A Quiet Revolution in Kathmandu
In the heart of Kathmandu, the BIA Institute Nepal has quietly become a beacon of hope for many. Since its inception on August 27, 2014, the institute has evolved from a modest grassroots initiative into a vibrant community that fosters empowerment, inclusion, and opportunity. Its impact is not measured by grand campaigns or media coverage but through the everyday moments that define a person’s journey—like a child returning to school, a man reclaiming his role as a family provider, or an artist selling her first painting.
BIA has developed a range of programs focused on education, vocational training, psychosocial support, and community development. These initiatives aim to help people with disabilities overcome isolation caused by poverty, limited access to quality medical care, and deep-rooted stigma. Many individuals with disabilities still face significant barriers to education and employment, which can lead them to internalize society’s message that they are a burden.
Gokarna Dhungana, the managing director at BIA, emphasizes that the institute views disability as an opportunity. “We do not see disability as a barrier,” he explains. “Rather, we believe disability should be viewed as a condition requiring support, understanding, and opportunity. When we give our students the chance to develop and grow, they are able to redefine their lives in the best way possible.”
Creativity and Craftsmanship
At BIA, students engage in various classes and workshops that focus on creativity. These include painting and Thangka art, where participants practice making incense sticks, developing patience and precision through the process. Fabric scraps are transformed into handmade bags, and beads are sewn into clothes. The use of recycled materials allows for unique patterns and designs, showcasing the institute’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
BIA hosts multiple exhibitions throughout the year to display and sell these products. This not only provides participants with the opportunity to generate income but also helps build self-esteem by allowing them to contribute financially to their families.
Dhungana highlights the connection between employment and emotional well-being. “Income is important, but confidence is transformative. When participants see that their work is appreciated, they begin to see themselves differently.”
Community Events and Exhibitions
Community-based events such as the wheelchair race exemplify BIA’s emphasis on awareness and inclusivity. On March 8, 2025, the B.I.A Wheelchair Race 2025 took place at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, with around 200 participants competing along a five-kilometre route. Families, volunteers, and foreign visitors were present to support competitors, transforming the streets of Kathmandu into spaces of collective pride and solidarity.
Another key aspect of BIA’s outreach is its art and handicraft exhibitions. Paintings, Thangka works, jewellery, and handmade crafts reflect the perseverance and creativity of the individuals behind them. Many of these artworks are sold directly to buyers, enabling artists to earn from their work.
Supportive Environment
BIA also operates a hostel that provides a safe space for children with disabilities who cannot remain at home due to isolation, neglect, or abandonment. Many arrive at the compound after facing difficult circumstances. One such case is a young girl who lost a leg after being injured while helping her family with agricultural work. Without timely medical care, the wound became severely infected, leading to an amputation.
Beyond the physical challenges, she endured deep emotional distress after her parents abandoned her following the accident. When she first arrived at BIA, adjusting to a new environment was difficult. Today, she attends school, takes part in vocational classes, and has discovered a passion for painting. “I thought my life had stopped after my accident, especially after seeing how my parents treated me because of my disability,” she says. “Here, I have learned that life goes beyond disability. I study, create art, and dream of a bright future where I can live as an equal among others.”
Another example is an older man whose life changed after an accident left him paralysed from the waist down. Once the sole earner for his family, he lost his job and struggled with mounting medical bills and depression. At BIA, he received individualized vocational training and learned metalwork, crafting statues, singing bowls, and incense holders. He also began working with fabric and incense production—skills he had never imagined pursuing before. Alongside this, counseling sessions helped him process his trauma and rebuild a sense of purpose and identity.
Today, he helps out by organizing multiple events and supporting other individuals facing similar challenges.
A Growing Impact
More than 130 participants are currently enrolled in BIA’s various programs. To date, the institute has trained over 123 individuals in vocational skills, many of whom now earn an independent income. In addition, more than 4,000 volunteers have contributed their time and expertise to support BIA’s work.
“The way we measure our work is not solely through numbers but through the transformation of lives. Each of our beneficiaries represents a shift in societal attitudes toward disability,” Dhungana says.
The institute recognizes that disability is often met with discomfort or uncertainty, and it works to challenge those perceptions through everyday action. Its steady, behind-the-scenes efforts continue to reshape how disability is understood—replacing isolation with belonging and limitation with opportunity.
For the young girl rediscovering her dreams, the father reclaiming his dignity, and the many individuals finding confidence within its walls, BIA is a space where people are supported in rebuilding their lives, pursuing opportunities, and imagining a future defined not by limitation but by possibility.
