Kashi Nath Aryal - TLM Hero
Every morning at 9 A.M. the day begins at the Leprosy Wards in Anandaban Hospital. Some patients go to the balcony in search of the morning sun, others pick up a game and head up to the roof, and those scheduled for check-up on the day lie in wait. Their wait is finally answered when a man with his signature lab coat and smile walks into the wards. This is Kashi. Patients new and old have been waiting for Kashi for more than five decades and he has always obliged.
In the ever-changing landscape of the wards at Anandaban Hospital, Kashi has been a constant figure. He goes from bed to bed taking care of the patients, changing their dressings, looking at their wounds, providing care to those in need and listening to their plight.
Everyone that comes into the ward loves Kashi. His compassion shines bright in everything he does. Kashi was born in 1960 in Kavre as the son of a priest. When he was 7 years old, Kashi noticed wounds on his hands and feet. Neither Kashi nor his family had any clue as to what the wounds could be. They finally got their answer when one day Kashi’s teacher sent him home with a note to give to his parents. The not read
“Your son is affected by leprosy, please do not send him to school.”
Despite the note, Kashi went to school the next day but was turned back. Crying, he went back to his home, but found no solace. His father told him to stay away from other children and tend to the cattle. Soon enough, Kashi started showing visible signs of leprosy and his family moved him to a cowshed, with nothing but his basic needs. From there, when Kashi was 11, he came to TLM’s Ananabdan Hospital after being told about the Hospital by one of the neighbours.
In total, Kashi was admitted to Anandaban Hospital 13 times and had 15 surgeries done. Instances of stigma and discrimination kept Kashi away from his home and since then, Kashi has been a constant presence in the ever-changing landscape of Anandaban Hospital, first as a patient, and now as a care giver. He finds joy in his work and thanks God that he is able to serve those in need.