Tharu community includes those inhabitants of Terai and inner Madhesh who have been living in Nepal for centuries and who also made their invaluable contribution in nation-building by participating in the military forces of King Prithvi Narayan Shah during the unification of Nepal. When
Terai region was in chaos due to the prevalence of
malaria, other
mosquito-borne diseases and natural catastrophes, Tharu community played a crucial role in the development of settlement and greenery in the region. At present, this community is listed as "Adibasi Janajati" (Indigenous Nationalities). In spite of being the 4th largest community, they have remained backward in various sectors. Tejulal (T.L.) Chaudhary, who belongs to this downtrodden community, is a young social worker, educationist and proficient politician who has been elected as a member of parliament for 3 times in a row from Saptari district. ==References==