Hoklabari is one of small village of Kanepokhari Rural Municipality-1, and there lived a woman named Sunita Tudu (40) who is a woman of unwavering determination. Sunita’s family consists of five members: herself, her husband, and their three daughters. They live in a modest house made up of bamboo and mud, and sometimes they struggle to fulfil the basic needs of the family. Due to the landlessness and limited resources, they relied on various sources of income to support their family. They have been doing lease-hold farming, and daily wages-based work for the survival of the family.
Sunita’s life took a challenging turn when she was diagnosed with a severe womb illness. Despite her own struggles, she focused on her family. Among them, Susma, born in 2014 as youngest daughter, faced unique difficulties. Though her birth was uneventful, her growth and development were far from normal. As the years passed, Susma’s physical condition did not improve. She didn’t respond to gestures or speak. Sunita sought solace in the divine, visiting temples and consulting local healers, hoping for a miracle.
When Susma turned four, a glimmer of hope emerged. With the help of her elder sister and kind-hearted neighbors, Susma began to play, slowly gaining some control over her limbs. She started to communicate in her own way, though her progress was slow and required constant support.
Sunita, a member of the Malibaha group, found solace in sharing her daughter’s story. The group members discussed and provided emotional support. Education was a pressing concern, and together, they approached a private school in which Susma was willing to admit. It was a beacon of hope in their challenging journey for Susma’s family.
The next step was to obtain a disability card for Susma. With the assistance of Nirmala, a dedicated social mobilizer from the Lutheran Community Welfare Society, they began the process. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their plans, delaying the procedure.
In 2023, a notice about a disability card campaign arrived which was conducted by Kanepokhari Rural Municipality. Nirmala informed Sunita, and together they took Susma to Bayarban Hospital for an evaluation. The card was granted, but due to communication barriers, they received it later than expected.
With the disability card in hand, Sunita promptly registered for social allowances, which she intended to invest in Susma’s education and treatment. Now, Susma has been receiving NRs. 9000/- on the basis of three-month intervals from the local government as an allowance for a disabled person. Sunita’s determination and love for her daughter shone through as she tirelessly worked to provide the best for Susma, often spending her hard-earned money on medical expenses.
Though challenges loomed, Sunita’s hope never wavered. She yearned for more information about disabilities and rights, recognizing that knowledge could be a powerful ally. She expressed gratitude for Nirmala’s support in navigating the health insurance process.
Sunita says “I am grateful for the support from the Lutheran Community Welfare Society and Nirmala, the dedicated social mobilizer, and expressed my wish for continued assistance, especially in navigating health insurance procedures. I recognized that with their help, my daughter’s path to recovery would be smoother.”
As the days passed, Sunita’s dedication and Susma’s resilience continued to inspire their community. Together, the family faced each challenge head-on, knowing that their love and determination would light the path towards a brighter future for Susma.