When she was in seventh grade, she got involved with handicraft and knitting sweater. This helped her fund her own education. Every weekend she weaved carpets. She has been training people to knit sweaters knitting when she was in the seventh grade. Surja Laxmi Maharjan did not take her S.L.C (Currently S.E.E) exams. Instead, she joined health courses which led to a four-months internship at Birendra Police Hospital.
Beyond Empathy: Climate change and access to WASH facilities
“During the Maoist insurgency, there were frequent strikes across the valley. Despite the bandhs, I travelled all the way to the hospital from Kirtipur. The struggle finally led her to decide on sticking to the health education.
When I first visited Proudh Sikshya( Education for the elderly) to talk about breast cancer, one of the women complained to my mother for being vulgar. But my mother supported me. I campaigned for Breast Cancer in Kirtipur. Later my work was appreciated by the people," said Surja. Surja later took the S.L.C. exams. She has always dreamt of wearing the black hat (Graduating). In pursuit of this dream, she is currently studying Masters in Law. She is involved in social works like health campaign, education and many more.
“It’s up to us on how we take the comments thrown at us- be it negative or positive. Despite being a single female, I have continuously supported my home and contributed to the society. Yet, there is a negative response from the society. But I take them positively and in turn try proving them wrong by working hard,” says Surja Laxmi Maharjan . Surja believes in herself and always doing her work in proper way with a positive impact.
