Kathmandu—It is often said—life itself is another name for struggle. But when one listens to the story of Hem Bahadur Thapa, widely known as “Hem Thapa,” that saying comes alive. Born in Sikidim, Morahang–9 of Tehrathum, Nepal, Hem Thapa today lives in the United States, where he has become a pillar of service, support, and hope for thousands of Nepalis. Yet the road to this place was anything but easy—his life is filled with pain, torture, and hardship that could bring tears to anyone’s eyes and make them reflect deeply on the true meaning of existence.
A Harsh Childhood: Growing Up Hungry
Hem Thapa was born into one of the poorest families in his village. His father, Dirgha Bahadur Thapa, survived by raising buffalo, while his mother, Laxmi Maya Thapa, labored tirelessly in the fields. From a very young age, Hem was forced to experience the weight of hardship.
He still vividly recalls an incident about 42 years ago, when he was just 10–12 years old. A heavy snowfall trapped his father for three days at the cattle shed in the hills. With no food left in the house, his mother and siblings went hungry. “For three days, we survived by eating mud to stay alive,” he remembers, his eyes welling with tears even now.
Education, Poverty, and the Army
Hem studied up to Grade 8 at Shree Siddheshwori Lower Secondary School in Sikidim, before moving to Shree Gaukhuri Secondary School for Grades 9 and 10. Though he loved education, poverty pushed him toward responsibilities far beyond his years.
He first joined the Nepal Army but fled after a few months. Later, he enlisted in the Indian Army, but again, could not continue for long. Life kept pulling him toward new struggles at every turn.
The Migrant Labor Journey: Qatar and UAE
Determined to change his family’s fate, Hem left for foreign employment. He spent 11 years in Qatar and another 2 years in the UAE. Yet even there, life was far from easy. After returning to Nepal from Dubai, he was forced to face an even darker chapter of his life.
Kidnapping and Torture: The Darkest Chapter
During Nepal’s Maoist insurgency, Hem was repeatedly abducted.
- The first time, he was held for 7 days.
- The second time, for 1 day.
- The third time, again for 7 days, enduring brutal torture.
The Maoists pressured him to provide training to their militia. Along with threats, he was subjected to unbearable torture.
“They cut my hands and legs with blades, rubbed chili powder into the wounds, hammered pins into all twenty fingers, and forced me to walk through jungles in just my underwear,” he recalls. His voice still chokes when he remembers that torment.
Kathmandu: Pain, Poverty, and the Thought of Suicide
Unable to bear such suffering, Hem left his village with his family and moved to Kathmandu, selling solar panels to survive. But city life proved just as merciless:
- He was thrown out of a rented room for not paying rent.
- His children often went to bed hungry.
- At one point, he even carried poison, ready to end his life.
“For many days, I slept on the streets with stray dogs,” he says. “But the thought of my family stopped me from drinking the poison. Instead, I chose to fight for life again.”
Israel and Then America
Amid endless struggles, Hem got an opportunity to work in Israel. After two years there, his life finally took a new turn—he moved to the United States. It has now been 19 years since he began his life in America.
A Successful Family and a Golden Chapter of Social Service
Today, Hem’s family itself is a symbol of success:
- Eldest son Sushil Thapa – MBBS, Dentist
- Younger son Sunil Thapa – American Army
- Daughter Tulsa Thapa – MD, Cancer Specialist
- Wife Maya Thapa – runs a Beauty Parlor
Hem himself works as a taxi driver in the US, but his contribution to social service is beyond imagination.
Over NPR 317 Million in Social Service
Even after reaching America, Hem continued his lifelong pledge—to dedicate his life to the service of the poor and suffering.
- He has donated over 317 million Nepali rupees to social causes.
- He has supported earthquake victims, COVID-19 patients, untreated patients, poor students, and stranded migrant workers abroad.
For this reason, many Nepalis call him nothing short of a “living god.”
Struggles in America
Even in America, life has tested him. He survived five car accidents and underwent three surgeries. Each time, instead of breaking, he became even stronger.
His wife, Maya Thapa, has also endured much pain. She remembers a time when, even during childbirth, she did not have enough food to eat. Perhaps that is why both husband and wife today stand at the forefront whenever it comes to helping the needy.
Conclusion: A Life Story That Brings Tears and Strength
The story of Hem Bahadur Thapa is one that inspires courage in anyone facing hardships. Poverty, hunger, abduction, torture, and even the thought of suicide—he overcame them all to become a beacon of hope for countless others.
His life conveys one simple but powerful message:
“Only those who overcome struggles can bring light into the lives of others.”
