Neither polio that attacked her lower limbs when she was young nor her elementary education could stop her from turning into a succesful entreprenuer.
Harimaya´s passion for netting and sewing have established her as a prominent businesswoman in Baglung market
Today she makes Rs 25,000 a month by running a sewing training centre in the village. [break]
"So far I have taught more than 4,000 students and they have gone on to open dozens of sewing centers in the market area," says Pun.
Harimaya is particularly happy about the fact that all her students have always showered her with affection, admiring her as a good trainer -- and not with pity for her physical disability.
"Times have changed," she beams with pride. "There used to be a time when I was struggling to feed myself, but today I earn for my whole family."
She now supports her old mother, a brother, a sister, and a daughter-in-law.
With seven sewing machines, Harimaya trains 35 women a day, and she particularly inspires differently able women to join her classes.
She has been feted with dozens of awards from reputed organizations in the past years for her exemplary deeds.
Walking down the dark memory lane, she still vividly remembers her parents were against her wish to join a six-month sewing course in Pokhara. But they had to give in as she was determined to take the training--come what may.
Then, she recalls, she had to face more obstacles as she was initially ignored during the training session.
"But I didn´t lose hope. I kept my head high and gave my best effort and this has paid off well," she adds.
At the end of the training, Harimaya was adjudged the best female trainee among 51 other participants.
After the training, she established her own sewing centre at Baglung market in 1983. And there was no looking back for her.
"Had I not followed my heart, I would have never become what I am today," she says.
Related story
COVID-19 antigen tests being carried out across Baglung distric...
_20240311121839.jpg)
