The melody of aspiration, hope, belief and inspiration always gets straight to heart after purifying mind on its way. I am talking about the religious tune: the bhajan or the hymn. On my way I have felt the divinity of various hymns representing differentiated and unique beliefs. And despite of the diversity; all of them flourish a common spirit of peace. I am always glorified by it.

The region of Kwazulu Natal gave me a blend of spiritual experiences the same way. On August 31, I was with Dr. Ang Tshiring Sherpa in Durban and the day started with Om mane padme hun. The next day at Umtata with Dr. Bimala Gaire started with a ding-ding of the religious bell (known as ghanti). Later on my way to Eastlondon, again I had an opportunity to bow my heads to a holy spirit with the melodious bhajan and the ding-ding sound in my ear with Baidya Family of East London. It was very nice to see Baidya family devoted to the Holy Spirit so intensely despite of the busy schedule, I saw them closely spiritual during the three days stay. As I respect every holy spirit and passing at places with varied beliefs I am honored by meeting individuals with attitude they show which are related with their culture, and of course, their beliefs.

With devoted mind, I headed ahead to Eastlondon and Lesotho after Umtata. I met a lot of Nepalese family on my may. Queensland and Eastlondon was the place where most of the Nepalese resided. And as I previously said, it started when Dr. Khima Sundar Gaire stepped to Transkai state in 1980. It was then when South Africa didn’t exist. Then, there were four states separated for black people- Transkai, Siskai, Venda and Boputswane. Dr Gaire had been here to serve as a doctor. Dr Bimala Gaire whom I met is the wife of Dr. Khima Sundar Gaire. I was unable to meet Mr. Gaire as he had been in Nepal.

Mrs. Bimala gaire, wife of Mr. Gaire came to Transkai in 1982 as second nepali and still the gaire family reside in Umtata. After Umtata, I headed to Eastlondon and on reaching Queenstown, I had a great welcome party at Dr Amar Deuja's home. Also I had a chance to meet family of Kumod Pal some of Nepalese friends.

Mr. Gaire was assigned as director of Transkei health department on 1990 and he have helped and motivated a lot of other Nepali medical practitioners to be in South Africa. Then, around 15-20 doctors came to Umtata, the capital of Transki. Dr Gulab Kaji Shrestha is one of them. Dr. Shrestha is a benevolent and cheerful person to whom I am obliged for the wonderful company and support he provided me. Shrestha had been here since 1993 and he has been serving as a family physicist these days. After a completion of his graduation he worked in Nepal for around 7 years. "The profession of Doctor is satisfactory in South Africa" exclaims Dr. Shrestha. He is currently living in Queenstown.

After 1994, all states were merged on the leadership of Nelson Mandela. Then, Nepalese doctors moved to various places like Durban, Cape town, Eastlondon, Queenstown, Bloomphuten etc. As Dr. Gulab Kaji shrestha said, the profession is satisfactory in South Africa and now days the young generation are too interested in taking the medical line. Many of them are very near to their destination. Doctors are motivated in South Africa with the well managed health system and the appropriate satisfaction level of job.

The Kwazulu Natal province is rich of Nepalese doctors; yet, other profession is also taken by some. Khadananda Pandey and Bimala Rayamajhi have been teaching since long and many other Nepalese have entered South Africa for other jobs as well. I would specially like to thank Mrs. Bimala Rayamajhi for her great help to meet other Nepalese in South Africa. It is a great pleasure to meet Nepalese in different professions.

Delighted by the company, I then headed to my 88th country Lesotho to add more numbers to my journey on. Shall be updating on my journey soon.

Peace and Harmony,
Furtemba Sherpa