30/11/2025
Kanda and Laxmi Pratishthan: A Journey of Transformation
Nestled in the rugged terrains of Chitwan District, Kanda, a remote village in Raptimunicipality-13, stands as one of the most underserved regions in Nepal. Home to a predominantly Chepang community, with a few Tamang families, Kanda faces unimaginable hardships. Despite its beauty, this village lacks basic infrastructureтАФthere is no electricity, no motorable roads, and minimal access to healthcare. The villagers must endure a grueling 3-4 hour trek on foot just to access essential goods like paracetamol when someone falls ill. Tragically, many women lose their lives during childbirth due to the lack of medical facilities. The situation for women and children is especially heartbreaking.
While the worldтАЩs most developed nations are setting their sights on colonizing the Moon, the children of Kanda are still forced to survive on wild fruits, and tragic news of deaths caused by poisonous mushrooms due to food scarcity continues to surface. The situation seemed hopeless until Laxmi Pratishthan took a bold step.
The Spark of Change: The Kanda Transformation Campaign
In 2011, after hearing about the dire conditions in Kanda, journalists from Chitwan brought the plight of this village to the attention of Laxmi Pratishthan. Moved by the severity of the situation, the organization quickly dispatched a team to Kanda. Under the leadership of the Pratishthan's Treasurer and journalist Ekala Silwal, a six-member team conducted an extensive four-day study of the village. The findings led to the launch of the "Kanda Transformation Campaign"тАФa comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the people of Kanda.
The vision was clear: to uplift Kanda by providing its inhabitants with the tools to ensure food security, shelter, education, and self-sufficiency.
A New Dawn: Transforming Kanda
Since its inception in 2012, the Kanda Transformation Campaign has brought tangible changes to the lives of local residents. Within just two years, Laxmi Pratishthan started constructing a residential hostel for children, offering them not just free shelter but a safe, nurturing environment to learn and grow. The project has expanded over time to provide essential resources like solar-powered lights, clothing, seeds for agriculture, and vocational training for the youth.
In the first year itself, the villagers, inspired by the campaign, planted thousands of fruit trees, while the construction of safe homes began. To date, 74 homes have been built with materials provided by the campaign. In 2015, a 200-bed hostel was completed to accommodate children who would otherwise have no access to education beyond the primary level. The hostel provides full amenities and operates entirely for free. Additionally, children in the area continue their studies at the Kandeswari Basic School. For those pursuing secondary education, another hostel was set up in Chauri Deurali-4, Kavre in 2018, with studies continuing at the Saraswati Secondary School.
Empowering Youth: Skills, Education, and Self-Sufficiency
The Kanda Transformation Campaign isnтАЩt just about providing immediate relief; itтАЩs about creating a sustainable future. Every child above class 8 is required to spend one hour each day working on a vocational skill. The program aims to equip them with skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
These children are organized into groups and engaged in small businesses, with 90% of the earnings used for their daily needs and the rest saved into a Children's Fund. This fund will be used for higher education or to help youth start their own businesses once they graduate. Those who complete their education and vocational training will receive help in building their own homes within Kanda.
The project also focuses on agriculture. Local farmers are provided with training in organic farming techniques, as well as access to high-quality seeds, saplings, fertilizers, and water management resources. The goal is for Kanda to become 100% self-sufficient in food production.
A Model Village: Kanda as a Beacon of Sustainability
With the help of local communities, Laxmi Pratishthan is creating a model village near the Kumar Balram Memorial Hostel. This village will include houses equipped with modern amenities such as toilets, gardens, well-managed rooms, and kitchens. The development will also feature a park, gym, yoga center, and meditation halls, offering both physical and spiritual well-being for residents and visitors alike.
Additionally, small-scale hydroelectricity will be generated from local water resources, making the village energy self-sufficient. Traditional tools like grinding stones, mortars, and water taps will add to the charm, preserving Kanda's cultural heritage. A beautiful 1 km walking trail with flowering plants will make the village even more inviting for visitors while showcasing the regionтАЩs natural beauty.
Kanda: A Hidden Gem for Eco-Tourism
Kanda is poised to become an eco-tourism haven, offering a pristine environment and a glimpse into a sustainable, traditional way of life. The village will offer organic fruits, vegetables, wild mushrooms, honey, dairy products, and locally made specialties like gundruk, sinki, tama, akbare khursani, and mule chhuse. The natural beauty of the region will further enhance its appealтАФvisitors will be captivated by the sight of rhododendron flowers in spring and stunning views of the Himalayas, hills, and the plains of the Terai.
The village will also offer adventure tourism with activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and trekking. For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, there will be options for forest walks, meditation retreats, and yoga workshops.
KandaтАЩs Unique Spiritual and Cultural Appeal
KandaтАЩs appeal will also extend to spiritual seekers. The village will house dedicated meditation halls, and small hermitages for visitors seeking a peaceful retreat. In addition, there will be areas for cultural performances showcasing the traditional arts, including dances, music, and rituals. The village will remain a sanctuary for those seeking peace, spirituality, and connection with nature.
A Glorious Future for Kanda
The ultimate goal of the Kanda Transformation Campaign is to create a village where children receive an education, youth gain skills and self-reliance, and everyone has access to a secure, comfortable home. With agriculture, eco-tourism, and local businesses thriving, Kanda will become a beacon of sustainability and self-sufficiency.
As the campaign progresses, the dream is that Kanda will no longer be a forgotten village, but a thriving community attracting visitors from around the worldтАФtourists, volunteers, and even investorsтАФeager to experience the unique charm and sustainable living that Kanda offers.
A Call for Support: Honoring Donors and Collaborators
Laxmi Pratishthan is a socially-driven organization committed to bringing about meaningful change in Kanda. We invite everyone who wishes to contribute to this transformative journey to join us. Donors can support the campaign in various ways, and we ensure that their contributions are recognized. All contributors will have their names inscribed on plaques in the hostel and various buildings, with larger contributions leading to additional honors such as life-size statues and special acknowledgments.
Together, we can turn Kanda into a shining example of how communities, when empowered and supported, can rise above poverty and create a thriving, sustainable future.
LetтАЩs work together to bring transformation to Kanda!
Victory to all who support this cause!