Posted by Ranju Sharma
* Note: This is the second in a series of Nyaya Health staff member profiles. Through these profiles, which are posted on Saturdays, we hope to give you a better idea of the people who are working on the ground to implement Nyaya’s vision on a daily basis.
Though Chandrika is in her twenties, she looks after a family of 10 people, including 3 of her own daughters. She married at an early age, but took an unconventional path by opting for a love marriage. A very forthright person, Chandrika does not believe in hiding the truth. She, therefore, did not conceal the fact that she had fallen in love with her dance partner in school, even though such an action was considered taboo. When asked if she was punished for it, she confidently answers, “I did not think about it in terms of liking it or not. I was sure that he was the only one I would be happy to spend the rest of my life with. There was no reason to hide it. My brother loved me too much so he did not like it when I ran away but everyone else in my family was happy about my choice.”
Chandrika Tamrakar, a health aide, plays a critical role in infection control and general cleanliness at the hospital.
Chandrika has been working with Nyaya since the opening of the Sanfe Clinic. The walk between her home and clinic entailed a daily three hour round-trip through steep hills. Eventually, the commute became too exhausting for her and she decided to rent a room in Sanfe. Chandrika is happy with the shift to Bayalpata – now that the hospital is closer to her home, she only has to walk half an hour each way, which she considers to be manageable.
When asked if she ever expected to become a health aide, Chandrika says that though she never considered that specific career, she wanted to become educated and get a job. She adds, “Even though I did not get to complete my studies, I have a good job. I couldn’t have asked for more.” Those who know Chandrika admire her ability to be content with who she is and what she has. “I have my own sorrows but no one is without one, the important thing is how you deal with them. You can either complain or you can do what you can to make the situation better.”