PANCHTHAR: In a remarkable gesture of community spirit, 97-year-old Jas Bahadur Khewang of Parewadanda, Yangwarak Rural Municipality-6, Panchthar, has gifted his village a newly constructed view tower.
A retired British Army soldier, Khewang has dedicated the past 50 years of his life to serving his community. Using his personal savings, he built the view tower at a cost of Rs 1.5 million, recognizing the scenic potential of Parewadanda, which offers sweeping views of Panchthar, Taplejung, and Tehrathum from its location near the Pushpalal (Mid-Hill) Highway.
The tower was formally inaugurated by Baba Menyangbo, Vice-Chairperson of Yangwarak Rural Municipality, during a community celebration held on the occasion of Khewang’s 97th birthday.
The event was jointly organized by the local ward office and villagers, who honored Khewang for his continued service and contributions to the area.
“He has provided financial and moral support for health care, household needs, and infrastructure development, especially for economically disadvantaged families,” said Ward Chairman Amrit Bahadur Yonghang. “His contributions go far beyond this tower.”
Vice-Chairperson Menyangbo praised Khewang as a source of inspiration, noting that despite having opportunities to live in the UK, he chose to remain in the village and serve the community.
“It’s our good fortune to have someone like him who could have lived abroad but chose to dedicate his life to the village,” Menyangbo said.
Khewang’s legacy of service extends to his family—his sons Ganesh Bahadur and Dal Bahadur both served in the British Army, retiring as Lieutenant and Gorkha Major, respectively.
Born in Taplejung, Khewang’s family settled in Chittok, Panchthar and ater joined the British Army in Darjeeling, India. “People ask me to live in Dharan, Kathmandu, or Darjeeling—but I feel happiest here,” he said.
The newly built view tower includes a resting area and mobile charging facilities. Locals say the tower offers views of Aathrai in Tehrathum, several villages in Taplejung, and stretches of the Nepal-India border near Chiwabhanjyang, making it both a community asset and a potential tourism attraction.
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