Anahata Iradah with Bright Nepal girls, April 2013
My journey with Pabitra Lama began in 1997 when we met at her small shop at the Bouda Stupa in Katmandu, Nepal. I knew we would become life long friends. I wanted to help and support her project in any way that I could. We set up a small business whereby I would purchase items from her and sell during my teaching events.The proceeds from the sales allowed Pabitra to do the work that she had always dreamed of……that of supporting children who had no other means of supporting themselves.
Pabitra was born and raised in the countryside, received no formal education and saw abject poverty. When she married her husband she came to Bouda, Kathmandu and vowed to help as many as she could from remote villages to receive an education and to give them opportunities she herself did not realize as a child.
Her husband was a deeply religious man and supported Pabitra in her social and humanitarian work. First of all their house in Bouda filled up with children. I myself and the organization I worked with at that time (Tara Dhatu) helped to find sponsors for the children. We knew that the time would come when there was not enough room to accommodate all of the children that were in need of help and support. Bright Nepal, an NGO, was formed to support this vision of educating girls who are in dire circumstances.
Pabitra told me that she hears of a child in need in a remote village. She herself goes to check out and evaluate the situation. At first when she did this the villages suspected her of being involved in the sex trade in same way. They were suspicious of her motives, but over the years she has earned their trust and support. She only helps when there is no other choice and nobody in the village can take proper care of the child. Then she brings them to Bouda. Living in the house under one roof with a guardian at this moment are 13 girls. Pabitra wants the girls to have equal opportunity to study, eat and live.
Our mission is to continue to help stabilize and support Bright Nepal as a hostel in Bouda, Kathmandu for "at risk" girls in Nepal. We envision in the near future being able to also create a space in the countryside to house senior single women who have no family or home. We will match each "grandmother" with a surrogate "granddaughter" from Bright Nepal. This relationship will not only be beneficial for both parties but allow for opportunity to garden and take care of chickens, goats etc.
Pabitra's great common sense allows the project to grow in a sustainable way! She is an amazing human being and it has been my great honor to work with her over these many years. We deepen in friendship and my commitment to the ideals of Bright Nepal never wavers.
Thank you so much for your interest and support of this amazing project of love and service that will help transform our world into a better place
With my love, gratitude and respect,
Anahata
Pabitra was born and raised in the countryside, received no formal education and saw abject poverty. When she married her husband she came to Bouda, Kathmandu and vowed to help as many as she could from remote villages to receive an education and to give them opportunities she herself did not realize as a child.
Her husband was a deeply religious man and supported Pabitra in her social and humanitarian work. First of all their house in Bouda filled up with children. I myself and the organization I worked with at that time (Tara Dhatu) helped to find sponsors for the children. We knew that the time would come when there was not enough room to accommodate all of the children that were in need of help and support. Bright Nepal, an NGO, was formed to support this vision of educating girls who are in dire circumstances.
Pabitra told me that she hears of a child in need in a remote village. She herself goes to check out and evaluate the situation. At first when she did this the villages suspected her of being involved in the sex trade in same way. They were suspicious of her motives, but over the years she has earned their trust and support. She only helps when there is no other choice and nobody in the village can take proper care of the child. Then she brings them to Bouda. Living in the house under one roof with a guardian at this moment are 13 girls. Pabitra wants the girls to have equal opportunity to study, eat and live.
Our mission is to continue to help stabilize and support Bright Nepal as a hostel in Bouda, Kathmandu for "at risk" girls in Nepal. We envision in the near future being able to also create a space in the countryside to house senior single women who have no family or home. We will match each "grandmother" with a surrogate "granddaughter" from Bright Nepal. This relationship will not only be beneficial for both parties but allow for opportunity to garden and take care of chickens, goats etc.
Pabitra's great common sense allows the project to grow in a sustainable way! She is an amazing human being and it has been my great honor to work with her over these many years. We deepen in friendship and my commitment to the ideals of Bright Nepal never wavers.
Thank you so much for your interest and support of this amazing project of love and service that will help transform our world into a better place
With my love, gratitude and respect,
Anahata
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