Passang Sherpa, a resident of New York, USA, and a frontline worker during the COVID-19 pandemic, has penned a memoir titled “Behind the Mask,” set for release soon in English. Notably, Sherpa has already published the Nepali version of this memoir, making his poignant reflections accessible to Nepali-speaking readers ahead of its upcoming English debut.
Written by Sherpa, this evocative work encapsulates the struggles, pain, and profound impact of the global health crisis on everyday life, particularly in New York City—the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States. The book recounts the resilient story of battling the coronavirus outbreak, offering a poignant and precise reflection of the challenges faced and the experiences endured. Sherpa has shared that the memoir highlights the plight of communities, especially in New York, grappling with the pandemic’s effects while weaving in social issues and the lived realities of its people.
Sherpa, a well-known lyricist and hairstylist based in Jackson Heights, where he runs Passang Striking Style, sprang into action as soon as the pandemic struck. A steadfast supporter of the Nepali community, he worked tirelessly in the field, delivering not only medicine, masks, and thermometers to the sick and vulnerable but also groceries and other essentials to those in need. His commitment to service, however, extended beyond the pandemic.
Sherpa considers helping others a fundamental human duty, a principle he has lived by without seeking recognition or fanfare. From cutting hair for free at senior homes to extending a helping hand to struggling individuals from Nepal to the United States, he has consistently stepped up to support those in distress.
During an interview conducted amid the crisis, Sherpa reflected on his efforts: “I didn’t get involved in social work in a planned way. Whenever there was a need, I went into the field. Initially, I stayed home for 10 days in self-isolation because a colleague at my workplace tested positive. After that, I couldn’t stay indoors—I felt a strong urge to help those in trouble.”
He began by stepping out to buy and deliver groceries, later joining a volunteer group focused on COVID-19 awareness and support. “From then on,” he explained, “whenever needed, I went out to deliver medicine, thermometers, and masks to the sick, groceries to those struggling, and even distributed supplies to students.”
One striking memory from his fieldwork underscores the fear that gripped New York: “I went to deliver groceries to a house. When I called the person to come down to the lobby, they were too scared to leave their room and asked me to bring it upstairs. I didn’t mind—I took it up. But looking back, I wonder if I was foolish to take such risks.” Sherpa viewed his contributions as a moral calling, emphasizing the unity of his team: “We rose above caste, religion, and politics to help each other. Our team distributed food and supplies to students six times. Being part of that felt like fulfilling my responsibility.”
“Behind the Mask” covers a broad spectrum of experiences: life before the coronavirus struck, the confinement of lockdown, the relief efforts that emerged, and the transition to a post-lockdown world. The memoir serves as both a personal account and a broader message of hope and resilience, making it a meaningful read for many. It lays bare the fears, sorrows, and stories of the pandemic, shedding light on its deep influence on daily life and society.
Beyond his literary and volunteer work, Passang Sherpa has a rich creative history. Before “Behind the Mask,” he gained recognition as a lyricist. His songs have made their mark in the music industry. To date, at least six of his songs have been released, with nearly half a dozen more either recorded and awaiting release or in the process of being recorded. His first song, sung by Lakpa Sherpa, was recorded more than two decades ago and became widely popular.
Sherpa’s journey to the United States began in December 2004 when he arrived and faced the struggles of an immigrant. After enduring hardships, he took up hairdressing, opening Passang Striking Style in 2012. Today, it’s a well-established brand, and Sherpa is a celebrated Nepali hairstylist in New York.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
