Bhuwani Prasad Upadhyay : The Silent Artist of Syangja

From birth, Bhuwani Prasad Upadhyay’s life has been shaped by silence. Born deaf and mute in the small village of Syangja, Bhuwani has spent most of his life battling isolation. As the only son in his family born with this disability, he faced challenges most of us could never imagine. His two younger brothers lived normal lives, but for Bhuwani, even the simplest interactions were difficult. Without the ability to speak or listen, and with no knowledge of sign language, he was often left out of conversations and cut off from the world around him.

Despite his disability, Bhuwani studied upto grade 8, a testament to his determination. However, life after school became increasingly lonely. With no one able to communicate with him, he became withdrawn. As time passed, he found himself doing nothing, consumed by depression and confusion. His isolation deepened, and he struggled to find purpose. Yet, amid this darkness, one light remained in Bhuwani’s life, his remarkable talent for painting. 

With no way to share his thoughts and feelings verbally, Bhuwani expressed himself through his art. His paintings told stories that words could not. He would often paint images of “Naag” (serpents), which he would sell during the festival of Nag Panchami. In each stroke of his brush, he conveyed emotions that lay buried deep within him. His works were more than just paintings, they were the voice he never had.

One day, the owner of Yes Helping Hands discovered Bhuwani’s talent and brought him to the organization. There, Bhuwani’s world began to change. At first, he focused on his painting, creating mesmerizing scenes of rural life, people cutting paddy, carrying tiffins, and the tranquil beauty of hills and homes. His art spoke to everyone who saw it, leaving them in awe of his talent. Despite the initial struggle to communicate with him, the people at Yes Helping Hands saw his potential and welcomed him warmly into their community.

Recognizing Bhuwani’s need for stability, the organization offered him a three-month handloom training program with a food allowance. Although learning the craft was challenging, Bhuwani approached it with the same determination he had applied to his art. Over time, he became proficient, knitting 10 sweaters a day with precision and care. His talent extended beyond painting, proving that his hands were capable of weaving beauty in many forms.

Now, a year into his journey with Yes Helping Hands, Bhuwani has not only found a source of income but also a sense of belonging. He lives with his younger brother’s family, and incredibly, he has become their breadwinner, providing for them with the earnings from his work. His dedication to his craft and his family has brought him peace, and he is proud of what he has achieved.

Though he continues to live in silence, Bhuwani’s life is now filled with meaning. He is not just an artist or a weaver, he is a man who refused to let his disability define him. He saves his money, takes care of his loved ones, and has found a way to support himself through his incredible skills.

Bhuwani is deeply grateful to Yes Helping Hands for the opportunity that changed his life. The organization didn’t just give him a job, it gave him confidence, a sense of purpose, and a community that values him. His story is one of resilience and unspoken strength. In a world that often left him behind, he found his own path, proving that even in the quietest of lives, there is a voice, a voice that speaks through art, through hard work, and through the will to keep going despite the odds.