Memorial’s honor given to Nepalese

By Jay F. Marks

Published: April 19, 2006

When Durga Ghimire first visited the remote Ramechhap district of her native Nepal more than 20 years ago, she was struck by the lack of basic necessities.

The sight of such deprivation spurred Ghimire and her husband, Jagdish, to help, earning her the 2006 Reflections of Hope Award from the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

When she first visited the region, rocked by civil war, it was so impoverished that it had no available medical services or accessible drinking water.

"Women used to spend hours collecting water and firewood, said Ghimire, who still lives in Nepal.

The sight of such deprivation spurred Ghimire and her husband to establish the Tamakoshi Sewa Samiti, also known as the Tamakoshi Service Society.

The community-based organization has improved the quality of life for the residents of that region over the past two decades.

"A fierce advocate of human rights, Durga's drive and vision helped bring into being an innovative participatory membership organization that has empowered marginalized people in Ramechhap, particularly women, wrote Reflections of Hope selection committee member Linda Lambert, the former memorial chairwoman who nominated Ghimire.

Ghimire said the $25,000 grant that comes with the award will help establish an endowment to turn the organization into a self-reliant entity.

"It has long-lasting effects, she said. "It will help to sustain our work.

"We can change the lives of thousands and thousands of people.

Ghimire's group, which started with $400, has grown to include more than 6,000 members, each with a stake in the organization's efforts.

They established a hospital that serves more than 20,000 people, built schools and created a drinking water program that brought indoor plumbing to the area for the first time.

Ghimire said it was possible because residents are encouraged to participate in development projects rather than taking them as donations.

She said building sustainable services in the region was a slow process, but it is gratifying to be recognized for her efforts.

Ghimire will be honored tonight at a dinner at the Meinders Hall of Mirrors at the Civic Center Music Hall.