Lessons from Lower Chisang: Community, Connection, and What We Carry Home

Our last round of home visits was near the St. George primary school in Lower Chisang. However, one particular visit stood out among all, the conversation about life in the village. This home hosted an after-school program for St. George students, run by a young woman and her uncle. She made us some milk tea as we sat down to learn more about their lives. 

Luckily, since the lady spoke English, we had an easier time communicating with each other. Currently, her mother is living in Bhutan, across the Tangta River. Yet, the border has been closed since the COVID-19 pandemic. The border closed due to the rising political tensions between China and India. As a result, trades are closed and families are cut off. Seeing her mother is nearly impossible due to high expenses and long travel. Visitors must pay a +$400 Sustainable Development Fee, and the closest entry point is in Jaigaon, West Bengal, nearly 3 hours by car. Despite her mother living just on the opposite side of the valley, they remain divided. 

Talking to Uncle Rai, Panu, our insight coordinator, and he connected over the story of Panu's dad. He was a teacher in the village that only taught in English, with a straightforward expression. None of the students could ever understand him. 

When asking about what they like most about the village, they said most of the neighbors are close relatives and cousins. When you need something, someone is always willing to help you. You would do the same for your neighbors. If you lose your home to a landslide, the village will help you rebuild, just as you would for others. The unconditional love and care between them is strong, creating a harmonious connection between all. 

The harmony between the neighbors dates back hundreds of years, when the tribes in modern-day Bhutan were pushed out by the Bhutanese Empire in 1400 AD. The villages consist of the Rai Clan, Leapcha, and the Tamang tribe. They continue to live together today, brought together by shared hardship. These harmonious villages exist throughout north-eastern India and Nepal.

Seeing the vast knowledge Uncle had, I asked him, "What is one piece of life advice you have?". The uncle replied to live life practically. From the experiences and observations of how people work and live their lives, you learn something. Learn a piece of Chisang and apply it to your life. When you go back to the US, you can appreciate and apply these lessons. They should not remain as just a theoretical idea, but act and practise them, just like how he can learn something from us. Lessons are something we decide to learn; what we perceive and take away from experience is up to us. 

I'm glad to have visited this home to see a glimpse of their lives. I also got to know more about Panu and life in the village. We also learned the white dog's name, Uncle, who accompanied us throughout all the homes in Lower Chisang. We finished giving the last three water filters, concluding the last home visits of Team India 2025. We shall take these experiences home