KATHMANDU: When Sikandar Husmadi (30), a resident of Nawalparasi district, came to Kathmandu, he had a big dream of earning a fair amount for feeding and educating his five children and living a good life.

But destiny had something else in store for him. Now, a stone carver, Sikandar has been searching the meaning of life in stones from the past 10 years.

Working from dawn to dusk nearby his residence in Balaju, Sikandar says he has been managing to run his family with his profession. And now, after carving various human emotions and feelings on the stone, he prefers continuing with the same.

"Every profession you opt for is difficult to some extent," he says. "It's also my compulsion to like this profession as starting with the other at this juncture is simply irrevelant."

According to him, he has been making a profit of Rs 100 to 300 a day by selling carved stones (mortar and pestles).

Although the stone carving job fetches a good income, prestige, and sometimes name too, elsewhere, the situation is not favourable here, he says. "Now, my profession has been hepling me manage for the livelihood anyway," he adds.

His wife Laxmi Husmadi, too, has also been following his footsteps, while helping him.

"But, I'm worried about the future of my four sons and daughter," Sikandar says. Among them, three of his children study in Star Academy in Balaju. He pays Rs 1,500 per month for their fees.

Sikandar says he wants their children to study more and earn name and fame in the society in future. "I don't want them to follow my footsteps. They should become doctor and help the helpless," he says.