None of Gaurika's family members were outside the building when the major 7.8 Richter scale earthquake struck Nepal on April 25. It was almost noon.
The building swung; and no longer was a safe place to be at, but a big threat. Gaurika's mother ran to her, and pulled the-12-year-old under the table tennis table. Walls of the building collapsed into bricks outside. They could do nothing but pray.With the passing of days, news and images of the devastation had a deep effect on young Gaurika's mind. She left for London, United Kingdom, where she goes to HABS School, few days after with determination to send relief to Nepal.
Her school came up with a uniquely innovative charity event 'Put yourself into victim's shoes, to raise fund for Nepal's earthquake.' The idea of the program was to sell cheap school shoes and donate one dollar to Nepal's earthquake victims. It worked brilliantly.
Gaurika who had arrived Nepal to compete in the 20th Open National and Age Group Swimming Competition had to return to UK because the event which also served as selection event for the FINA World Swimming Championship was postponed.
Gaurika was an unknown name in the Nepali swimming until two years ago. Her debut has been abrupt and dominating-she broke seven national records during the 12th Galaxy Cup Inter-School Age Group Swimming Championship last year.
She returned to Nepal to participate in the recently concluded tournament with 1000 Euro support for Nepal earthquake victims. She was highly successful in the 20th Open National and Age Group Swimming Competition with six national records under her belt.
Her school is preparing to send a relief support worth 4,000 Euro in few days. Her father has already raised thousands of relief supports like tents, foods, medicines and coordinating with Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
On Tuesday, Gaurika found another way to support Nepal's earthquake. Her family donated a total of Rs 60,000 to Shanti Education Initiative Nepal (SEIN), a non-profit organization registered in United States, which has been working in rebuilding and renovating community school, providing training to teachers and mobilize volunteers across five districts-Sindhupalchowk, Dolakha, Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Kavre-since four years.
Half of the donated amount came from the cash prizes she won for breaking national records during the 20th Open National and Age Group Swimming Competition.
She was also appointed a goodwill ambassador of SEIN during the same program.
"I have been privileged to go to good school. Many people of my age have other stories. They have suffered further due to earthquake as their schools have been destructed. I want to do whatever I can to help them," says Gaurika.
She is returning back to her school on Wednesday with a bigger ambition. Since she had qualified for the FINA World Championship, she is looking forward to putting up a phenomenal performance in the world championship.
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