Kathmandu, Nepal - Manavsewa Ashram (Human Promotion Movement) and the Ani Chhoying Dolma Foundation have come together to launch a special campaign aimed at preventing anyone from spending this year's Tihar festival on the streets. This initiative, running from Ashoj 27 to Mangsir 4, is dedicated to rescuing and providing assistance to individuals who are homeless, vulnerable, orphaned, or facing mental or physical challenges while living on the streets. Furthermore, the campaign includes efforts to reunite them with their families and celebrate major festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath together.
Ramji Adhikari, the Central Chairman of Manavsewa Ashram, shared insights into the campaign's scope, which encompasses 46 districts connected by the East-West Highway, spanning from Mechi to Mahakali. Additionally, several districts in the Bagmati and Gandaki provinces are part of this campaign. Notably, this year's campaign is uniquely timed to align with the prominent festivals celebrated by the Nepali community.
The primary objective of this campaign is to rescue and support approximately three hundred individuals in need. Ani Chhoying Dolma, a distinguished social worker and President of the Ani Chhoying Dolma Foundation, is not only actively participating in the campaign but also taking responsibility for managing all associated expenses.
Ani Chhoying, a prominent figure in the field of social work, underscored the importance of addressing societal misconceptions and behaviors as a form of social service. She expressed, "Promoting positive messages and showcasing commendable work can render such campaigns deeply meaningful."
Manavsewa Ashram operates 24 service centers across all seven provinces of Nepal. Over the years, they have successfully rescued over eight thousand individuals through these centers, with nearly sixteen thousand individuals currently under their care. Among these individuals, around a hundred are children, and one thousand are coping with mental health challenges.