SURKHET, July 7 -- Raute leader Surya Narayan had never imagined that he will one day work for money. The people of the endangered Raute community have neither been to school nor have engaged themselves in agricultural activities so far. However, they have been lately employed under the Prime Minister Employment Program (PMEP).

These days, doing labor is not an option but an obligation for the people of this last indigenous tribe. Karkat Sankranti which is celebrated on July 16 is the second biggest festival for the last nomadic tribe of Nepal. They receive a monthly allowance of Rs 2,000 each from the government. However, that is not enough for them to manage their expenses.

Earlier, they earned their living by selling wooden utensils;...