we are Lowa not Lhoba...

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….