03 April 2019, Kathmandu
A Chinese used social media to raise 200,000 rupees for the homeless victims in the storm disaster of Southern Nepal.
Yee Liang, one of China’s most popular travel writers on Nepal and South Asia has been in Kathmandu, Nepal for more than five years and experienced the 2015 earthquake as well. He updates his WeChat blog every day, with millions of Chinese readers.
As he profoundly loves the culture and people of Nepal, he has traveled to the Terai region many times, including Bardia, Chitwan, Lumbini, Birgunj, Janakpur, KoshiTappu, and Biratnagar and so on.
He was deeply moved by the severe typhoon that hit the Bara and Parsa districts of Southern Nepal, causing at least 31 deaths and more than 600 injuries.
After reading the article “Here is How You Can Help the Victims of Storms in Southern Nepal” on Kathmandu Post, he decided to do something for the people of Southern Nepal. Therefore, he proposed to his fans on the social media with the title “Helping Those Injured in the Windstorm in Nepal”, hoping to raise some funds to help the homeless after the disaster.
He wrote in the text:
“The Southern part of Nepal is generally referred to as Terai, meaning low ground. My favorite Nepalese architecture Janaki Mandir is there. Many village houses are decorated with Mithila art. You can drink masala soda there and celebrate Holi festival a day after the hill region.
I am very fond of the Terai region, which is often out of the radar of Chinese and other foreign tourists. The Terai people are strong and cheerful despite the poverty and harsh climate. Every picture I took with them is filled with smiles.
Now, they have lost their homes and family members, and their bodies and minds have been hurt. I want to help them.
If you are willing to help, I will be deeply grateful. ”
In return he got many surprising responses. His Chinese readers have been found to support the victims openheartedly. In just one night, Yee received donations worth Rs. 200,000. The amount was contributed by thousands of people donating hundreds or thousands of rupees per person.
Initially, he had expected a fund of 50,000 rupees. But then, the support of the Chinese helping hands encouraged him to announce the aid officially. So, he contacted the Nepalese government and is ready to donate this money to the victims.
While asking about his volunteered contribution, he replied, “I just followed my heart’s calling. I really like Southern Nepal as everything is fascinating there”. He added, “I am extremely grateful to my readers for their contribution.”
He further said, “Now the relationship between Nepal and China is getting closer and closer, and I believe that more Chinese will come to like Nepal in the future. We love the great civilization here and love the lovely people here.”
Yee Liang sincerely hopes that people will understand that in addition to commercial or political interests, there are many Chinese who love Nepal from the heart.
