Karma Bhotia’s love for his home in Chyamtang, Nepal, has spread through town, and it now has been formalized with sister city proclamation that Mayor Dean Brookie signed Monday.
Bhotia led a trip last year to Chyamtang, a village in northeastern Nepal accessible only by a 40-mile path, to help rebuild a school. This spring he also set up a fund to help areas in Nepal affected by the earthquake.
He is hoping a sister-city relationship will continue to encourage cultural exchange between the two communities.
The people of Chyamtang sent an invitation in January for Durango to become a sister city, and it echoed this intent.
“From small beginnings, we hope this partnership will continue for many generations, fostering education, economic and professional exchanges,” it read.
Bhotia also hopes it can improve literacy and job-training opportunities in the village.
“Transformation of rural Chyamtang ... that is my dream,” he said.
Herald Staff
