You see him around all the time, wearing an overcoat during winter and a woolen coat in summer, always by himself. He has youthful features, and carries an air of self dignity. His big, plastic-rimmed glasses and goatee give him the looks of an academician, perhaps even that of the bourgeoisie. His is Mantri (minister), and makes a livelihood by doing odd jobs for anyone who beckons him, including that of a cleaner, helper and porter. Says Mantri, “I go and sleep near Soaltee Hotel when I am in the mood, but when I am too lazy to walk it out, I just got to a nearby restaurant, eat dal, bhat, tarkari and masu, and sleep like a log right here in Janabahaa.” As an afterthought, he adds, “If I inform my friend, he will come and pick me up in his car late at night.” Photo by Alok Tuladhar.Sunday, July 06, 2008
The Minister
You see him around all the time, wearing an overcoat during winter and a woolen coat in summer, always by himself. He has youthful features, and carries an air of self dignity. His big, plastic-rimmed glasses and goatee give him the looks of an academician, perhaps even that of the bourgeoisie. His is Mantri (minister), and makes a livelihood by doing odd jobs for anyone who beckons him, including that of a cleaner, helper and porter. Says Mantri, “I go and sleep near Soaltee Hotel when I am in the mood, but when I am too lazy to walk it out, I just got to a nearby restaurant, eat dal, bhat, tarkari and masu, and sleep like a log right here in Janabahaa.” As an afterthought, he adds, “If I inform my friend, he will come and pick me up in his car late at night.” Photo by Alok Tuladhar.