In the heart of Bhaktapur, Nepal, a retired political science college teacher, Ram Narayan Prajapati, has been engaging in a side business since his teaching career. His decades-long career in academia has given way to a quieter yet equally meaningful existence. Nowadays, his days are filled with a curious blend of activities—dusting off carefully crafted artifacts, engaging in insightful conversations with customers, and delving into the profound teachings of Buddhism.
For over thirty years, he stood at the forefront of political discourse not only in teaching, but his approach to patriotism diverges sharply from conventional politicians. His patriotism takes the form of a steadfast commitment to showcasing Nepal’s homegrown treasures to the world instead of relying on foreign imports. His small store is a testament to this philosophy, offering Lokta paper, wooden carvings, and vibrant deity facemasks as souvenirs.
His home, where he resides with his family and operates his store, is a living embodiment of tradition. Constructed using the age-old techniques of brick, clay, and timber, it stands as a tribute to Nepal’s architectural heritage.
The core of his daily routine revolves around manufacturing, printing, and selling Lokta paper products. Additionally, he dedicates himself to collecting an array of wooden statues, from miniature to life-sized, antique wooden windows, and ancient carved wooden pillars. This might sound like a continuation of a family legacy, but he has added his unique touch to these trades. While his printing press employs traditional letterpress methods, he has integrated screen printing to modernize the business.
His unwavering passion for traditional Lokta paper products is rooted in their pure Nepalese heritage, self-sufficiency, and environmental friendliness. He has been promoting this tradition since 1990. In his store, you’ll also find a book penned by his son, proudly displayed on the shelves. Moreover, he offers poster-sized prints featuring the Kathmandu Valley’s World Heritage Sites and Buddhist deities, showcasing the versatility of Lokta paper. The business caters to packaging products, calendars, postcards, notebooks, and custom orders, all proudly bearing the mark of Nepal’s cultural richness.
But this man’s story isn’t just about commerce; it’s about resilience and determination. He once locked horns with the local municipality over the construction of his house. Rather than yielding, he embraced traditional Newa building practices. Defying the odds, he built a structure that has stood the test of time, surviving even the 2015 earthquake unscathed. His unwavering confidence and deep-rooted Buddhist philosophy have been guiding lights in his life.
Guides often bring tourists to witness his collection of life-sized Buddhist statues and the stories of Jatak Katha, which adorn his house’s pillars, studs, and stairs. Sadly, the true architectural gem that is his house often goes unnoticed, overshadowed by the tourist hotspots.
His commitment to preserving the art of traditional Lokta paper production is a rarity in today’s world. A retired college teacher dedicating himself to these time-honored practices and keeping authentic Nepalese products in the spotlight for international tourists is a testament to his unwavering spirit.
All photos in this article are credited to: Anil Ranjit.
