The Tharu people of Chitwan are widely known as an ethnic group of indigenous people. Tilak Ram Tharu, an older man who lived in a small fishing village in Chitwan near Sauraha, was known for his paper boat-making art. He would spend hours crafting beautiful paper boats of different designs and colours daily and often took it to the nearby Rapti River to show off his creations.
One day, Tilak Ram noticed a young girl named Barsha Chaudhary sitting on the bank with a sad expression. When he inquired, she told him about her father, who had gone to sea and had not returned. Moved by her story, Tilak Ram decided to make her a unique paper boat using his best materials. The boat was beautiful with intricate details, and when Barsha saw it, she was amazed, thanked Tilak Ram, and took the boat to the river.
She placed it in the river, prayed for her father's safe return and watched as the paper boat slowly floated away. Tilak Ram watched as the paper boat drifted away, and sadness overcame him. He realised that the paper boat symbolised hope for Barsha and her father and also the harsh reality that many people never get to return to their loved ones.
Although Tilak Ram never returned to the river after that day, he continued to make paper boats and bring happiness to the people of his village. Deep down, he never forgot the paper boat that had brought hope for Barsha and her father. It remained in his heart forever.
One day, Tilak Ram noticed a young girl named Barsha Chaudhary sitting on the bank with a sad expression. When he inquired, she told him about her father, who had gone to sea and had not returned. Moved by her story, Tilak Ram decided to make her a unique paper boat using his best materials. The boat was beautiful with intricate details, and when Barsha saw it, she was amazed, thanked Tilak Ram, and took the boat to the river.
She placed it in the river, prayed for her father's safe return and watched as the paper boat slowly floated away. Tilak Ram watched as the paper boat drifted away, and sadness overcame him. He realised that the paper boat symbolised hope for Barsha and her father and also the harsh reality that many people never get to return to their loved ones.
Although Tilak Ram never returned to the river after that day, he continued to make paper boats and bring happiness to the people of his village. Deep down, he never forgot the paper boat that had brought hope for Barsha and her father. It remained in his heart forever.
