When a Community Shows Up: A Field Reflection from Pulchowk

[Ayush Malla]

On 30th December 2025, I visited Pulchowk Community in Simaltuda to conduct SALT conversations along with my fellow community facilitator from UniCoN. The day felt different from our usual field visits, mainly because it was Tamu Loshar. Although it is not celebrated by most people in the community, many residents had taken a break from work to spend time with their families, which changed the entire atmosphere of the place.

That day, Pulchowk truly felt like a community. People were everywhere, something I rarely see during regular visits. Some were sitting outside enjoying the winter sun, others were playing cards, while many were simply spending time with their families. There was laughter, movement, and warmth in the air. It was one of the few times I had seen so many people present and visible in that community.

Usually, when we visit as community facilitators, we hear concerns about lack of unity. In some ways, that was still true. Most people were gathered in their own small groups, often limited to close neighbors. Yet, the feeling was different from usual. Even within those small circles, there was a sense of comfort and belonging that is often missing on regular days.

What stood out the most to me, however, was not the festive mood or the crowd, but a quiet act of collective care. In the past, we had often noticed a few young men roaming around the community drunk, shouting, and creating disturbance. A few days before our visit, one young man, around 24 or 25 years old, became seriously ill. While the exact cause was unclear, many community members believed it was related to excessive alcohol consumption. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

What followed challenged the common narrative of disunity in Pulchowk. Community members came together to support him and his family. Not everyone agreed, but many contributed money, visited his home, and took turns offering help during this difficult time. The same community often described as divided showed compassion, responsibility, and solidarity when it mattered most.

This experience reminded me that unity does not always look organized or loud. Sometimes, it appears quietly, in moments of crisis, when people choose to stand together despite their differences. That day in Pulchowk helped me see the community beyond its problems and notice the strength that already exists within it.

[Ayush Malla]

Thanks for asking, Ritu. One of the strengths I noticed in the Pulchowk community is the willingness of people to come together during times of need. Even though there are small groups and occasional disagreements, when it mattered—like supporting the young man who got seriously ill—they showed compassion, solidarity, and a sense of responsibility. It reminded me that unity can sometimes be quiet but very powerful.

[Rituu B. Nanda]

What strengths have you noticed in this community Ayush?