“When someone builds a new house, we take gifts to them. It’s customary. So a member of the family has to stay home to take part in such social occasions. When I was a kid, father and mother left for India looking for work. Before they left they strictly told me, “Now, you look after your brothers and sisters and you take the rice to the weddings and rituals to the neighbours. It is your responsibility.” I was young and naive and I didn’t know what to do except nod my head. So they left without telling me when they would return. I was left with my small brothers and sisters, and I must have been under 10 years of age. It was a big responsibility Every morning I would wake up and cook for the children, tend to the animals and once in a while take the rice to the neighbours and take part in religious rituals and festivals. There is a field next to my house and I remember everyone would be playing and I wanted to play too but I had to cook and take care of the house. My parents finally returned home after four years. The next day I went to the field and played with all the children until the sun set, and I remember my body was sore but I was finally happy. Happy that my parents were back and happy that I could play.” (Tsangmu Shibo, Hatiya 4, Sankhuwasabha) ‪#‎StriveStruggleThrive‬