Messages of Courage Despite Inoperative Hands: Writing the Future with His Feet
News Summary
- Sandesh Budhamagar, 12, from Dhawang, Dhansi village in Rolpa Municipality-10, writes with his feet. He is currently taking his grade five annual exams.
- Despite being born with non-functional hands, Sandesh never considered himself weak.
- He is not only a resident of Rolpa but also a symbol of inspiration for everyone with strong determination.
Rolpa – After trekking for about an hour and a half through the hilly terrain of Rolpa, a 12-year-old boy reaches his examination center daily, writing his exams with his feet. This is Sandesh Budhamagar from Dhawang, Dhansi village of Rolpa Municipality-10, who is currently shaping his future relying solely on his feet.
A student of grade five at Nepal National Basic School, Sandesh takes his exams at Himalaya Secondary School located in a neighboring ward. He is participating in the municipality-level annual examinations that began on Chaitra 8 (around late March). Arrangements have been made for him to sit on the floor during exams, and he uses his toes to hold the pen and write.
The struggle and dedication behind each of his written letters are extraordinary. For Sandesh, every exam is not just an academic test but also a testament to his self-confidence. Those who see his writing are often amazed.
Life was not easy for Sandesh from the beginning. From eating to dressing and daily chores, he has never had hand assistance. Though he was born with immobile hands, Sandesh has never viewed himself as weak. He has already resolved to convert his disability into a strength.
Since nursery school, he began practicing writing with his feet. Today, he says, ‘Ever since I started school, I have practiced writing with my feet. Now, no matter how much I need to write, I can do so easily with the help of my feet.’
According to his teacher Khim Budhamagar, Sandesh writes clear and understandable answers to all questions on his exam sheets using his feet. Living in a remote village where roads and transport are unavailable, he has to walk for an hour and a half daily to reach the exam center.
Source of Inspiration: Jhamak Kumari Ghimire
Sandesh’s journey is about more than just writing letters. The biography of the renowned writer Jhamak Kumari Ghimire has given him tremendous energy. Learning how she won the Madan Puraskar and gained international acclaim by writing with her feet has deeply inspired Sandesh.
‘I came to know that Jhamak Kumari Ghimire also wrote books using her feet,’ Sandesh says confidently, ‘I too want to read and write a lot and stand on my own feet.’
Financial Hardships but Strong Determination
Due to the remote setting and poverty, Sandesh’s parents have not been able to determine the exact cause of his non-functional hands. The absence of proper medical diagnosis means he has not received treatment.
Nevertheless, his enthusiasm for learning and his desire to progress remain strong. Sandesh has demonstrated to everyone that with courage, no obstacle can block the path to success.
Today, Sandesh Budhamagar stands as a symbol of inspiration not only in Rolpa but for all individuals who carry firm resolve.