While coming out of character in his much-acclaimed book, Acharya is, however, adding yet another feather to his cap, this time on the social service front. [break]
His new wife Ramila Pathak, his MaHa duo partner Madan Krishna Shrestha, son Mohit Acharya and few close friends and locals were beside him Thursday at Sankhu, Kavre, when the foundation stone was laid for Meera Center, a children´s home Acharya is setting up in memory of his late first wife.
His comedy partner Shrestha laid the foundation stone for the center, a model community-based early childhood facility, which will be completed in a year.
Foundation stone laying ceremony for Meera Center, a children’s home, under way at Sankhu of
Kavrepalanchowk on Thursday. The center is being set up in memory of comedian Haribansha Acharya’s late wife Meera.
"The centre will provide a safe environment for children below five," said Acharya, chocking up while addressing the gathering.
Recalling how Meera had secretly provided food and clothes to helpless children with part of the $ 1,000 sent by their son living in the US, Acharya said, "Her keen interest in helping children has inspired me to set up this center."
The center is expected to directly benefit at least 90 children and 180 parents per year and indirectly benefit over 27,000 members of the community in the Panauti area, according to Childreach Nepal, a non-governmental organization supporting the center. Acharya has donated two ropani of land for the center.
The building will be designed to suit the needs of the overall development of the children, according to Dr. Tshering Lama, director of Childreach Nepal. He also informed that the physical structure of the center has emphasized the fostering of an environment conducive to learning, while also saving energy, resources and money.
"Everyone has to die one day, but not all deaths are comparable to Meera´s as she had a short life but a ´regal´ death," Shrestha said, adding, "I hope the center will be completed in time and help provide cognitive education and meet the health needs of the children."
Meera, a noted radio anchor, died of sinus syndrome at the age of 46 two years ago. "I felt guilty not being able to save her despite all efforts," said Acharya.
Almost two years after Meera´s demise, Acharya tied the knot with Ramila, who has now become founder-president of the center on the suggestion of kin and relatives.
"I felt most unlucky when Meera died, sentiments which I have expressed in my book, Cheena Harayeko Manchhe, but I feel happy to say that we have Meera Center in her memory now," said Acharya, who also donated Rs. 500,000 for installing a statue of Meera at the center premises.
"Laying the foundation stone for the center has made us feel that we have accomplished our dream of making Meera live on," said Acharya, looking very restrained.
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