KATHMANDU: A family in Shuklaphanta Municipality–12, Kanchanpur, has been overwhelmed with joy after a Facebook video revealed that their son—missing for 18 years—is alive.

Dambar Bahadur Negi’s family had long lost hope of finding their son, Deepak Negi, who disappeared at the age of 18 while in India for work. Now 36, Deepak has finally reconnected with his family, sparking emotional scenes and renewed hope for reunion.

According to the family, Deepak had traveled to Himachal Pradesh with a relative in search of employment due to their weak financial condition. While working there, he fell ill and left saying he was going to the hospital—but never returned. Since then, all contact was lost, and despite years of searching through relatives and acquaintances, his whereabouts remained unknown.

Over time, the family was left in uncertainty, eventually fearing the worst.

In a dramatic turn of events, a Nepali man working in a yak shed in the remote Leh–Ladakh region of India encountered Deepak. During their conversation, Deepak identified himself as “Deepak (Deepu) Negi from Dekhatbhuli, Kanchanpur.” The man recorded a video including Deepak’s name, address, and condition, and uploaded it to Facebook.

The video quickly spread across social media and eventually reached the Negi family. Through police coordination, the information was relayed to the local ward office, enabling direct contact between the family and the individual who uploaded the video. Further communication was established via Facebook and phone calls.

Seeing their son’s face on a mobile screen after nearly two decades left the family stunned.

“It felt like God Himself brought us this news,” said father Dambar Bahadur Negi. “After so many years, hearing about my son is like getting a new life.”

Mother Manmati Negi described the moment as deeply emotional. “At first, I couldn’t believe it. But when I looked closely, I knew it was my son. I couldn’t speak—only tears came. Now, I’m anxiously waiting to meet him. The longing grows stronger every day,” she said.

The family has learned that Deepak has been suffering from mental health issues for several years. His employer in Ladakh has reportedly been arranging treatment. Despite limited resources, the family expressed gratitude for the care and support he has received.

Currently, the family remains in regular contact with Deepak through Facebook video calls. Still, they say it is hard to fully believe the reality.

“Hearing his voice and seeing him on video fills our hearts,” his father added. “If we can bring him home soon, all our pain will disappear.”

Preparations are now underway to bring Deepak back home. However, reaching the remote region of Ladakh requires significant time and financial resources. The family is arranging funds through loans and support from relatives.

Deepak’s elder brother and sister-in-law, who are working in Delhi, are planning to travel to Ladakh around the 20th of this month to bring him home.

Ward Chairperson Nawal Singh Rana said the information was received through police channels and coordinated with contacts in India. “This is a powerful example of how social media, especially Facebook, can positively reconnect families even after many years,” he noted.

Ward member Jai Singh Bhandari also shared that news of Deepak being alive has brought widespread happiness across the village.

Deepak is the middle son among three brothers. His elder and younger brothers are both employed in India, while his father works as a guard at a local community forest.

After nearly two decades of uncertainty, the Negi family is now counting the days until they can finally embrace their long-lost son once again.