Kathmandu, April 21 -- The sound of brass gong from the Ghantaghar, which literally translates to 'bell tower' in Nepali, reverberates through the surrounding areas every hour. The five-storey white monument stands right across Kathmandu's Rani Pokhari, and within the premises of Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus. Situated in the heart of the city, the tower that was built in 1894 has been keeping track of changing times--quite literally.

For the past 124 years, Ghantaghar has been projecting accurate time--with occasional dysfunctions--throughout the years. But that may change soon, as the man who ensured that the monumental time teller is up and running is set to retire.

"Initially I was employed as an electrician for Tri-Chandra Campus in ...