“Father died when we were really small. Mother raised me and my little sister. Word is that he committed suicide, but mother never really talked about it. Growing up, I saw her struggle inside the family and in the society. But she never shared with us any of that. She would only say, ‘You study hard.’ I also haven’t really had a chance to say ‘thank you’ to her for everything she has done for us. The environment she created made it possible for me to get a scholarship from early childhood. And I secured the highest marks in my SLC to become a district topper. But I plan to call her on stage and tell her how much she means to me and want to give her the award I receive from school.” (Sangita Thapa, Thapa Gaun, Ghumthang, Sindhupalchok)