Beyond Borders: A 28-Year Reunion from Tharpu to London

Unwritten doesn’t mean forgotten
And unseen doesn’t mean unknown
A friendship needs only the heart’s attention to thrive
Because the bonds of childhood stand in a league of their own...

They say that distance doesn't matter when friendships are rooted in childhood. While I now call London my home and my dear friend Sarita Subedi has settled in Canada, our story began decades ago in the classrooms of Tharpu Secondary School in Nepal.

In June 2018, the world felt a little smaller. After 28 long years of following our own paths—hers leading to a distinguished nursing career in Toronto and mine into social campaigning and journalism in the UK—we finally managed to cross paths.

Though we met for dinner in Farnborough, the conversation wasn't about the location; it was about the journey. We spoke of our days in Tharpu, where Sarita was always the brilliant student who never knew what it was like to be second. Seeing her success in Canada and her continued dedication to social service was a moment of immense pride for me as a lifelong friend.

It was a reminder that no matter where we go—be it the UK or Canada—the 'mul-jal' (nourishment) of our roots and childhood friendships keeps us grounded.

— Khusiman Tawa (Thule of Khareltar)