Laudable Initiative

After having elected as the Mayor of Dharan Sub-metropolis, Harkaraj Sampang Rai has begun finding permanent sources of water for the locals. This initiative is in line with his commitment made during the election campaign. He has been carrying out this vital task under the guidance of engineers, and with the help of the locals. As the technicians have assured that there is the viability of the source of water for about 3,000 inhabitants, they have initiated the work of laying down pipes. 

According to Mayor Rai, the work of laying down pipes in areas covering two and a half kilometres has been accomplished through voluntary labour donation. This is about 85 per cent of this project. The locals are not only working voluntarily but also contributing cash. About Rs. 20 million has already been collected for the work. Some people are reported to be bringing in snacks and refreshments to workers while others are busy digging the ground with spades all day to lay down pipes. 

The initiative taken by Mayor Rai and the enthusiasm shown by locals should inspire others as well. The labour donation by villagers was a common practice during the Lichhavi, Malla and Rana periods. In those times, after the end of the rainy season, one fine evening a village messenger used to disseminate the news to the inhabitants that the chieftain of the village had decided to repair the access road to a certain village. And one person from each household had to come up with a spade in his/her hands to reconstruct the road. In those periods, labour donation was taken as social responsibility of the family. 

Local chiefs such as Jimmawals and Mukhiyas used to mobilise the society to construct or maintain temples, Sattals, footpaths, horse trails and access roads to the other villages in case they were damaged by the natural calamities. The latest example of labour donation was that when the then king Mahendra Shah planned to visit Dailekh, the people of surrounding areas had donated their physical labour for days. They constructed a foot trail from Surkhet to Dailekh, and repaired other structures in the vicinity areas.

The voluntary labour offers benefits to the donors and the society at the same time. First, the society finds the desired road or structure. It helps create a sense of ownership among them. Second, it brings people of all walks of life and places together which helps build a bond of friendship. It provides an opportunity to share views and ideas among the people of levels while working.  

Third, it can be an opportunity to show personal talent and physical strength especially by youths. Jubilant people, braving scorching heat or torrential rains, toil way. The volunteers used to gather in a certain place. They used to either sing or perform a dance turn by turn or used to play arm wrestling for fun which helps enhance their friendship.  

If Mayor Rai inspires the people of Dharan for labour donations in other areas in the days to come, it will help revive the culture of voluntary service forgotten long past. If the mayors of other local levels learn from Dharan and inspire their voters to do work without pay, they will lead the country towards independence in many aspects of everyday life as Lichhavis and Mallas were self-reliant in food and milk.