BAJURA, APRIL 12

The 31-year-old Birendra Sarki, a resident of Kot Gotri in Jagannath Rural Municipality 6 of Bajura, faces immense challenges due to his physical disability and financial constraints.

Seven years ago, while working as a wage laborer in India, Birendra suffered a spinal cord injury, rendering him entirely immobile from the waist down. Ever since, he has depended on a wheelchair, initially provided by his former employer but now dilapidated after years of use.

Unable to afford a new wheelchair, Birendra has resorted to repairing the old one, using it as his sole means of mobility. However, the wheelchair's condition severely hampers his daily life, making basic tasks such as going to the toilet a daunting ordeal. Despite his efforts to seek assistance for a new wheelchair, Birendra's pleas have gone unanswered in his impoverished community nestled in the remote area of Bajura.

The financial burden weighs heavily on Birendra's family, consisting of his wife, two young children, and elderly parents.

With Birendra unable to work and other family members struggling to earn a livelihood. The burden falls heavily on his wife Kalasa, who shoulders the responsibility of being the primary breadwinner. Working as a daily laborer, she strives to put food on their table amidst their financial struggles.

Their financial constrains also make it impossible to afford basic amenities such as a proper toilet suited for Birendra's physical limitations.

Birendra's children - Kirshna Sarki (10) and Sarmila Sarki (7) - also experience educational setbacks due to financial limitations. Krisha is studying in class 2 while sharmila is studying in class 1.