Myagdi man reunites with family after 30 years through social media

In Myagdi, a family reunion has taken place after three decades for Karnabahadur Khatri from Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-7, Takam. The 60-year-old Karnabahadur returned to his ancestral home in search of his roots, brothers, and relatives through social media and mobile phones.

“My father, Matilal Khatri, went to Shillong, India, for work, where he got married. My mother passed away on the 11th day after my birth,” Karnabahadur shared. “After my father returned home, I was raised by my grandparents in Siyari Rural Municipality-6, Rupandehi.”

Thirty years ago, Karnabahadur was brought to the district headquarters in Beni, where his brothers and relatives helped him obtain citizenship in his father’s name. He then returned to Magar and lost contact with his family, leading them to believe he was lost.

Karnabahadur’s brother (his aunt’s son), Bhumi Raj KC, recounted that everyone was surprised when Karnabahadur arrived with his wife for a family ritual in Takam. “We had given up hope when Karnabahadur’s whereabouts became unknown after he returned to Magar,” he said. “We are all happy now that he has returned to his ancestral home.”

Karnabahadur, who was born blind in his right eye, lost sight in both eyes 20 years ago due to an untreated injury in his left eye. While attending a bamboo weaving training at the office of the Blind Association in Rupandehi, he met Dil Maya Chaudhary, who is also visually impaired. They married 10 years ago.

Dil Maya, 36, is congenitally blind and has completed her bachelor’s degree in education. She used social media and websites to find her husband’s birthplace and establish contact. The couple, under the care of Dil Maya’s family and Karnabahadur’s maternal relatives, earn a living by marketing goods in Siyari, Rupandehi. Their seven-year-old son is studying at a hostel in Lalitpur, coordinated by the Blind Association.

The couple manages their household with the social security allowance provided by the government and earnings from their shop. Karnabahadur, who wishes to live near his relatives, has no property in his ancestral home. Dil Maya, who holds a teaching license and qualification, is looking for a job. Karnabahadur’s late brother’s son, Bal Krishna Khatri, resides in Takam.

Bhumi Raj mentioned that another brother from a different mother is also missing. “We are trying to arrange land and build a house for Karnabahadur and his wife in Takam,” he said. “We hope for support from the ward office, rural municipality, relevant state bodies, and donors for the housing of this landless family.”