Ganga Bahadur Rai, a 44-year-old visually impaired resident of Kachankawal Rural Municipality Ward No. 2, has emerged as a symbol of determination, advocacy, and justice for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Jhapa district.
Despite living a childhood filled with discrimination, inadequate educational support, and societal exclusion, his resilience and unwavering spirit have transformed his life into a journey of empowerment—not just for himself, but for countless others.
Born and raised in the former Pathariya VDC, Ganga Bahadur’s early life was marked by numerous challenges. As a student with visual impairment, he lacked access to disability-friendly educational materials and environments. In addition, he was often bullied by his peers and underestimated by society. However, his determination never wavered. He pursued his education diligently, eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree from Mechi Multiple Campus.
It was during his college years that his activism began to take root. Joining the Netrahin Sangh Jhapa chapter, he started working in the disability rights movement in 2000. Climbing the organizational ladder, he served in various capacities, including as Joint Secretary. Yet, district-level leadership was not enough for Ganga Bahadur. Witnessing the terrible conditions faced by PwDs in his own village, he returned to Pathariya to bring change at the grassroots level.
Upon his return, he founded the Pathariya Disability Society, working in close coordination with Nari Bikash Sangh and LWF Nepal to raise awareness and initiate income-generating programs. Ganga credits these experiences, particularly the capacity-building and advocacy initiatives organized by the organization, with empowering him to believe in his potential to make a meaningful difference. These early engagements ignited a deeper purpose within him and laid the foundation for his lifelong mission.
He later became involved in one of the self-help groups formed under the project, where he began saving regularly and participating in startup-supported income-generating activities. When a cooperative was established in Pathariya by SNJD/LWF, he joined as a member and remains actively involved to this day. He believes the cooperative model has been crucial in promoting financial independence for marginalized individuals, including PwDs.
With the implementation of Nepal’s federal structure in 2022, Ganga Bahadur took another bold step by co-founding the Kachankawal Disability Organization. This organization, registered with the District Administration Office in Jhapa, became a vital platform for advocating the rights of PwDs. It received promotional, capacity building and institutional support from SNJD/LWF, which helped establish a PwD Help Desk—a crucial service unit assisting PwDs in accessing essential services within the rural municipality.
Ganga’s personal development also continued through his regular participation in training programs and events organized by SNJD. “Even today, each training session I attend with SNJD inspires me to do more for my community,” he reflects. “I’ve come to believe that small, collective actions can spark significant, long-lasting change.”
Today, Ganga Bahadur serves as the Chairperson of Ward Committee–Ward No. 2 and an Executive Member of Kachankawal OPD. Recognizing the need for PwDs to be represented within the justice system, he applied for an 8-day Reconciler Training announced by the Judicial Committee of Kachankawal Rural Municipality. With support from the Committee Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the rural municipality, he was accepted into the program and became the first certified Reconciler with a disability in Jhapa district.
In just two months following his certification, Ganga Bahadur successfully mediated a property dispute involving a person with disability, ensuring justice was served with sensitivity and fairness. His involvement has not only broken barriers but has also inspired many within and beyond his community.
“I am grateful to be a part of SNJD. The organization has continuously believed in people like me and helped us believe in ourselves,” he shares. “Their support has been instrumental in everything we’ve achieved, and I hope they continue walking alongside us in the future. I am thankful for SNJD/LWF for the continuous support.”
Ganga Bahadur Rai’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. From a bullied student with limited access to resources to a community leader and certified mediator, his life is a journey of transformation and empowerment. His work continues to light the path for others with disabilities, proving that inclusion, justice, and dignity are achievable through commitment, courage, and community collaboration.