviously we are Lhoba as we are inhabitant at
the foothill of Himalayan and beside its location is in the north…that’s why
its called Lhoba. If it refer our identity then what about those, who are
living in the east, west and south? Before Nepal annexed Mustang, it was happy
independent kingdom where people live with harmony and in history there mention
Lowa not Lhoba. Beside in the southeastern region of Tibet (Pemako) where Lhoba
come to apply to a diverse amalgamation of Tibeto-Burman tribes people
including Mainling. The term Lhoba is largely promulgated by the Chinese
government, which officially recognizes Lhoba as one of the 56 ethnic groups of
China.
In upper mustang caste system is still warm
and fresh in their blood as higher caste like Bista and so on, they have status
in society so they are totally against becoming Lowa. They throw mud to lower
caste, “they agree because they are lower caste” that’s insane and totally
stupid, arrogant and pathetic. To my knowledge they disagree because they are
having certain benefit being at that level. They are rotten apples and blind
even thou, unfortunately they rule using their power and wealth. There are
certain shameless controversies or contention that I have heard about upper
mustang. But I am not going to use my pen here as I might be their next pray. Because
some tried to pull me down from this journey as I am spreading message of
becoming Lowa.
Mostly I discuss with the younger brothers
and sisters as we are the future of beautiful Mustang. It was so heartbreaking
that most of them just ignore some say “what the point of being Lowa? Let’s go
with what we have already.” Some say “don’t act like neetaji.” Obviously I am
not neetaji but being son of Mustang means a lot and if we ignore then who the
hell will preserve our identity and so on? C’mon guys wake up…
The good news is that I have seen some
people had already changed into Lowa and I am happy for that. And I came across
a people who really work hard for their real identity, thou I was unable to
exchange conversation directly but inquiry to their near one like their son. I
knew how they tirelessly across through so many obstacle they face on the way.
I appreciate them and I really hope people will recognize them one day with appreciation
scarf on their neck.
I really wish to write about them how they
began their journey, what obstacle they face while in the journey but I can’t
as situation itself is not in good shape…but one day I will.
It doesn’t matter whether we are upper mustang
or lower mustang….we are Mustangi and will be Mustangi forever wherever we go…you
can change your attitude or behavior or citizenship but you can’t change your
identity. You are what you are.
Hey guys don’t forget to feedback and comments.
Thank you for reading….
