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HEMA THAPA
Hospital Nursing Incharge, Narayani Hospital, Birgunj
Despite her parents’ aspirations for her to pursue a career in medicine or engineering, Hema held a strong desire to become a staff nurse. Initially discouraged by her family due to concerns about working late hours and the absence of nursing background within the family, she was initially forbidden from pursuing nursing. However, her brother, understanding her passion for service, eventually convinced their parents, allowing Hema to pursue her nursing studies.
Working as a nurse at Narayani Hospital in Birgunj since 2052 BS, Hema has consistently been recognized as a dedicated and honest employee. Her exceptional work led to her appointment as the head of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in 2074 BS, where she showcased her competence. Meeting all government standards for the NICU, including provisions like an oxygen pipeline and a Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) unit, her efforts led to the upgrade of the department from a 5-bed to a 10-bed facility.
NEERA ADHIKARI
Under Secretary, Department of Women and Children, Pulchowk, Lalitpur
Neera Adhikari hails from a joint family in Gotikhel, Lalitpur. Her father, a primary school teacher, prioritized her education from an early age. Despite excelling academically, Neera battled frequent illness. Mornings found her fit for school, but by evening, she often returned unwell, plagued by recurring fevers. At the age of 7, a severe fever rendered her bedridden, eventually diagnosed as Typhoid, which had affected her vision. Unfortunately, this illness led to complete loss of sight, an experience that left her feeling helpless and hopeless after the bandage was removed following an operation.
Her family’s attention shifted due to her aunt’s passing, causing a deterioration in her health. Eventually, a visit to the hospital confirmed her diagnosis of Typhoid, resulting in the loss of her sight. Despite a year-long pursuit to restore her vision, no progress was made. Consequently, her parents decided to continue her education, prompting Neera’s move to Kathmandu to learn Braille.
With a deep-seated passion for advocating women’s rights, especially for those with physical disabilities, Neera recognized the need to work within civil service to influence policy changes. She entered civil service in 2066, beginning her tenure as an officer in the Women and Children Department. After a promotion to Under Secretary in 2078, she resumed her role in the same office with renewed dedication, believing in the vulnerability of women and children, particularly those with disabilities, emphasizing the need for increased efforts to empower them.
As someone with a disability, Neera understood the critical necessity for a disability-friendly infrastructure. She tirelessly advocated for such adaptations within the Department of Women and Children, previously unconsidered for disabled individuals. Her initiatives included the installation of ramps and the organization of training sessions for architects, ensuring an understanding of disability-specific needs. Her framework for these training sessions received government approval, leading other disability-related organizations to adopt it. Her contributions and positive impact on service seekers earned her the Civil Service Award in 2073, a testament to her dedication and service.
Her impact on policymaking is commendable. The representation of individuals with disabilities in public service, especially in higher positions, remains notably scarce. Consequently, Neera frequently finds herself uncontested as a committee member shaping disability-inclusive policies. Her expertise is consistently sought during the Ministry’s formulation of new policies, where she actively engages in decision-making processes. Moreover, in policy reviews, she contributes actively and significantly.
During the drafting of the Disability Rights Act, despite holding an officer’s role, her help was indispensable. Initially, the Act lacked a dedicated section for women and only addressed individual disabilities. Neera highlighted the specific challenges encountered by women with disabilities, prompting the subsequent inclusion of a dedicated section addressing their needs. This pivotal addition solidifies her crucial role in advancing disability rights, emphasizing her commitment to inclusivity and equity within legislative frameworks.
PRATIK RAI
Administrative Officer, District Administration Office, Jhapa
Pratik Rai hails from an agricultural family in Kerabari, Morang. Growing up, he tended to livestock and worked the fields. His father and uncles’ service in the Nepal Army inspired him to follow suit. He possessed a natural knack for discipline early on and aspired to a military career. However, his dream was dashed by his color blindness, causing immense distress. He turned to agriculture for two years before realizing the importance of further education. Pursuing this, he moved to Dharan and completed a Masters in Business Studies (MBS). Relocating to Kathmandu, he began working in a cooperative, later securing a position in the Agricultural Development Bank through open competition. After three years there, he transitioned to the civil service, passing the public service examination in 2071 BS.
Rai advocates for a systematic approach guided by organizational rules and regulations, emphasizing the significance of respect in service delivery. He diligently applies these values to ensure that service seekers receive assistance with utmost convenience. During his tenure at the Department of Immigration, the Non-Tourist Visa section faced chaotic conditions. The crowded environment made it challenging to distinguish between officials and service seekers, leading to difficulties in providing and seeking services. Recognizing the root cause as a lack of space for service seekers, Pratik took the initiative to address this issue. He engaged in discussions with department officials and the Director General, resulting in the arrangement of additional chairs for service seekers and the establishment of a dedicated help desk. This help desk efficiently managed the queue, significantly reducing chaos and enhancing the smooth flow of services. As a result, the work environment became more organized and streamlined compared to its previous state.
With the advent of federalism, Nawalparasi district was divided into two parts, East and West. Individuals associated with the organizing committee of the ‘Madarasa Mela’ event in the district were also divided. The issue of which district would organize the event became a subject of dispute, leading to conflicts within the organizing committee. While others found this issue challenging, Rai considered the matter and found an unbiased and intelligent solution that satisfied both parties. He facilitated discussions between the concerned parties, addressing not only the political pressures but also the religious sentiments tied to the matter.
Antosh Pradhan, who worked with him in the Ministry of Home Affairs, said, “Pratik sir handles every situation in a very simple manner. He conducts in-depth studies of serious situations. He does not succumb to political pressure or threats that may influence the situation. He keeps service-seekers at the center of his work. I have never seen a fearless and selfless colleague like him in our team.”
PADMA NATH ATREYA
Horticulture Development Officer, Temperate Horticulture Development Centre, Marpha
Padmanath Atreya hails from a rural farming family near Pokhara. Padmanath was the youngest among five sisters and his early education followed his sisters’ path. The school, covered with bamboo mats, provided minimal infrastructure—a sack placed on stones served as his seat. Mornings and evenings were devoted to chores like cutting grass and gathering wood before heading to school with his books in tow. Although his father, a Sanskrit scholar, wished for Padmanath to pursue the same path, he interrupted his formal education after the 5th grade to study Sanskrit at home. Following his father’s desires, he delved into a book called “Ashtadhyaya,” balancing his studies with tending to cattle.
Upon entering government service, he initially served in the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative Development. Shortly after, he was relocated to the District Agricultural Development Office in Parbat, assuming the role of a Horticulture Development Officer. His focus centered on assessing the agricultural prospects within the Parbat district, particularly regarding orange cultivation. Although the district exhibited promising potential for orange production, the actual yield fell short of expectations. Through meticulous examination, he identified the underlying issue: inadequate management practices hindering the realization of the area’s potential.
Consequently, he pinpointed specific fields with the capacity for robust orange production but were underperforming due to insufficient management. Implementing farm improvement programs, he embarked on a proactive approach. He provided extensive training and distributed new, more resilient plants to farmers struggling with low-yield or dying crops. With dedicated field visits and inspections, he offered technical guidance and advice to the farmers, enhancing their agricultural practices. Additionally, he organized district-level training sessions and on-site field training as necessary, empowering farmers with knowledge and skills.
Simultaneously, he streamlined the farmers’ access to the Horticulture Branch of the District Agricultural Development Office. This not only boosted the morale of the farmers but also instilled greater confidence in the Agricultural Development Office, fostering a positive relationship between the office and the farming community.
