Khagendra Thapa Magar: World's Smallest Boy Being Exploited by His Parents

Khagendra Thapa Magar is reportedly the smallest boy in the world. He is 10 and a half inches tall, and weighs only 10 pounds. He is a fourteen year old boy living in Nepal. Not too long after his birth it became obvious that Khagendra was not developing correctly. He didn't start walking until he was 8 years old. By the time he was 11 years old he had stopped growing all together.

This child may need funds for his medical needs, but I find the way in witch his parents are funding their income is totally inappropriate. The first point I wish to address is the report on how this boy wants his name in the Guinness Book of Records for being the smallest person in the world. I don't think it was this 14 year old boy who came up with this idea, it was his parents idea in the first place. Why do his parent's want him featured in this book? Publicity and to line their own pockets, of course. This book won't even consider the boy until he is 18 years of age as they want to wait to see if there are any further developments. The Khagendra Thapa Magar Foundation was set up to raise funds supposedly to help the boy. The website boasts funds will be raised for the boys medical needs, the money will help get him into the Guinness Book of records, and to aid in the rehabilitation of Khagendra, and disabled people in general. Does the website do all that it sets out to do, or is this yet another link in the chain to make money for other people?

The worst part, in my opinion, is that his parents put him on public display nationwide. This is a hypocritical choice as at first they hid their son from the public eye as they were ashamed of him. They now set up exhibitions where tourists can come and see the smallest boy in the world. His parent charge a fee for people who want to see him dance and sing in an exhibition type environment. Why would you put your child on public display like some kind of animal? Of course, it's for the money. Does the money actually help the child? I hope that some of the funds are used for the boy to see a counselor, after his mind is messed up through his parents lack of care and judgment. Yes, this 14 year old boy needs help, but it should not be help at the expense of his pride and dignity.