In eastern Nepal, where some of the best-known Gurkha soldiers come from, a popular adage is that when enemies strike, don’t turn your back but face them to overcome.

That’s why when he was confronted by life’s challenges, 34-year-old Santa Kumar Wanem Limbu of Dhunge Sanghu, Taplejung, decided to hold his ground and protect his family. Limbu lost both his parents when he was 18.

As the eldest, he had to raise a family of 7: wife, three daughters, two siblings, and himself. With a land plot of just 20 ropanis (about 1 hectare) in the hills, he could barely support his family for six months from the produce, let alone find time and money to pursue his studies.

He dropped out of school in grade 10. Fighting the vicious circle of poverty in his own way, Limbu tried to supplement his income by doing odd jobs besides farming, but he never made enough. His struggle took a new turn a year and a half ago.