A New Leg, A New Life: Bimala's Story

Bimala Magar, a 25‑year‑old woman from Lalbandi Municipality–2 in Sarlahi, faced a life‑changing challenge after a road traffic accident led to the amputation of her leg. Living with a physical disability, she struggled with everyday activities — walking, playing, and even attending school became difficult.

To restore her mobility and independence, Bimala was provided with a below‑knee prosthesis. This assistive device not only helped her walk again but also gave her the confidence to re‑engage in community life and pursue her education.

Her journey reflects the strength and determination of many young women with disabilities in Nepal. With the right support, rehabilitation, and access to assistive devices, Bimala’s story shows how barriers can be overcome and how dignity and opportunity can be restored.

 Her Story

Bimala Magar was just six years old when her life changed in an instant. While crossing the road in her hometown of Lalbandi, she was struck by a heavy truck. She was rushed to Narayani Hospital in Birgunj, Parsa, where doctors made the difficult decision to amputate her leg above the knee in order to save her life. In that moment, young Bimala became a person living with physical disability.

Once she recovered, Bimala returned home — and returned to school, determined not to let her disability hold her back. Marwadi Sewa Samiti in Birgunj provided her with an artificial limb, but without proper training or a comfortable fit, she found it difficult to use. Instead, she relied on elbow crutches to get through her daily life, using them to walk to school all the way through grade nine.

A Turning Point

Everything changed when Mrs. Mina Paudel, a fellow child with disability associated with PRERANA, told Bimala's parents about the rehabilitation services available there. On 25 May 2016, Bimala and her parents made their way to PRERANA for the first time. She was registered, assessed by a physiotherapist, and carefully measured by the Prosthetics & Orthotics (P&O) team.

About two months later, she received a brand-new BK (below-knee) prosthesis. The P&O team guided her through everything — how to walk with her new leg, how to care for it, and how to keep it in good condition. She walked out of PRERANA that day with more than a new limb; she walked out with new hope.

Moving Forward

With renewed confidence, Bimala continued her education, completing her +2 studies at Shree Jan Jyoti Higher Secondary School in Lalbandi. Today, she has completed her BBS final year and is also taking computer classes to build a stronger future for herself.

She often reflects on how far she has come — the pain of losing her leg, the long walks to school on crutches, the friends she couldn't run and play with. Now, walking comes easily. She plays with friends, visits neighbors and relatives, cycles to college, and helps around the house — simple joys that once felt out of reach.

Five years later, on 1 February 2021, Bimala returned to PRERANA for a replacement prosthesis. The team once again took careful measurements, and on 4 March 2021, she received a new artificial limb, funded through MOHP/LCDMS.

Looking Ahead

Bimala comes from a family of nine, with modest means — her father works as a farmer, and two of her brothers are working abroad in Dubai. Despite the challenges, her family has stood firmly behind her education, and she is deeply grateful for their unwavering support.

She is equally thankful to PRERANA for giving her a second chance at an independent life. Today, Bimala is preparing for college alongside her friends, with her sights set firmly on the future — she dreams of becoming a government officer, so she can one day serve the nation that helped her walk again.