NATIONAL 9 (Spotlight Weelky)]

Commitment Pays

Narayan Shrestha dedicates his life to the fulfillment of Health and Education of Nepal

By Aruna Singh Pradhan

Many go abroad and never come back to their motherland. Some who return, get frustrated by the corruption in the country and run back to greener pastures. Few stick it out and persist to use what they've learnt abroad in the country where it is most needed. Narayan Shrestha is one of these few.

Mr. Shrestha is the founder and International President of Helping Hands, Nepal and Sann Research Institue. Though he now lives in the United States, he has been dedicating his life to the fulfillment of Health and Education needs of Nepal since 1989. He visits Nepal at least 6 times a year to oversee the operation of the facilities.

Helping hands Nepal currently operates over 60 health camps in Khandbari, Kushma, Bandipur, Siraha, Num, Phidim, Ilam and Chainpur. It has permanent clinics in Chabahil, Indrayani (Saku) and Khandbari. Khandbari , the most recent clinic was opened in September 2000. It is well equipped with ultra sound, X-ray machine, ECG, Eye unit and labrotary facility. These health camps and clinics provide the people with quality service and medicines at a cheaper cost. Some are even free. Overall Helping Hands Nepal has treated over 80,000 patients and operated on over 2,000 patients.

Sann Research Institue opened Sann international college this year. It provides quality education in its 10+2 and BBA programs. It also has the only U.S. exchange program in the country. These exchange programs is 1 to 5 months long, in which American students are given a chance to study Nepalese culture, religion and language. More importantly, it gives the Nepalese students a chance to study abroad at a cheaper rate.

For Mr. Shrestha, this was all a dream when he left the country in 1977. He was the third child out of nine in a family in Khandbari. " I was born in a village with no hopes, no vision, and no opportunities but I was raised in a family with love and care," he said. With a desire to do something meaningful for others in his life, he started out by doing business of Nepalese goods and opening travel agencies in U.S.

In 1986 when he came to Nepal for his sister's marriage, he was touched by the poor condition of the village. "My heart stirred with the passion that I must do something to help my people and my country," he said. As a result he started the Helping Hands Nepal. The doctors in the local hospitals and the political system were not as cooperative in the beginning. However, the goals and purpose in his mind kept him focused. "I decided that I'm not working for the so called leaders of the country. They are the selfish wolves and sharks of this country. Instead, I'm working for the innocent people who are suffering from political corruption," he said.

He considers his works so far to be just the beginning. " My ambition has not been fulfilled yet. There are still so much needs which have to be satisfied," said Mr. Shrestha. "I still dream about placing physicians in all 75 districts with the help of well equipped hospitals and well trained staff," he added.