Where are you from?

I am from Kathmandu, Nepal.

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

I am very reliable, driven and flexible.

What is your favorite color?

My favorite color is black.

What is one of your favorite hobbies?

I love to travel to new places.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is Momo (a type of South Asian dumpling native to Nepal).

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

If I could have a super power it would be the power of healing. I would love to be called the Super Healing Woman who heals pain and suffering.

What is a dream that you have? What is something that you are passionate about?

I have a dream to become a successful philanthropist and set an example to this world by doing good deeds. I am very passionate about helping and supporting those who are in need. I can proudly say that social work is in my blood and I am determined to follow my passion. Helping burn survivors and their children has been something I have been doing for a long time and I want to continue doing it. I believe the smallest act of kindness can change someone’s life.

Tell us about a very difficult experience in your life.  How did this situation weaken you?  How did it make you stronger?

Working with burn victims and survivors requires passion, sensitivity, and a very strong heart. During my early days, I remember breaking down while meeting the burn victims in the hospital. I found it difficult to remain composed when someone with more than 90 percent burn held my hand and said that he/she did not want to die. It’s very hard to smile at them and promise that they will live through the ordeal despite knowing that someone who is burnt to that degree has zero chance of survival. It is very hard to experience such circumstances, but that has only made me stronger and more determined towards my passion. I have learned to be more empathetic and to appreciate this life even more.

What has been a challenge in your RISE-ing process? How have you overcome those challenges?

One of the biggest challenges in my RISE-ing process has been the sensitive nature of my work. Sometimes, people won’t tell you the truth, especially if the burn wound is a result of violence and assault. Without knowing the real causes of any problem, you cannot find the real solution. I still have not overcome the challenge as a whole, but I have learned to deal with it. I would talk to the family members, the victims, and neighbors about the cause of the burn. I would try my best to make the victims and their families more comfortable so that they can share their real experience and we can design an effective program. I know there are going to come new challenges in future, but I am ready to face them with full determination.

What advice would you give to people who are struggling with a very difficult life experience?

I have compassion for those who are struggling with a very difficult life experience. Every bad experience /struggle does not mean life is over. We can always start a new chapter in our life. Rather than looking at the dark sides, we should look towards the bright side to move and begin a new.

What would you say to those who think they can’t make a difference in the world? Is there a certain quote that you have found inspirational?

A quote that I have found inspirational is “Nothing is impossible in the world”. The word itself is “I’m possible”. Its only in our minds where we think we can’t make a difference in the world. When put we our 100 % of our energy, love, passion, dedication and commitment into something, the result is well oriented.

Do you think of yourself as an activist?

I think of myself as an activist because I am working for the right of the survivors.

What do you think activism means?

I think activism means to take action in order to bring positive change in the society. As a citizen, we have ability to address injustice and to bring change in the society.

What is your vision of social change?

My vision of social change is to empower women suffering from inequality and injustice.

If you could make a difference in the world, what would that be?

I would like to establish equality within people of different races and religions.

What does RISE mean to you?

To me, RISE means rising from selfishness to selflessness. I want to RISE as a better human being from every aspect of life.