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Story of Hira Lal Tamang (M)
| Name | Hira Lal Tamang |
| Skilled in | Machine knitting (30 years experience), equipment maintenance |
| Department | Knitting / Production |
| What he does | Knits cashmere sweaters, joggers and trousers on industrial knitting machines. Also repairs and maintains all knitting equipment. |
| Creates | About 8 cashmere garments per month |
| Background | Father of a family of seven. Former taxi driver in Kathmandu. Operated knitting machines for 30 years before joining YHH. |
| At YHH since | Joined after moving to Pokhara. Needed no training. Also serves as equipment mechanic. |
Hira Lal Tamang, a hardworking man originally from Kavre, has lived a life of quiet determination and resilience. With a family of seven to care for, he spent many years navigating the challenging roads of Kathmandu as a taxi driver. He drove through the bustling streets, navigating the chaos with the hope of bringing home enough to feed his family. But the income from driving was often inadequate. Hira Lal said, "Some days, I would return home empty-handed, unable to provide the essentials for my loved ones." The weight of his family's financial struggles bore down on him, pushing him into a deep depression.
In a bid to improve his circumstances, Hira Lal found work in a clothing factory in Kathmandu, where he operated knitting machines for 30 long years. The job provided some stability, but as his children grew older and their needs expanded, the income was no longer sufficient. The rising costs of school fees and basic necessities left him feeling defeated. Despite his best efforts, Hira Lal could barely keep his family afloat, and the stress of it all became too much to bear.
Realizing that something had to change, Hira Lal made the difficult decision to leave Kathmandu in search of better opportunities. With hope in his heart, he moved to Pokhara, a city that promised new beginnings. Three months after arriving, he heard about Yes Helping Hand through a friend. The organization offered a job that was a perfect fit for him, working with knitting machines, just as he had done for decades in Kathmandu.
Unlike others, Hira Lal didn't need any training before joining Yes Helping Hand. His years of experience made him a valuable asset from day one. The organization even provided him with a quarter to live in, a gesture that filled Hira Lal with immense relief and gratitude. Working at the knitting station, he produces cashmere sweaters and trousers from pure Himalayan cashmere fiber. Each sweater takes him 3 to 4 days of careful, skilled work. In a month, about 8 finished garments leave his station.
Hira Lal's role at Yes Helping Hand isn't just limited to knitting. With his extensive knowledge of knitting machines, he often steps in as a mechanic, fixing any issues that arise with the equipment. His expertise is invaluable, and he takes pride in being able to contribute in multiple ways.
Today, Hira Lal is content. The financial worries that once troubled him have eased, and he can now provide for his family without the constant fear of falling short. At Yes Helping Hand, surrounded by single mothers, physically challenged artisans, marginalized individuals, Hira Lal has found renewed purpose and happiness. His journey, marked by years of struggle and perseverance, is a testament to the strength of a father's love and his unwavering commitment to his family.
