Bhoj Raj Shrestha

ID: a square graphic on a blue gradient background with the header: “The D-30 Impact List, 2021 Honoree, Bhoj Raj Shrestha, he/him/his, Nepal.” Bhoj headshot on the right. Bhoj is a man with dark hair in a wheelchair and is wearing a navy blue suit. At the bottom, “Diversability, #D30DisList.” 

---

Bhoj Raj Shrestha (he/him/his)

Social worker

Nepal

Born in a remote hill village as one of 10 children, Bhoj was never able to walk since he suffered polio at nine months. He overcame all barriers to get an education and has become one of the most powerful advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities in Nepal. His efforts created significant changes for the disabled community including the first deaf school in Sindhupalchok in 1999, waiving of advance deposits for disabled school, and many policies related to the rights of PWDs in Nepal.

Bhoj worked for the wellbeing of persons with disabilities throughout the Pandemic, advocating successfully for the supply of essential food supplies, medical provisions, and vaccines against Covid, as well as the provision of social security allowances for persons with profound disabilities. Under his leadership, ILC continued to provide daycare services to many persons with profound and severe disabilities in Lalitpur and reached out to rural areas, supporting PWDs from remote villages.

We asked Bhoj if he would like to add anything else to his accomplishments, and he stated: “Being a person with a disability, born in a remote hill in Nepal, with the struggle and courage, I am able to bring some changes in the disability community, which gave me recognition and admiration. The most delightful moment for me was when the Nepal government recognizes and gave approval for the first disable friendly school. Similarly, seeing me, numerous people like me considered living an independent life with dignity, which is a real pride for me.” Link: www.ilcnepal.org.np