Dipak Bashyal

Dipak Bashyal, a married man, has faced more than his fair share of challenges in life. Born deaf and mute, Dipak was the only one in his family with physical challenges. However, Dipak never let it define him, completing his high school education and striving to find a path where he could thrive despite the obstacles that life threw his way. From a young age, Dipak was determined to be self-sufficient. At 16, the young man began working, making beautiful furniture with his friends, who were also deaf and mute. While the work was satisfying, the income was not enough to sustain his livelihood, and Dipak had to look for other opportunities. This search eventually led Dipak to Kathmandu, where he found work in Yes Helping Hand handloom factory. At Yes Helping Hand Dipal received free pashmina and cashmere manufacturing training along with a food allowance, which allowed him to build skills in pashmina handloom. Dipak worked there for three years, and during this time, he began to feel a sense of financial stability and accomplishment. But then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and like many others, Dipak's life was turned upside down. The Yes Helping Hand Kathmandu factory was shut down, and Dipak, along with many of his colleagues, had to return home. The financial struggles that followed were tough on him and his family. "The COVID-19 pandemic changed my life," Dipak recalls, "It was hard to manage finances at home, and many people refused to give me jobs because of communication barriers." Despite these difficulties, Dipak’s determination never wavered. The man's life took a new turn when he received a call from his former colleague, Bikash, the pashmina manufacturing tutor and in-charge of the pashmina handloom section at Yes Helping Hands Pashmina and Cashmere Manufacturing Center Pokhara. Bikash and Dipak had worked together in the Yes Helping Hand Kathmandu factory, and Bikash invited Dipak to join him at Yes Helping Hands. Grateful for the opportunity, Dipak moved to Pokhara with his wife, Asmita Bhusal, who is also deaf and mute. The Couple was eager and determined to work and build a better life together. In Pokhara, Dipak didn’t need to go through training again, his skills were already honed. Dipak started working immediately and has been a dedicated member of the Yes Helping Hands manufacturing team ever since. Dipak's financial situation improved significantly, allowing him to support his family and live with a sense of independence and pride. Dipak, The hardworking man works in the handloom section and now makes 12 to 15 pashmina shawls a day. Dipak is immensely grateful for the opportunity to work at Yes Helping Hands Pashmina and Cashmere manufacturing center and says "I never thought a physically challenged man would be able to earn well and support the family financially."&nbsp; He appreciates Dinesh Kumar Thapa Sir, who provided an empowerment platform for physically challenged individuals, marginalized people, and single mothers. "Dinesh Sir understands the pain of people like us, and I am very happy to work here," says Dipak. The hardworking man also adds "The environment at Yes Helping Hands Pashmina and Cashmere Manufacturing center is one of equality and respect, which has made Dipak's experience even more meaningful." Through his journey, Dipak has shown that with resilience, hard work, and the right opportunities, it’s possible to overcome even the toughest of challenges. The story of this hardworking man is one of perseverance, and it serves as an inspiration to many who face similar struggles and physical challenges in life. Dipak, alongside his wife, continues to build a life of dignity and purpose at Yes Helping Hands Pashmina and Cashmere Manufacturing Center, proving that physical limitations are no match for determination and hard work in life<code class="inline-code">.</code>