Jaljala: The inspiring story of Jamuna Acharya, a 44-year-old from Jaljala rural municipality-7 in Parbat, serves as a testament to resilience and determination. Despite living with artificial body parts for most of her life due to early health complications, Jamuna has become a leading figure in her community, demonstrating that hard work and perseverance can lead to success.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Jamuna’s journey began at the age of three when she lost her left hand due to complications from cramps. As she grew older, additional health challenges required the implantation of three artificial bones behind her ear. Despite these obstacles, Jamuna’s courage and passion transformed her into a pillar of strength for her family and an inspirational role model for her community.
Born as the eldest of seven siblings to parents Chandrawati and Chhawananda Acharya, Jamuna’s childhood was marked by poverty and hardship. She faced educational challenges due to the distance of the nearest school and
only began attending at the age of eight. However, she persevered, completing basic education at Pharse Dhairding, her SLC from Prajash Secondary School in Beni, and later earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Sociology.
With her mother as the primary breadwinner and her father suffering from asthma, Jamuna faced additional hardships when her mother and a younger sister were swept away by a river in 2060 BS. Despite these personal tragedies, she rose to the challenge, securing a reputation as a leading woman in her community. Her career in the non-governmental sector and later as a life insurance agent enabled her to manage her family’s expenses and advocate for societal change.
Jamuna’s ability to perform tasks like planting rice seedlings, cutting grass, and managing household chores despite her disability underscores her message that people with disabilities are equally capable. Her active participation in social service further distinguishes her as a community leader. She emp
hasizes the importance of willpower and determination in overcoming life’s hardships and encourages women to become economically independent to avoid gender and domestic violence.
As a women empowerment activist, Jamuna advocates for the rights of women, children, and people with disabilities. She played a pivotal role in establishing the Didi Bahini Cooperatives Ltd, a women-managed initiative in Beni, and launched the ‘Mutthidan Abhiyan’, a philanthropic effort to support the poor and helpless. Recently retired, Jamuna is now focused on a campaign for organic agriculture production in her birthplace, continuing her legacy of community service and empowerment.