Ageing is often spoken about in quiet tones. Youth is celebrated loudly, while later life is expected to slow, shrink, and step aside. But what if ageing was not about fading, but about continuing to evolve?
At Bihani Social Venture, that question sits at the centre of everything. Founded by Santoshi Rana, the initiative creates spaces where older adults gather not as people nearing the end of their journeys, but as individuals still shaping them.
Through conversations, learning circles, cultural exchanges and shared reflection, Bihani offers something quietly radical: visibility. The individuals featured here come from different professions, generations and life paths, yet they share a common belief that age does not erase identity, purpose, or curiosity.
Their stories remind us that later life is not about stepping back from the world. It is about engaging with it differently, carrying experience as both strength and compass.
To learn more about Bihani Social Venture, contact them at 981-3228579,or via email at ask.bihani@outlook.com
Sabita Dhungana, 77
For Sabita Dhungana, reinvention arrived at 42. Inspired by iron furniture she encountered during travels in Europe, she returned to Nepal with an idea that was uncommon at the time. “I began by selling iron furniture to relatives and asking for honest feedback,” Sabita recalls.
What started as a modest experiment evolved into one of the earliest wrought iron workshops of its kind. But for Sabita, the business was never only about furniture. She trained people who had faced personal hardships, ensuring they gained skills to sustain themselves. Today the workshop continues under the leadership of those she once mentored, some of whom now run their own ventures.
Music, meanwhile, remains her emotional refuge. Singing since childhood, she often turns to it during moments of reflection. “I do not sing for livelihood. I sing for peace,” she says. Through Bihani, Sabita finds renewed inspiration among peers who believe retirement is not retreat, but a chance to continue exploring life with curiosity and connection.
CHANDRA RAI, 73
For Chandra Rai, service has shaped every chapter of her life. Raised in Illam, she pursued nursing on a scholarship and went on to serve as a Government Nurse for more than two decades. Her career later expanded into leadership roles with organisations such as Save the Children and Jhpiego, where she worked on maternal and reproductive health initiatives.
Retirement did not slow her curiosity. Instead, Chandra turned to blogging and vlogging, documenting everyday reflections on gardening, health, community and personal growth. “These creative outlets allow me to stay connected with people and ideas,” she says. Through Bihani, she finds a space to exchange experiences with peers who share her curiosity about life after formal careers.
For Chandra, ageing offers perspective rather than limitation. “Experience allows us to see life more fully,” she reflects.
SATYABHAMA AGRAWAL, 80
The hands of Satyabhama Agrawal move slowly but with precision, guiding delicate threads across fabric. The craft she practises, Maal ka Kaam, uses gold and silver threads to create intricate designs. “When I thread through fabric, I feel connected to memory and devotion,” Satyabhama says.
Learned from her mother during childhood, the skill remained with her through marriage, motherhood and later the difficult years of illness and personal loss.
Health challenges gradually pulled her inward, leaving her uncertain of her sense of purpose. Encouragement from her daughter in law helped her rediscover the craft that once brought her joy. At Bihani, she encountered a community that values experience rather than seeing age as limitation. “Embroidery steadies my mind,” she says.
Today Satyabhama can often be found quietly stitching attire for the Hindu deities she worships at home, finding calm in the patient rhythm of creation.
SWARAJ RAJBHANDARI, 72
For more than three decades, Swaraj Rajbhandari worked at the forefront of maternal healthcare. Her career includes leadership roles at Paropkar Maternity Hospital and Kathmandu Model Hospital, along with international work strengthening reproductive health programmes.
“When I began, maternal mortality was high and reproductive healthcare was limited,” Swaraj reflects. While progress has been significant, she believes many rural communities still face challenges in accessing quality care.
Through Bihani, Swaraj continues to mentor younger professionals and educate communities about women’s health and menopause. “Age gives us the responsibility to guide the next generation,” she says.
For her, stepping away from clinical work did not end her contribution. Instead, it opened new opportunities to share decades of knowledge with others.
SHARADA ONTA RAJBHANDARI, 82
Education has been the guiding thread of Sharada Onta Rajbhandari’s life. After studying Home Science, she spent years teaching at Kanya Mandir before writing children’s books that encouraged curiosity and confidence among young readers. “I always believed education should inspire curiosity,” Sharada says.
Her commitment to community continued through leadership roles, including serving as President of Tapasthali Old Age Home, where she works to ensure dignity and care for elderly residents.
Through Bihani, Sharada engages with peers who share her belief that ageing should not lead to isolation. “Every stage of life can remain meaningful,” she reflects.
For Sharada, the role of a teacher never truly ends. The classroom simply becomes the wider world.
BEENA PANT, 66
Curiosity shaped the life of Beena Pant from childhood. Her fascination with nature eventually led to studies in ecology and environmental science and a career working with institutions such as UNEP, UNESCO and ESCAP. “Learning never stops if we remain open to the world,” Beena says.
Today she balances professional commitments with personal passions including gardening, writing and singing. As a lifetime member of Bihani, she actively participates in programmes that encourage lifelong learning.
For Beena, ageing is not about slowing down. “It is about continuing to grow in different ways,” she explains. Within Bihani’s community, she finds opportunities to exchange ideas, mentor others and remain engaged with the social and environmental issues she cares deeply about.
HEM LAL SHRESTHA, 83
At 83, Hem Lal Shrestha approaches life as a student. His career began as a teacher and eventually led him to becoming the Campus Chief at Patan Multiple Campus. Yet learning, for Hem Lal, always extended beyond classrooms. “Curiosity and inquisitiveness drive growth,” he says.
Throughout his career he encouraged students to explore Nepal through field visits that connected geography, culture and lived experience. Today he continues documenting Newari traditions and studying environmental and anthropological issues.
Through Bihani and Sheshya Samaj, Hem Lal remains engaged in conversations about heritage, knowledge and cultural preservation. “Age should never limit learning,” he says. For him, curiosity remains the most powerful companion in later life.
BHAIRAJA SHAKYA, 75
For Bhairaja Shakya, public service has always been central. Trained as a civil engineer, he later worked with UNICEF for more than two decades, specialising in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programmes across several countries. “Community engagement is the heart of sustainable development,” Bhairaja says.
One of his proudest achievements was designing programmes that could be sustainably handed over to local governments. Retirement has not ended his commitment to social work. Through Bihani, Bhairaja participates in discussions, health initiatives and community programmes that connect professionals and elders.
“Retirement is simply another phase of contribution,” he reflects. For Bhairaja, the values that shaped his career continue guiding his life.
RAMESH SHRESTHA, 74
After decades of leadership roles at Nepal Telecom and the Trade Promotion Centre, Ramesh Shrestha began reflecting more deeply on well-being. Yoga and mindfulness gradually became central to his life.
“Ageing is a holistic journey,” Ramesh says. For him, health is not only physical. It includes mental clarity, emotional resilience and meaningful relationships.
Through Bihani, he found a community that complements these values, offering spaces for discussion and intellectual engagement. “It reminds me that purpose does not disappear with retirement,” he says. Instead, Ramesh believes later life can become a period where personal well-being and social contribution come into balance.
CHANCHALA THAPA, 75
After a 38 year career at Nepal Airlines Corporation, Chanchala Thapa entered retirement with curiosity rather than hesitation. She had always enjoyed reading and writing, but speaking confidently in public remained a challenge. “I always loved ideas and conversations,” Chanchala says.
Through Bihani, she found a supportive environment that encouraged her to participate in discussions and gradually develop confidence in her voice. “I realised it is never too late to grow,” she reflects. Today she continues exploring new ideas and engaging in conversations that expand her perspective.
For Chanchala, ageing has become less about slowing down and more about discovering abilities she had never fully explored before.
TOM RANA MAGAR, 75
The life of Tom Rana Magar has crossed countries and cultures. His career spreads across Nepal, Japan and the United Kingdom, where he worked in education, development and diplomatic institutions.
During his years abroad, Tom founded organisations such as the first Magar Sangh in Japan and later the UK Magar Association. “Community gives people a sense of belonging,” he says. He also established Himalayan International Ideal School in Nepal, continuing his commitment to education.
Through Bihani and alumni associations, Tom remains socially engaged and active. For him, leadership and service do not retire. “Wherever we are, we can still contribute,” he reflects.
SUSHILA SHRESTHA, 75
For more than three decades, Sushila Shrestha has worked to improve reproductive healthcare. After completing medical studies in Agra and specialised training in Dhaka, Germany and India, she spent 37 years serving at Maternity Hospital in Thapathali.
“Women’s health requires both skill and compassion,” Sushila says. Today she continues practising while mentoring younger professionals and supporting awareness programmes on reproductive health. As a lifetime member of Bihani, she participates in initiatives that promote women’s health and community education. “There is always knowledge to share,” she says.
For Sushila, ageing is not the end of service. It is a stage where experience can guide and inspire others.
Text: Kreenjala Pyakurel
Photos: Ripesh Maharjan
