The Story Of Sundar Dhoka
While living in a remote Nepali village, in 1984 Babukaji Adhikari fell from a tree while collecting fodder for his livestock. The accident severely damaged his lower spine, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. In life threatening condition, Babukaji was carried to a mission hospital. There, he received lifesaving treatment. A month later his wife Goma, gave birth to their son Bikash and they trekked to the hospital as well.
Due to societal stigmas against persons with disabilities, Babukaji and Goma were ostracized from their community and family. In contrast, they received love, acceptance, and practical help from the medical staff. Goma was provided with employment at the hospital and other work to support the family with their newborn son, Bikash.
Babukaji, now wheelchair bound, could no longer traverse the mountainous regions of his home village. The family moved to Kathmandu where they struggled to find employment and engage needed ongoing medical care in a system that was complex and expensive. All the while, they faced social isolation, prejudice, and humiliation due to Babukaji's disability.
Babukaji and Goma found they were not alone in their struggles. They befriended and helped other individuals with disabilities and their families. Goma used her familiarity with hospitals to guide and accompany patients through the healthcare system - a learning they had gained from their own journey of need. At times, they sheltered people in their own home during stays in Kathmandu for medical treatment. To survive financially, the couple made batik garments and frequently hosted meetings for people with disabilities in their rented apartment.
Their selfless caring for those in need, expanded their network of relationships greatly. From this interdependent community, Babukaji started the Sundar Dhoka congregation.
Our History
The Story of Bikash
Inspired by his parent's lives and surrounded by persons with disabilities, Bikash founded Sundar Dhoka Saathi Sewa (Beautiful Gate Friends Serving) to help with the needs of ". . . the least of these" in Nepal.
Since 2008, SDSS has helped thousands of people with disabilities and other medical conditions that impose societal and financial barriers to wholeness of life. With a heart and focus of responsive compassion, SDSS has created numerous initiatives and programs of vital help.
"Fullness of Life" - through practical help for the whole person, is the gateway for the vision of SDSS that continues to inspire the organization to action.
Sadly, Bikash passed away from Covid-19 complications in March 2022. Under the leadership of his wife Bijata, and together with Babukaji, Goma, and the management and staff of SDSS, the legacy of Bikash's life continues. This legacy reaches out with love to the neediest people of Nepal.
The service footprint starts with those who suffer from disabilities and extends to any in need of care and practical compassion due to limitations beyond their capacity. To these, SDSS invests their abilities and resources to help the whole person toward Fullness of Life - it's what Bikash desired for all.
Current Day Story
Our clients experience a secure office/hostel/meeting space facility in Lalitpur, a district of greater Kathmandu. Our SDSS building has 50 beds for the long-term use of our clients and their families.
While staying with us, food is provided through our dedicated, commercial grade kitchen and staff. To manage water quality, we have our own water well and purification system. To transport our patients to/from their medical service providers, we have contract drivers for our vehicles (one car, one truck, two motorbikes) and use the public transportation system of buses and taxis. Our 28-person staff team provides for all functional requirements of running our programs.
SDSS is registered with the District Administration Office, and compliant with the Social Welfare Council of Nepal. We are governed by a Board of Directors and submit to rigorous internal controls including an independent annual financial audit.
