Zestful 76-year-old Palbhan, sewing shoes to survive

By Jayaman Budha Magar, Rukum East,  Feb.8: Palbhan Bashyal of Sisne Rural Municipality-6, has reached 76 years old. Even though he has reached the winter/autumn of one's life, his energy and activeness have not died down. 

He has been sitting on the roadside of Chhipridaha, Sisne Rural Municipality-6, sewing shoes, and slippers, in the Rukumkot district for more than 20 years. 

He said that he has been swelling his shoes by sitting on the side of the road for the last 20 years. 

Bashyal said, "I left sewing shoes and slippers for some time and went to India for employment and worked there for 30 years. After that, I came back and continued this work persistently.  I have been taking care of my family from the money earned from that."

He sits on the side of the road and sews shoes and slippers under the open sky every day. He has been scarping up to continue his job even in the hot months of March and April, the rainy season of June and July, and the winter season of October and November. 

He said that he works persistently bearing all the extreme of weathers. 

He charges Rs 100 for sewing a pair of slippers and Rs 150 for sewing a pair of shoes.

He said that since his children are far away from home, he spends money made from sewing shoes and sandals to take care of himself and his wife.

 He said that he makes Rs 200 to 500 daily sometimes luck does not favor him and has to return home empty-handed when not a single person knocks on his door.