CHITWAN: A new initiative in Sauraha, one of Chitwan's major tourist destinations, is encouraging visitors to participate in social service alongside sightseeing. Through this initiative, Green Society Nepal, Sauraha, is connecting domestic and international tourists with local communities, giving them opportunities to understand the challenges faced by disadvantaged people and contribute directly to their welfare.

Led by young tourism entrepreneur and social worker Shirlal Pariyar, who has been active in the social sector for nearly two decades, Green Society Nepal has been working to improve healthcare, education and children's welfare in the remote hill regions of Chitwan.

The organisation primarily focuses on underprivileged Chepang communities living in the hilly areas of Rapti and Kalika municipalities and Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality. Its activities include free health camps, educational awareness programmes, distribution of educational materials, and food and nutritional support for children.

Brothers Dedicated to Social Transformation

Shirlal Pariyar's elder brother, Sher Bahadur Pariyar, has also been actively involved in promoting the organisation's social initiatives and encouraging tourists to participate in community service.

The two brothers, Sher Bahadur and Shirlal Pariyar, are committed to bringing positive social change through their continuous involvement in community welfare. Their efforts particularly focus on improving healthcare, expanding educational opportunities and securing a better future for disadvantaged Chepang communities living in remote parts of Chitwan.

By connecting Sauraha's tourism industry with humanitarian activities, the brothers are working to make tourism a platform for social transformation and community development.

According to Shirlal Pariyar, General Secretary of Green Society Nepal, many domestic and international tourists visiting Sauraha are interested in supporting social causes. The organisation aims to go beyond financial donations by taking visitors directly to remote settlements and involving them in community welfare activities.

"Many tourists want to contribute to social causes. However, social service is not limited to providing financial assistance. We take tourists directly to remote villages, introduce them to the local way of life and encourage them to participate in meaningful social work," Pariyar said.

Hartmut Darmstadt from Germany has also been participating in the organisation's social initiatives. Recalling his previous visits to Nepal, he said he was delighted to now visit remote villages with Green Society Nepal and provide direct support to local communities.

Free Health Camp and Educational Support in a Remote Chepang Village

As part of the initiative, a free health camp and the distribution of educational materials sufficient for one academic year were organised on Friday at the premises of Majhwang Secondary School in Kalika Municipality–11, Chitwan.

Residents of the remote hill settlement expressed happiness at receiving healthcare services from specialist doctors in their own village. Access to medical examinations and free medicines without having to travel long distances provided significant relief to the local Chepang community.

The health camp offered services in orthopaedics, general medicine, paediatrics, eye examinations, blood pressure monitoring and diabetes screening.

A five-member medical team led by Dr. Suraj Bidari of the Orthopaedics Department at Bakulahar Ratnanagar Hospital provided medical services to local residents.

The team included orthopaedic specialist Dr. Shailesh Khanal, paediatrician Dr. Jagannath Shah, and medical officers Dr. Nisha Ghale and Dr. Bhumika Acharya.

Pariyar said arrangements had also been made to refer patients with complicated health conditions to Ratnanagar for further treatment.

In addition, more than 250 children received Sarbottam Lito, a nutritious complementary food, as part of efforts to help reduce malnutrition. Mosquito nets were also distributed to children, while free sanitary pads were provided to women.

Majhwang Secondary School currently has 94 students from the Chepang community. Educational materials sufficient for one academic year were handed over to the school to support the students' continued education.

More than 400 residents from Kalika Municipality–11 and surrounding areas benefited from the health camp.

Speaking at the programme, Ward Chairperson Krishna Bahadur Praja expressed gratitude to Green Society Nepal and everyone involved for bringing specialist healthcare services to the remote settlement.

By connecting tourism with humanitarian service, community development and social responsibility, Green Society Nepal is promoting a meaningful approach to tourism in Sauraha. The initiative aims to ensure that visitors to Chitwan not only explore its natural and cultural attractions but also become part of efforts to improve the lives of disadvantaged communities.