An Interview with Chhiri Sherpa

Jul 19

Recently our very own Kunga Sherpa sat down to interview his beautiful grandmother, Chhiri. They chatted about her childhood, her secrets to a happy marriage, what Wongchu Sherpa and the soon-coming hospital mean to the people of her village and more!

1. What is your name? My name is Chhiri Sherpa.

2. When and where were you born?

I was born in 1945 AD. In, chhermading which locate in okhaldunga district of Nepal.

3. What kinds of things did your family do together when you were young?

I grew up in an agricultural society, so as I was growing up, I was always involved in farming, feeding the animals and looking after them.

4. What are some of your favourite things? Favourite colours? Favourite flowers? Favourite songs? Favourite foods?

My favourite thing is jewelry. I especially like the colour blue. My favourite flower is the rhododendron in the springtime. I love to hear old, melodious songs. My favourite food to eat is potato.

5. Did you attend school?

No, I didn’t, as there was no school in my nearby village.

6. What does the School in Chyangba mean to you and your family?

The School in Chyangba, constructed and operated by the late Wongchu Sherpa, means a bright future for the children in rural areas and it will create an educated society. I believe an uneducated person is a blind person in this modern age.

7. When and where were you married?

I got married when I was 17 years old in Chyangba Village—which is where my husband is from. He and his family asked my family for permission to marry me. After they accepted I got married to him.

8. What’s the secret to a happy marriage?

While I was married, there was no means of communication such as a telephone, the internet like nowadays. I had an arranged marriage. I had only seen my husband’s face and heard his name on the day of our wedding. We didn’t know the behavior of each other, so we were both feeling so shy when we got married.

I think the secret is to have a good relationship from your introduction and understand each other’s backgrounds. Then you can could start your new life, whatever may come—comedy or tragedy.

9. What are some special memories you have about your children?

It's really lovely to have children. I gave birth to two sons and three daughters. However, only my two daughters are alive, as the others passed away in their childhood. I think this is due to no proper healthcare and poor nutrition. My children use to play, sing, run and talk interestingly, however some were naughtier than others! We originate from a poor family so we can't provide the best services and facilities, but they are a big part of our hearts.