Dear Diary,

Over these past few days, since I openly shared my breast cancer diagnosis under the theme “My Pink Journey”, I have received so many messages and calls. While I cannot possibly respond to each one individually, please know this: I read every single message. From the bottom of my heart, I am truly thankful for every word of concern, act of care, and loving wish. Thank you, everyone.

Despite this difficult news, "The SHOW must go on..." — and so I went to Sakela-2026, one of the very important and main festivals of the RAI people. where I set up my candle stall selling hand-poured, traditional claypot candles. For me, this is far more than just a business. It is an initiative —a way to connect with nature, with people, and, most importantly, to support education back home—guided by my belief: “By Trade, Not Aid.” This is why I started the Junkiri Initiative. I registered it with a simple, heartfelt goal: to share authentic, raw, and rustic claypot candles with love, care and kindness to the environment. These are not just claypot candles….they carry my childhood memories, my love for tradition, and the warmth of home — an emotional journey I am so proud to share.

Also, happy to share that, after completely selling out at my stall at Global Academy on 9th May, I was thrilled that every single candle SOLD OUT again at Sakela! event.

Actually, what matters most to me is not just the sales, but why people bought them. It wasn’t just to support me—they support artisans and education back home, too.  Every single word as they told me 'how unique, organic, and truly sustainable clay pot candles are'. That fills me with so much hope and encouragement. I cannot thank everyone enough for your love and support for Junkiri.

I also want to say a special thank you to Kishore Bhai (Buddha Mortgage) for kindly offering the tent and space, and Sangey Lama (Aama Pasal) for providing the table. I know I am on a journey to build my dream, and even though this CA news came along the way, I will never lose hope. Like the junkiri light, I am determined to shine bright — even in the darkest moments of my life.

I must admit that each and every one’s motivated message lifts my spirit so much. Especially, like, CA survivor Kalpana Angbuhang Didi wrote to me: “Breast Cancer is nowadays Cold and Cough, don't worry bahini…” — words that feel like a warm, comforting hug. Thus, I don’t feel sad, and I don’t want anyone to feel ‘SORRY’ for me or tell me to “Be strong”. I am already STRONG enough.

I may be a little stubborn, however, please remind me to ‘pause’ now and then, I won’t mind at all! for that, but not ‘Sorry’, having said that, never stop writing to me or saying hello!

Oh, and I almost forgot! A big thank you to Er. Udip Kirat, held me to fit in a special spot at Zero Hours. And thank you so much to KRY-UK.

Lastly, my daughter Ridima and her friend helped me throughout the day, and Ridima pampered me and cared for me like a child. What more could I ever ask from God? I have no complaints at all.

Once again, thank you ever so much! Everyone!

Love,

Lara x