The Story Of Sundar Dhoka
While living in a remote Nepali village, in 1984 Babukaji Adhikari fell from a tree while collecting fodder for his livestock. The accident severely damaged his lower spine, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. In life threatening condition, Babukaji was carried to a mission hospital. There, he received lifesaving treatment. A month later his wife Goma, gave birth to their son Bikash and they trekked to the hospital as well.
Due to societal stigmas against persons with disabilities, Babukaji and Goma were ostracized from their community and family. In contrast, they received love, acceptance, and practical help from the medical staff. Goma was provided with employment at the hospital and other work to support the family with their newborn son, Bikash.
Babukaji, now wheelchair bound, could no longer traverse the mountainous regions of his home village. The family moved to Kathmandu where they struggled to find employment and engage needed ongoing medical care in a system that was complex and expensive. All the while, they faced social isolation, prejudice, and humiliation due to Babukaji's disability.
Babukaji and Goma found they were not alone in their struggles. They befriended and helped other individuals with disabilities and their families. Goma used her familiarity with hospitals to guide and accompany patients through the healthcare system - a learning they had gained from their own journey of need. At times, they sheltered people in their own home during stays in Kathmandu for medical treatment. To survive financially, the couple made batik garments and frequently hosted meetings for people with disabilities in their rented apartment.
Their selfless caring for those in need, expanded their network of relationships greatly. From this interdependent community, Babukaji started the Sundar Dhoka congregation.
Our History
The Story of Bikash
Inspired by his parent's lives and surrounded by persons with disabilities, Bikash founded Sundar Dhoka Saathi Sewa (Beautiful Gate Friends Serving) to help with the needs of ". . . the least of these" in Nepal.
Since 2008, SDSS has helped thousands of people with disabilities and other medical conditions that impose societal and financial barriers to wholeness of life. With a heart and focus of responsive compassion, SDSS has created numerous initiatives and programs of vital help.
"Fullness of Life" - through practical help for the whole person, is the gateway for the vision of SDSS that continues to inspire the organization to action.
Sadly, Bikash passed away from Covid-19 complications in March 2022. Under the leadership of his wife Bijata, and together with Babukaji, Goma, and the management and staff of SDSS, the legacy of Bikash's life continues. This legacy reaches out with love to the neediest people of Nepal.
The service footprint starts with those who suffer from disabilities and extends to any in need of care and practical compassion due to limitations beyond their capacity. To these, SDSS invests their abilities and resources to help the whole person toward Fullness of Life - it's what Bikash desired for all.
Current Day Story
Today, SDSS operates from a welcoming and secure facility in Lalitpur, within the greater Kathmandu area. Our building serves as a combined office, hostel, and meeting space, offering 50 beds for long-term clients and their families. Guests receive warm, nutritious meals from our friendly kitchen, and safe drinking water from our in-house purification system and private well. To ensure access to hospitals and clinics, we provide transportation using our own vehicles and reliable public transport options.
Our work is powered by a team of 38 dedicated staff who manage every aspect of our services with care and professionalism. SDSS is fully registered with Nepal's District Administration Office and maintains compliance with the Social Welfare Council. We are governed by a responsible Board of Directors and undergo independent annual audits to ensure transparency and accountability.
From one family's story of pain and perseverance grew a movement of hope. SDSS exists because one couple refused to give up—and chose, instead, to serve. And today, we continue that mission—offering dignity, care, and fullness of life to those who need it most.
