'Up to two thousand rupees are being earned a day by selling almonds'

”Despite having a yellow card issued by Koshi Rural Municipality for disabled people, I have not been able to avail the facilities. If government facilities were available, would life have been a little easier!”

पुस २५, २०८२

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'Up to two thousand rupees are being earned a day by selling almonds'

What you should know

I have this problem, where can I get rid of it? Many people like me do many things to make a living. Some of my friends are farmers. Some are laborers. Some are businessmen. But, everyone has the same dream: to manage their household expenses and keep their family happy. But, where does it happen as expected? Sometimes, many obstacles come in the journey of life. I am also a similar character.

I was born in Koshi Rural Municipality-1, Sunsari. We have a family of five. My wife Nalim, eldest daughter Shrujana, youngest daughter Sabini and son Anmol are precious. My journey so far has not been easy. At the age of 13, I started working at my uncle's Kalyan Chiura Mill. At that time, my left hand fell on the mill's fan. I was seriously injured.

I had to stay in the hospital for a year. But it did not heal quickly. The wound on my hand became infected. And as per the doctor's advice, my left hand had to be amputated. After losing my hand, it felt like my life had come to a standstill. For some time, I could not even think about what to do.

My cycle of grief did not end there. Then the health of my mother, who raised me, deteriorated. I was 17 years old at that time. My mother got cancer. She passed away at the age of 42 while undergoing treatment. My world became even darker. My mother's death tore me apart. After some time, I got myself together. Then I came to Rupandehi in search of work.

After losing my hand, it felt like my life had come to a standstill. For some time, I could not even think about what to do. I came here and stayed with my younger brother Dhanraj for a few months. Even with the help of one hand, I made a living by driving a rickshaw for some time. While I was struggling to survive, I met Nalim Lodh. As our meetings grew, love grew. Social norms, caste, and appearance could not stop our relationship.

I made a living by driving a rickshaw for many years. After the lockdown during the Corona pandemic, I stopped getting passengers and stopped driving a rickshaw. But, I was forced to earn money to eat in the morning and evening and to wear a sarong. And I started doing business according to the season. In the summer, I sell fruits and ice cream. In the winter, I earn by selling almonds. Now, I earn from 1500 to 2000 a day by selling almonds. With this income, 'Gans, Bas and Cotton' is running.

The eldest daughter Shrijna is studying in the 10th grade. The younger ones Sabini and Anmol study in a government school in Bhairahawa. I have no savings. The education of these children is my property. I am teaching them as best I can. My daughter is growing up. Seeing that, it makes me cold. I keep thinking about how I will meet the expenses for my daughters' wedding. Nevertheless, I am doing my best, and I am moving forward with the hope of showing off in the future.

I have a yellow card issued by Koshi Rural Municipality for people with disabilities. However, I have not been able to enjoy the facilities that I should have received for having an identity card. If government facilities were available, would life have been a little easier! Life has tested me a lot. I have never stopped smiling no matter what the situation is.

My wife Nalim stands by me in times of joy and sorrow. That has also increased my confidence. And being disabled is not a defeat, it gives me the belief that I can do the work that comes my way. Life does not stop until I give up. With hard work and dedication, life's difficulties can be overcome. The struggle I am going through can be an inspiration for others. My request to people like me is, 'Don't be discouraged because you have faced difficulties. Keep struggling and moving forward.' Happiness in life is a continuation.'

Presented by: Dipendra Baduwal

Published in the Household Expenses column Also read other materials

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