Feature: "Flag Man" urges youth of quake-ravaged Nepal to gear up for reconstruction

The massive earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25 this year turned the historical Basantapur Durbar Square in the capital into a bleak and dreary area within seconds, with the ancient premises filled with majestic structures and temples transformed into rubble and then dust.

This UNESCO world heritage site seems unwelcoming even after nearly eight months since the quake as there has been no recognizable efforts being made for the historic landmark's reconstruction.

However, there is something noticeable at this cultural site everyday which has provided a modicum of life and beauty. When someone enters Durbar Square, a majestic blue and red colored flag of Nepal depicting the sun and moon is being hoisted in the centre of the square and commands attention.

Dressed in a typical Nepali dress known as a daura suruwal and a nepali hat called a topi, 59-year-old Laxmi Narayan Shilpakar stands with a huge national flag swaying it in different directions at Basantapur with a smile on his weathered face.

"I've been waving the national flag for three years regularly here at Durbar square. But after the quake, I've been spending more time here from 6 a.m. in the morning until 8 p.m. at night," Shilpakar told Xinhua

"It makes me sad to see this beautiful place damaged but the quake can't damage our hope," said Shilpakar.

Though the devastating quake killed nearly 9,000 people and injured more than 23,000, changing the fate of hundreds of thousands of Nepalese, he feels lucky that there was no remarkable damage to his home or family members.

Rather, Shilpakar became more passionate after the quake to introduce the national flag to as many people as possible including both nationals and foreigners. With no other vested interest or motive of gain, this father-of-three has decided to dedicate his remaining years to promoting the national flag.

Shilpakar, who was busy clicking pictures with visiting youths, told Xinhua " Before the quake, thousands of people used to take photos of me with the national flag, but these days that number has dropped to the hundreds. However, national pride among the youth has proved immense which is a positive point," he said,

The disaster shattered the economy of this underdeveloped country, with tourism taking a big hit. As a result tourism businesses have said trade has dropped by 50 percent.

In such a climate, only handful of tourists visit the widely acclaimed world heritage sites the country has to offer in recent times.

However, the popularity of the "Flag Man" of Basantapur is increasing day by day. As part of his solo campaign to promote the national flag in all 75 districts, from the eastern border of Mechi to the western end point of Mahakali, he recently completed a tour of 10 districts.

Adding to his heroism, he receives no financial support from any individual or organizations. Many tourists try to tip him Rs 100 to Rs 500 but he straightly rejects their offering as he believes that his mission is for the sake of the nation, not for money.

At the age of retirement, the energy of this former wooden artist is like a ray of light in the darkness and inspiration for the nation that is still reeling under the weight of the disaster and the acute lack of fuel, food and medicine following a months-long Indian embargo.

Since the focus of the nation has been on resolving the internal disputes and ending the crisis, reconstruction talks have been bogged down in political wrangling, while the victims, meanwhile, are forced to pass the freezing winter nights under zinc sheets and tarpaulins with no warm clothes.

Donors have pledged 4.4 billion U.S. dollars for rebuilding and reconstruction but there remain a number of serious challenges for this land-locked country, including the flight of 1,500 youths leaving for the Gulf and the Middle East for employment every day.

Bhaktapur-born-Shilpakar has a strong message for those youth. "I urge the young people to return to their home country with new skills and engage in rebuilding this nation. Only the youth can handle the reconstruction of this quake-ravaged country. They should be here for the development and progress of Nepal." Endit