Talking about Nepalis in Hong Kong | Feature

DAMBAR KRISHNA SHRESTHA

Having travelled to Hong Kong several times, I've always found the association between this place and Nepalis quite extraordinary. Hong Kong was part of the British Empire from 1841 to 1997 and many Gurkha soldiers were allowed to settle in Hong Kong because they had served the British crown.

After the end of British rule in Hong Kong in 1994, a new law was introduced which enabled people who were born before 1986 to live in Hong Kong ; as a result a growing presence of Nepalis started to be felt. Earlier only house maids, Gurkha soldiers and businessmen used to come to Hong Kong but now the number of Nepalis living permanently here is rising. Though in recent times the number of Nepalis migrating to Britain from Hong Kong has increased but the number of Nepalis in Hong Kong hasn't differed much, thanks to the constant flow of people moving from Nepal to Hong Kong. These include Nepalis who were raised in Nepal but born in Hong Kong or people who migrate after getting married to Nepali residents in Hong Kong.

The growing population has augmented both the importance and prospects of a Nepali society in Hong Kong. Nepalis in Hong Kong take pride in the history of Gurkha soldiers and their acts of bravery but they have come to understand that their identity exists beyond this history and in fact lies in a common ground of Nepali language, literature, culture, tradition and lifestyle. This is the reason why they have been organizing the 'Nepali Language, Literature, Culture Week' once every year to promote unity and support Nepalis in Hong Kong. To instill respect and pride in the heart of the new generation of Nepalis towards the Gurkha soldiers- who initiated this special relationship- Ancestors Day is celebrated every year by the Gurkha Cemetery Trust in Hong Kong.

The documentary titled 'Hong Kong Ka Nepali' came about in December 2008 when I felt the need to document the lives of Nepalis in Hong Kong. The struggles, successes, life style, and love for Nepal and their involvement in different areas have been captured in this film. Also featured in this film are the teenagers, drug-addicted-youth and the new generation of Nepalis immersed in fashion and modeling and night life of Hong Kong. This 80 minutes long documentary shows the story of Nepali diaspora in Hong Kong trying hard to maintain the unity and continue Nepali language-culture and identity, despite having to work 12 hours a day. During my month long stay from December 2008 to January 2009. I was fortunate to learn about the experiences of many resident Nepalis in Hong Kong, such as noted Nepali musician Dinesh Subba, renowned Hong Kong business men YB Rai and Kamal Poudel. I also found Bhim Pun and Rabin Shrestha- the singers of a popular Nepali song titled 'Chhekyo chhkeyo euralu danda' from Nepathya band- struggling in Hong Kong. This film also shows the help Mahabir Pun got help under the initiation of the Hong Kong Nepali Organization when he came here with his 'One Dollar Campaign' and the support given by them to many musical performers and comedy artists during their stay here. This documentary is mainly a series of moving pictures of Nepalis in Hong Kong through a Nepali journalist's eyes.

This documentary is presented by Everest Media- the publisher of Everest Weekly which has been publishing for last 11 years with Kisan Rai's continuous effort. Produced by Sarita Shrestha and co-produced and shot by Matridip Rai, this film has been edited by Alok Adhikary and has back ground music by Kutumba band.