At 118, Seti Maya is oldest citizen in Nepal

BY ANIL PARAJULI,Hetauda, Mar. 28: Seti Maya Pakhrin, a resident of Kolangti in Ward No. 3 of the remote Raksirang Rural Municipality in Makwanpur, is possibly the oldest living citizen in Nepal. According to her citizenship certificate issued by the District Administration Office, Makwanpur, on February 22, 1988, her date of birth is recorded as October 18, 1907 (1964 BS), with her birthplace listed as the then Khairang VDC Ward No. 4. Based on this record, she is currently 118 years old.

After the death of her husband, her family gradually stopped caring for her. With no support, she began living with a relative by social ties, her brother-in-law, seeking shelter. Three years ago, in 2022, Seti Maya Pakhrin married 87-year-old Chandra Bahadur WaiBa. Since then, the two have been living together, supporting each other. Chandra Bahadur has two sons and four daughters.

Neglected by her family, Seti Maya was left uncertain about where to go and how to survive. In the final phase of her life, with no one to rely on, she turned to Chandra Bahadur for support and began living with him. Recalling that time, Chandra Bahadur said, “She was deeply distressed, wondering where to go, where to live, or even where to die. She even thought about ending her life by jumping off a cliff. When she came and said she wanted to stay with me, I agreed.”

After his wife passed away, Chandra Bahadur had been living alone for nine years. Now, Seti Maya has become his companion and support. Both elderly and physically weak, they depend on each other. Although Seti Maya used to cook and manage household chores, she recently fractured her hand after falling in the yard and is now on medication. “She used to wash clothes and cook meals, but now her hand is broken. I also have problems with my legs,” Chandra Bahadur added.

About a week ago, after her hand was fractured, it was treated at home using traditional methods, with bamboo splints tied around it. They have not gone to the hospital due to fear that doctors might recommend amputation. Instead, they believe the injury will heal with home remedies.

A team, including rural municipality chair Raj Kumar Malla, Ward No. 3 Chair Uttam Waiba, and health workers, visited the elderly couple, honoured them, and provided fruits on behalf of the municipality. After assessing their health condition, arrangements have also been made to send health workers to their homes for necessary treatment. “They are like living gods to us. We will serve them here at their home,” Chairman Malla said.