PORTRAIT 7
Gopal Bahadur Thapa Magar
& Laxmi Kumari Chaudhary
Learning to work in collaboration
Karuna-Shechen doesn't simply provide resources—its teams work hand in hand with the local government and genuinely listen to the community. Today, I see Karuna as a committed and sincere partner, whose actions speak louder than words.
Laxmi Kumari Chaudhary
Since 2022, Karuna-Shechen has been working with the municipality of Bijaynagar, in southern Nepal. Alongside Gopal Bahadur Thapa Magar, a mayor determined to strengthen the social and infrastructural development of his community, and Laxmi Kumari Chaudhary, a deputy mayor deeply devoted to education and inclusion, this collaboration embodies a shared vision of progress and solidarity. It has already led to significant improvements in maternal healthcare, the modernization of local schools, and the optimization of clean water distribution.
Aadhar Babu Khatiwada, member of Karuna-Shechen’s communications team in Nepal, spoke with Gopal and Laxmi to explore the scope and challenges of their collaboration with Karuna-Shechen.
Hello! Could you introduce yourselves and tell us a bit about your journey to your current positions?
Gopal: Namaste. My name is Gopal Bahadur Thapa Magar, and I am currently serving my second term as mayor of Bijaynagar municipality. Before stepping into politics, I was actively involved in social work, dedicating my time and energy to uplifting my community. When local elections were announced, I felt compelled to run. I filed my candidacy and was honored to be elected by the people.
Laxmi: Namaste. I’m Laxmi Kumari Chaudhary, Deputy Mayor of Bijaynagar Municipality. I come from a low-income family, and from a very young age, I dreamed of becoming a teacher. After completing tenth Grade 10, I began working with an NGO focused on the rights and well-being of the Tharu community, to which I belong. As I pursued my education in the field of teaching, I also helped build a school in my own community—a project that remains very close to my heart. Eventually, I transitioned from teaching to public service. Today, I’m proud to serve my second term as deputy mayor.
What inspired you both to become involved in local politics?
Gopal: My father was my greatest inspiration. He chaired the Village Development Committee and was deeply dedicated to our community’s well-being. Watching him lead with such responsibility had a profound impact on me. The environment I grew up in shaped my values and gave rise to my desire to give back to society.
Laxmi: When the local governance system was introduced in Nepal, I took time to study its structure and potential. I was moved by how it prioritizes the rights and welfare of citizens at the local level. The fact that resources and budgets could now be directly allocated to meet the needs of the people—especially the most vulnerable—was deeply meaningful to me. I saw it as a real opportunity to serve and transform lives, and I felt called to contribute actively.
How would you describe the current situation in your municipality, and what are its main challenges?
Laxmi: Compared to just a few years ago, the improvements are clear—especially in terms of living conditions and quality of life. However, we are not yet where we aspire to be.
Gopal: Key sectors like education, health, and broader social development still require ongoing attention and effort. We are moving forward step by step, with the hope that sustained work will help us reach our goals.
How did your collaboration with Karuna-Shechen begin?
Gopal: It all began three years ago when Karuna-Shechen teams came to Kapilvastu in search of a community where they could launch impactful projects. We had discussions during which they shared their vision of working with an underdeveloped municipality in need of support. That’s how they chose Bijaynagar. They presented their desire to strengthen local institutions with us. Their intention was clear: they were here to empower our structures. Their mission aligned with our needs, and we chose to move forward together. It has turned out to be a very positive collaboration.
How would you describe your current relationship with Karuna-Shechen?
Gopal: Our relationship with Karuna-Shechen is strong and collaborative. They support us across several vital sectors: health, education, agriculture, irrigation, drinking water, and waste management. Their involvement has been crucial in addressing the needs of our municipality.
This shared commitment to development has built a close and fruitful partnership. We work hand in hand, and this collaboration continues to grow stronger.
Gopal Bahadur Thapa Magar
Which project do you think has had the greatest impact on the local population?
Laxmi: For me, the strongest impact has been in education and health. Government policies encourage children to go to school, but that’s not enough. What matters is creating an environment where children want to go to school—an environment with proper infrastructure, a welcoming atmosphere, and dignity in learning. Karuna-Shechen supported us in this transformation, and now children are happy to attend school.
In terms of health, even though we had budgets, we struggled to translate them into real action. Karuna-Shechen became a true partner: they helped us mobilize resources, strengthen our health system, and provide essential equipment. One notable improvement has been in maternal health. With their support, we now have designated spaces where pregnant women can wait and receive care in decent conditions. The construction of community toilets has also been crucial—not only improving hygiene, but also restoring dignity and health to the entire village.
Can you share a meaningful testimony or recent feedback from the community regarding the work done with Karuna-Shechen?
Laxmi: We receive a lot of positive feedback. For example, a farmer recently told us how the quality of the seeds provided by Karuna-Shechen had transformed his harvests and rekindled his motivation to work the land.
Gopal: More broadly, in every ward touched by Karuna-Shechen’s work—whether in health, education, drinking water, or school infrastructure—people are experiencing tangible improvements in their daily lives: better access to services and an overall enhancement in their living conditions.
Has this collaboration changed your perception of NGOs operating in the region?
Gopal: In the past, many NGOs worked only for short periods—sometimes just a year—with initiatives that left no lasting impact. This created a gap between the community’s expectations and actual results. What was missing was continuity. Karuna-Shechen took a different approach. Their long-term presence, their commitment to working over time, and their focus on essential sectors have changed our outlook. They’ve shown us that, with consistency and true cooperation, NGOs can genuinely bring lasting transformation.
Laxmi: What I appreciate most is their approach: nothing is done in isolation. Every step is coordinated with the local government. This isn’t just a partnership on paper; it’s real joint work, with aligned plans and smooth implementation.
How do you envision the future of this collaboration?
Gopal: I am confident that this cooperation will endure—it is not only sustainable but also extremely beneficial. Karuna-Shechen’s initiatives have already created deep change in our society: from farmers to teachers to health workers, everyone has seen their daily lives improved. This collaboration has laid a strong foundation, and we wish to keep building on it. We are ready to welcome new projects that will continue uplifting our community.
Laxmi: The vision we share with Karuna-Shechen is long-term—rooted in sustainable development, not quick fixes. To me, this partnership is becoming a model for NGO and local government collaboration to build a better future.
What advice would you give to other local authorities who wish to collaborate with NGOs like Karuna-Shechen?
Gopal: Many NGOs operate in various sectors across Nepal. My advice is this: don’t limit yourself to one-off or isolated actions. Look at the bigger picture—the long-term transformative potential an NGO can bring. When you see them as true development partners—not just project implementers—collaboration takes on its full meaning. Working together strategically and in coordination strengthens local governance and yields real results for the people.
Laxmi: My advice is simple: let’s work together. This kind of collaboration allows for real and inclusive development, reaching every corner of society.
