Friday, October 16th, 2015

When Nepal passed it's new constitution back on September 20th, India disagreed with parts of it and to make their displeasure known, they began blocking the import of petrol (among other things) into Nepal.

In this time of scarcity, a new group has been established on Facebook called Carpool Kathmandu and they are posting great photos and stories about people helping each other get around.

I'm sharing a few of the fantastic photos below (the name of the photographers are below each photo). I love seeing the smiles and people helping each other through challenging times.

– Jack

"Helped her Today" Photo by मोनिका शर्मा — "Helped her Today"
Photo by मोनिका शर्मा

“He asked for direction and I dropped him to his final destination even I had to go different direction.”Photo by Roshan Shrestha — “He asked for direction and I dropped him to his final destination even I had to go different direction.”
Photo by Roshan Shrestha

“She was heading towards airport & I was heading towards Bhaktapur. She happily accepted my offer until Tinkune but I could not just leave her midway with no public vehicles passing by! So, I decided to drop her till her destination & I am g… — “She was heading towards airport & I was heading towards Bhaktapur. She happily accepted my offer until Tinkune but I could not just leave her midway with no public vehicles passing by! So, I decided to drop her till her destination & I am glad I did.”
Photo by Krishtina Adhikari

“As I was waiting at Jawlakhel - a young girl stopped her bike and asked me where I was going - luckily both of us were headed towards Bhaisipati and she offered me a lift. Throughout the way we hardly exchanged a few words but I managed to ask her whether she was a part of Carpool and her name - she is a member of this group and her name is Dipti so I would like to thank her for being a lifesaver today. I had nothing to offer to her except thanks when I got dropped however, I would like to wish you all the very best Dipti and may you get whatever you wish for.”

— Santoshi Rana

“My mom, bhai and I were at Nagpokhari yesterday waiting for any vehicle to take us to Kathmandu Mall/Sundhara.Public vehicles were all super full and any private vehicle with available seats would simply drive past with the driver focused ahead, a… — “My mom, bhai and I were at Nagpokhari yesterday waiting for any vehicle to take us to Kathmandu Mall/Sundhara.

Public vehicles were all super full and any private vehicle with available seats would simply drive past with the driver focused ahead, avoiding any eye contact with us.

A car stops and half sceptical, half hopeful but a little nervous, I decided to approach it.
Dai : Ka jane ho?
Me : Hernus na Dai, Kathmandu Mall, Sundhara tira janu parne..
Dai : Basnus.

Omg. We felt so, SO blessed!
I had read of others' Carpooling stories but didn't think I'd be lucky enough to share mine. Thank you Arjun Mama for making that come true! Bless you and your family!

*I learnt that his name is 'Arjun' and coincidentally, one of my mother's brother's name is also 'Arjun'. He was on his way to his shop in New Road.*
' Share a ride, gift a smile. '

Happy Dashain 2072, everyone!
Hope we can all continue to share hardships and rides with each other and gift smiles and hope to one another!”
Photo by Menuka Maggie Gurung

“Thank u very much for giving lift.”Photo by Pradeep Jung Kc — “Thank u very much for giving lift.”
Photo by Pradeep Jung Kc

“Now I’m going on Dashain Vacation and I have 8 liters petrol from my bike. I’m going on public bus and don’t need it till Tihar if any one urgently needs like for hospital, for disabled then can inbox me. thank you.”

— Min Thapa