Bhutanese Refugee Oral History

12/24/2025

Who gave the name Pancha-Oti English School in Beldangi?

Historical facts: Following a discussion i initiated in 2023, I had the chance to delve further into the subject. Tek Bir Chhetri/TB Chhetri (whose original name is Tek Kadaria) conceptualized and coined the name "Pancha-Oti" in January 1992. This initiative began in the Maidhar refugee camp and was subsequently transferred to Beldangi II when the refugees relocated from Maidhar to the latter camp. Tek Bir dai's idea was to name the school in accordance with the place where the Pandavas lived during their exile imposed by the Kauravas. At that time, Tek Bir dai was unaware of the name of that specific place. He consulted with Naina Sing Poudyel, originally from Lapsibotey, Chirang, Bhutan who is no longer with us physically, and it was discovered that 'Pancha-Oti' was the name of the place where the Pandavas had to live in exile, thus the name for the school!

03/10/2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9G81HYqTx8

Lila Maya Thapa who was born in March 1930 emigrated from Taplejung in Nepal to Bhutan. She was six years old when she left Nepal. In this exclusive interview, she narrates the treacherous journey and sheds some light to early settlements of Nepali-speaking dissents in Bhutan. Lila passed away on Feb 9, 2022 in Roanoke, Virginia.

Note -- this rare footage is original and unedited for authenticity purpose.
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Interviewer: TP Mishra
Technical asst./videographer: Rohit Pokhrel
Location of interview: Tri-Ratna Secondary school, Beldangi-II refugee camp, Jhapa, Nepal
Interview date: 2009.

Lila Maya Thapa who was born in March 1930 emigrated from Taplejung in Nepal to Bhutan. She was six years old when she left Nepal. In this exclusive intervie...