Kamismith in Danger??
9th August, 2018
“Kamismith in danger" ... Its now or never for all khukuri lovers!!
Well I have a strong feeling that in another 15 years or so down the line there would hardly be any khukuri makers. People are getting educated and the younger ones DO NOT want to dirty their hands. Even Kamis themselves don’t want their kids to take up this job. They say its dirty, risky and the worst part; its NOT seen as a good job or profession and done only by so called lower caste people here in Nepal. Moreover there is NO any govt. department/unit to recognize this sort of makers or this type of work of art. I have knocked a few govt. doors but they are clueless and not willing to support it. So now I have come to the conclusion that my house, KHHI Nepal, must soon take an initiative by organizing a fair competition amongst the best makers and do a certificate ceremony to all those deserving Kamis and officially recognize their talent and contribution for upholding this age old tradition and practice and keeping the “Khukuri” alive. I believe such program will really encourage the makers, motivate them to work harder (happily), give them a sense of security and satisfaction and feel like passing down their talents to their younger ones. Who knows even the younger generation may consider this as a great profession and willing to carry on the legacy like their forefathers did.
Thank you for reading this folks.
Jai KUKRIMATA!!
Map Source: People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
See how Kamis make their Khukuri / and some hearttouching pictures of Kamis and thier livelihood.
Read this also : Khukuri - the knife in exile a conversation on real life experiences on 'kukri' with the locals of Helambu, Nepal (2012 A.D).
See a lifestyle of a Kami (who wants to go to school at age of 69, ) by RT television. This video represents the lifestyle of a common Nepali man, and especially a Kami. There are many other such who dedicated their life making Khukuri for their livelihood. So, we at KHHI want to make this occupation as an ART, and help in uplifting their lifestyle and engage the future generation in becoming Kamismith.
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