Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world. A quarter of the population lives on less than US$0.50 per day. About 36% of the country’s children under the age of 5 are stunted mainly due to chronic hunger.*5 Mortality rates are high, especially in remote mountain villages where people die of common diseases. I have experienced this first-hand since my own mother passed away because of a minor, treatable disease called jaundice.
The feeling of helplessness is what pushed me to become a healthcare and social worker.
I first started working with health camps in 2009. Since then, I have traveled all over Nepal and have conducted health camps in more than 50 areas. When a massive earthquake hit the region on the 25th of April 2015, I fundraised, organized rescue missions, and chartered helicopters into remote mountain villages where no aid could otherwise reach.
The next year, I was able to build a health clinic in my village, and since then, there has been a positive change in the daily life of the people living there. Not just because fewer people are dying from treatable diseases, but also because everyone has become more aware of their health and daily hygiene. I feel it is also about giving people hope that there is somebody to lean on when in trouble, especially concerning health issues. This helps them find everyday happiness.
I owe my health and education to my guru, Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. When I was 7 years old, my parents arranged for me to go into a Buddhist monastery in Kathmandu, knowing that I would be well looked after and would get a good education. As a simple Buddhist monk and medic, my path in life is to follow my guru’s teachings and serve his purpose of helping and benefiting others. He says, “No matter how learned you are or whatever skill set you possess, it should always be used for the benefit of others.” This has remained deep in my heart and has basically become a mantra of my life.
Knowing how poor most of the citizens of my country are, I would like to see a world where nobody has to die or suffer because of simple, treatable diseases. I will continue my activities to see everyone in every corner of my country get the basic and primary health care they deserve. A healthier and happier Nepal. That is what I dream of.
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