Physically Challenged Man Runs Successful Snack Shop Near Dodhara-Chandani Suspension Bridge

Dhangadhi. Hundreds of domestic and foreign tourists visit every day to see the nearly one and a half kilometer long suspension bridge of Dodhara-Chandani built over the Mahakali River in Kanchanpur. At a small hotel near that bridge, 62-year-old Krishna Bahadur Thapa can be found. He moves around the shop with agility on the support of a wooden crutch, on the strength of one leg, serving tea, samosas, and chow mein to customers. Krishna, a resident of Bhimdatta Municipality-13, cannot walk without crutches, but he has succeeded in being a strong support for his family. The small snack shop he operates has now become a favorite for many tourists and locals visiting the suspension bridge. From early morning until evening, he himself takes orders, prepares tea, samosas, chholas, chow mein, and other snacks, and delivers them to the customers' tables. In 2058 BS, after the suspension bridge was built over the Mahakali River, connecting the Nepal on the other side of the Mahakali, i.e., Dodhara-Chandani, with the rest of Nepal, tourist activity in this area increased. With the bridge, a new chapter also began in Krishna's life. He started operating a snack shop near the bridge, and he is supporting his family with that business. "Even if the body doesn't cooperate, the mind shouldn't give up," he said, "If you work hard, life will go on." At the age of eight, after suffering from a fever for seven consecutive days, Krishna's right leg became paralyzed due to lack of proper treatment. After that, his leg gradually weakened, and eventually, he had to rely on crutches. Due to financial constraints and his physical condition, many of his childhood dreams remained unfulfilled. Krishna's family moved from Dadeldhura to the Terai in 2022 BS due to famine. After staying in Dhangadhi for some time, they settled in Bhimdatta Municipality-13 of Kanchanpur. He himself also stayed in Dhangadhi for about nine years. He opens the shop early in the morning and serves customers until late in the evening; his routine has been the same for years. He gets even busier during holidays and festivals when more tourists visit. Although it is sometimes difficult to do all the work alone, he never complains. After passing the SLC from Panchodaya School in Dhangadhi in 2042 BS, he ran a photo studio for five years. After moving to Kanchanpur, he ran an electronics shop. He openly shares his experience of going astray in his youth due to the company of friends. "I became addicted to alcohol, traveled to various places in India, did everything from distributing prasad in Purnagiri to many other jobs, but that life didn't last long," he said. Finally, Krishna chose the path of labor and honesty. He started operating the snack shop in 2058 BS. Today, that shop has become the main source of income for his family. He has a wife, three daughters, and one son in his family. One daughter is already married, and the responsibility of the remaining children is still on his shoulders. "Even though I am disabled, I am the hope of my family; if I don't take responsibility for my family, who will? My children are still young, and this shop is my income," Krishna said with a smile. Local Deepak Bhat is a regular customer for tea and snacks at Krishna's hotel. "The food here is good, but Krishna dai's hard work is even better. Despite being disabled, he is supporting his family with his own sweat instead of begging. He is an inspiration to all of us," said Bhat. Nisha Bhandari, visiting from Kathmandu, was also impressed by Krishna's work style. "It's amazing to see him work so quickly and efficiently with the support of one leg. His confidence is a lesson for everyone," she said. He opens the shop early in the morning and serves customers until late in the evening; his routine has been the same for years. He gets even busier during holidays and festivals when more tourists visit. Although it is sometimes difficult to do all the work alone, he never complains. "I get tired, but when customers say it's delicious and come back, I forget all the hardship," he said. According to his neighbors, Krishnabahadur has a cheerful disposition. He is respected by the local community for treating customers with respect, preparing clean and tasty food, and running his business honestly. "Weakness in the body doesn't stop life. If you have the will to work, the path will open up on its own," Krishna said.