“After the earthquake, lots of government workers came to the village. They took photos and took name after name after name. But when the list came on the noticeboard, many victims from our village were missing. The only ones who got help were those who were from the city. Who will listen to small people? Who will listen to the voices of the small people in this country?”
Photo: Shemin Nair
“We lost six goats and a buffalo in the earthquake. We lost so much food. One ton of rice got damaged. The house collapsed onto our farm. The money from the government covered only food, it wasn’t enough for shelter. Our children are getting older and the expenditure is increasing. It might take 10 years, 20 years to return to the state we were in.”
Photo: Shemin Nair
“People say it was God’s injustice to let that earthquake happen to us. But I have faith in God. Just imagine how much worse it would have been if the earthquake happened at night time, or on a weekday. Scientists forecast that if a big earthquake hits, Kathmandu would be totally destroyed. But look, we are still alive and I hope God will continue to look after us. But the government is not looking after us. They are the ones who are unjust. Many victims still live in temporary shelters and their needs are ignored. I am here today to pray so the souls of that day may rest in peace. I just wish God would give the authorities an ear to listen to the voices of the victims, an eye to see their pitiful situation, a heart to feel their emotion and a hand to finally do something for them.”
Photo: Enika Rai
