Songs have over million views, but singer remains in dark

By Gokarna Dayal,Baitadi, Dec. 12: The songs 'Gairikhet' and 'Bajhang Bajura', sung by 12-year-old Kalpana Bista of Sunarya Rural Municipality-5, Baitadi, are presently making waves online. But the singer herself still lives in obscurity.

‘Gairikhet,' the song Bista sang with folk singer Bishnu Khatri, and ‘Bajhang Bajura,’ where she collaborated with child singer Supreme Malla, both have over a million views on YouTube. But she cannot stream them from Dhulidhar, the village she lives in, neither has internet nor electricity.

Those who know Bista, who studies in the seventh grade at the local Siddhanath Basic School, compare her voice to the melodious cuckoo. And, despite the lack of basic facilities, she has released two songs so far.

But the sad thing is that she has not received any assistance. Bista's father, Narendra Bista, had to go to India to earn a living because of the lack of opportunities at home. He works as a labourer there to support the family financially.

Poverty has made her life difficult too. Without electricity, Bista is compelled to study by the light of a kerosene-fed lamp.

Her school is a half-hour uphill walk from her home. And the biting winter has begun to set in. But she does not have proper shoes to wear.

Nevertheless, her desire to learn song and music persists. 

Her mother Sanu Bista lamented how the family's financial situation had prevented her daughter from attending a good school that would allow her to develop her musical talents while also receiving a good education.

The Bista family is disheartened that the local and provincial governments do not recognise the talents of children like Bista.

Bista mentioned that despite an outpouring of love on YouTube, no organisation had come forward with any assistance. The Women and Children's Division of the rural municipality has not demonstrated any interest or extended any support.

Bista shared that many people from villages like hers are compelled to work abroad due to the lack of jobs at home.