Hira Lal Tamang : A Father’s Journey to Provide and Stand for Family

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 a taxi in the bustling streets of Kathmandu, 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 Hands 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 Hands. 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. Finally, he was earning enough to support his family, and the stability he had longed for was within reach.

Hira Lal said,” At Yes Helping Hands, I found more than just a job and a community of individuals who, despite facing their own challenges, worked with incredible dedication and spirit.” He admired the physically challenged, marginalized individuals, and single mothers who inspired him daily with their perseverance. Their stories of overcoming adversity motivated him to work harder and approach life with greater patience.

Hira Lal’s role at Yes Helping Hands wasn’t just limited to knitting sweaters. With his extensive knowledge of knitting machines, he often stepped in as a mechanic, fixing any issues that arose with the equipment. His expertise was invaluable, and he took pride in being able to contribute in multiple ways. Each day, he knitted 10 sweaters, his hands moving with the practiced ease of someone who had spent a lifetime mastering his craft.

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. Hira Lal said that he is deeply thankful to Yes Helping Hands for offering him not just a job, but a chance to rebuild his life and secure a future for his children. Surrounded by a supportive and inspiring community, 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. Hira Lal Tamang’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the belief that even in the darkest of times, a brighter future is always possible.