Ashok Gupta : Overcoming Silence and Hardship with Strength

Ashok Gupta, a married man from Bilaspur, Palhinandan, has faced numerous challenges in his life as a deaf and mute individual. Born with the ability to hear slightly, Ashok lost his hearing completely as he grew older. Despite this, he shares his life with his wife, who is also deaf and mute, along with their small daughter. Together, they form a resilient family, but their financial condition has always been a significant hurdle.

Ashok's early life was shaped by hardship. With his parents and two brothers being physically fit, he was the only son born with a disability. His education came to an abrupt halt after grade 6 due to financial difficulties. As a result, Ashok began working at a young age to support his family. He spent three years working in a factory in Kathmandu, but eventually left to start making and selling bags.

A pivotal moment in Ashok’s life came when Dinesh sir from Yes Helping Hands offered him an opportunity to work in Pokhara. Grateful for the chance to support his family, Ashok accepted the offer and has now been working at the factory for a year, producing around 10 shawls a day. This job has provided Ashok with the financial stability he desperately needed as the sole breadwinner for his family.

However, the road to this point was not easy. Ashok grew up feeling isolated and lonely, especially since no one in his neighborhood or family knew sign language. He had only one friend, but even that friendship was limited by communication barriers. He recalls how difficult it was to connect with others, saying, “It’s very difficult to be mute and deaf.” His disability often made him feel excluded from games and discussions, with people struggling to understand him despite their attempts at gestures.

In addition to his work at Yes Helping Hands, Ashok has experience working in agriculture in his village, where he struggled to provide for his loved ones. He reflects on the struggles of living with a disability in Nepal, where finding employment is often a significant challenge for physically challenged individuals. Despite these challenges, Ashok is deeply thankful to Yes Helping Hands for prioritizing people like him, physically challenged individuals, marginalized groups, and single mothers. This inclusive environment has given him a sense of belonging and purpose.

Now, Ashok finds happiness in his work. The factory offers him not just a livelihood but a place where he can work with dignity and independence. His story is one of resilience, a quiet determination to overcome the odds and support his family despite the many challenges he has faced.