Jagat Bahadur Tajpuria 45, resident of Gaurijung Rural Municipality Jhapa faced significant challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020.

As the owner of a panipuri chatpate shop, he was forced to close his business due to lockdown restrictions. With no income and a family of five-including his wife, two daughters, and a son-he struggled to provide even basic meals for nearly a year.

As the fear of COVID-19 subsided and restrictions eased, Jagat Bahadur saw a chance to reopen his shop. He received financial and technical support from SNJD/LWF, along with a recommendation from the Gauriganj rural municipality. He attended a three-day training program on business operation and restoration, where he learned to create a solid business plan.

Using his limited savings, he invested NPR 5,000 to repair his cart and spent the remaining NPR 6,000 on essential ingredients and supplies.

Today, his business thrives, attracting a steady stream of customers who enjoy his delicious chatpates and panipuris, earning him between NPR 500 and NPR 800 daily. Grateful for the support he received, Jagat Bahadur describes SNJD/LWF as his guiding light during tough times.

He even took a loan from a cooperative to invest in his children’s education, confident in his ability to repay it through his successful shop. Jagat Bahadur’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and community support.