GANDAKI: A total of 159 street-dependent individuals have been rescued so far under the ‘Mechi-Mahakali National Rescue Journey,’ jointly launched by the Manavsewa Ashram and the Ani Choying Drolma Foundation.

According to Sushila KC, Central General Secretary of Manavsewa Ashram, the rescue journey, which commenced on May 10 from the Mechi Bridge in the east, has now reached Sindhupalchok after traversing various districts of Gandaki Province.

“The rescue team has reached all seven provinces. The rescue journey will continue until June 4, with a closing ceremony scheduled for June 5 at the City Hall in Kathmandu,” she said. “The helpless street people rescued during this campaign have been placed in the nearest Manavsewa Ashram centers.” The Mechi-Mahakali National Rescue Journey was initiated with the motto, “Let no one remain on the streets during this heavy rainy season.”

General Secretary KC explained that the rescue campaign was launched to rescue and protect street-dependent, helpless, destitute, and incapacitated individuals. She noted that the Ani Choying Drolma Foundation has managed the financial aspects of the campaign. Manavsewa Ashram has conducted similar national rescue journeys in the past as well. Ani Choying Drolma, chairperson of the foundation, is also actively participating in the rescue journey. Drolma expressed that she joined the campaign because there is no greater religion than serving humanity.

She added that everyone should connect with service to make life meaningful. Manavsewa Ashram has been running a ‘Humanity Promotion Mega Campaign’ with the objective of making Nepal a nation free of street-dependent people. Operating formally as a philanthropic organization since 2016, Manavsewa Ashram currently provides shelter to over 2,000 incapacitated, destitute, and guardianless individuals across its service centers nationwide.

Along with rescuing street-dependent people, Manavsewa Ashram has also become a medium for family reunions. The Ashram reported that more than 2,800 individuals have been reunited with their families so far. Sumira Lama, co-treasurer of the Ashram, stated that family reunion is given the highest priority for individuals rescued from the streets.

Headquartered in Hetauda, Makawanpur, the Ashram operates 30 service centers across 21 districts, including Kaski. If family reunion is not possible for those rescued and brought to the Ashram, they are kept, cared for, and nurtured within the facility. The Ashram shared that while it has rescued thousands of street-dependent individuals, more than 2,200 people have voluntarily left the Ashram after successful medical treatment.

Manavsewa Ashram was established nearly a decade ago to ensure that no citizen has to depend on the streets. Within a short span of time, its service centers have expanded across various districts of the country. Along with the expansion of these service centers, the construction of the Ashram’s own buildings and infrastructure has also begun.

In Gandaki Province, branch buildings in Kaski, Baglung, Lamjung, and Gorkha are currently under construction. These structures are being built with the support of government agencies, various organizations, and other donors. The Ashram handles the management, medical treatment, and nurturing of street-dependent individuals. Guided by the motto “Food, Clothing, and Shelter for All,” Manavsewa Ashram is dedicated to the mega campaign of making Nepal a nation free of street-dependent people.