Pushpa Basnet: A Champion for Children of Incarcerated Parents

Introduction

Pushpa Basnet is one of Nepal’s most dedicated and compassionate social workers, renowned for her groundbreaking work with children of incarcerated parents. Founder of the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) and the Butterfly Home, often known as “Putali House,” she has transformed the lives of countless children by providing them with education, housing, and essential care. Recognized internationally, Basnet was named CNN Hero in 2012, bringing global attention to her extraordinary efforts. In her honor, here presenting the biography of Pushpa Basnet:

Quick Facts

Full Name: Pushpa Basnet
Born: Kathmandu, Nepal, in 1984
Birthplace: Kathmandu, Nepal
Parents: Purna Bahadur Basnet and Sarita Basnet
Profession: Social Worker, Founder of ECDC and Butterfly Home (Putali House)
Notable Awards: CNN Hero 2012, Super Hero 2016
Key Contributions: Education, housing, and support for children of incarcerated parents

Early Life

Pushpa Basnet is one of the three children of father Purna Bahadur Basnet and mother Sarita Basnet. She has a brother and a sister. She was born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal. Despite coming from a well-off family, she was driven from a young age by a desire to help others, especially those who were less fortunate. This early passion eventually led her to work with children of jailed parents, a vulnerable population who were often neglected by society.

Education and Career Beginnings

Pushpa completed her education in social work, earning a degree from the Social Work Institute in Kathmandu. She passed the SLC examination from Elite School of Lamatar, and then, pursuing studies, she joined Plus Two at Xavier Academy. Similarly, during her studies, she graduated from St. Xavier’s and post-graduation from Kathmandu University.

During her college years, she first encountered prison life when she visited a correctional facility as part of her studies. There, she witnessed the challenging circumstances that young children faced while living with their incarcerated parents. Deeply moved by the sight, she became determined to help these children lead a life of dignity and opportunity.

Founding of ECDC and Butterfly Home (Putali House)

In 2005, Pushpa founded the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) to help children of incarcerated individuals. Later, she expanded her work by founding the Butterfly Home, also known as the “Putli House,” which became a haven for these children. The facility provides a nurturing environment, allowing the children to attend school and receive quality healthcare, nutritious meals, and emotional support. She struggled to build a building for her organization and arrange for food, a legacy that has made Pushpa the great woman she is today.

Image: ECDC Nepal | Celebrating ‘Gunyu Choli Custom’

Image: ECDC Nepal | Pushpa with her student and co-worker

Challenges and Resilience

Pushpa Basnet’s journey has not been without hardships. When Pushpa returned from a jail visit through a college program, she had nothing to do but an enthusiastic mind and a kind heart to serve. After that, she had many questions: what to do and what not to do for the child, how to protect him, what kind of services to provide, and where the money would come from. However, she started fulfilling her desire to serve by providing daycare services for five children.

In the beginning, Pushpa faced a significant crisis of trust, apart from money and funds. No one knew her, and the parents of the children inside the jail were hesitant to hand over their child to Pushpa. Being a young and unknown girl, it was a challenge to gain their trust. She had to convince the jail parents, showing the enormity of her early challenges. Social environment, stigma, and bureaucratic hurdles sometimes hindered her work. However, their motherhood, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to children enabled them to continue providing essential services despite all obstacles.

Initial difficulties

At first, she did not have any money or funds. She herself had become poor due to studying for a long time. There was no help from the government or the private sector. So, initially, she had to struggle a lot to raise funds. In this situation, she even sold some of her jewelry, as she could not afford the school’s financial expenses. Still, her institution was sinking in debt day by day. The child’s caretaker could not pay the room rent for many months. There was a shortage of food, which resulted in starvation. She was unfortunate to see the condition of the children. Sometimes, she regretted that I had started an impossible task that I could not do.

The dream came true

However, she did not run away from her mission; instead, she kept struggling with the pain. Help was requested from various government agencies and donors. Soon, her hard work and philanthropic plans attracted the world’s attention. Some help started coming. Gradually, new hope and enthusiasm were again instilled in her. Because her work was appreciated and publicized in the media. In the same situation, in 2012, when Pushpa Basnet was selected as a CNN Hero of the year 2012, she was not just happy, but her recognition also brought a new wave of support and acknowledgment to her cause, showing the power of acknowledgment in social work.

International Recognition and Achievements

In 2012, Pushpa Basnet was honored as a CNN Hero, which drew widespread attention to her mission. The award recognized her dedication and garnered international support, which helped sustain and expand her projects. She was also awarded the 2016 CNN Super Hero award and high honors, such as Gorkha Dakshinabahu, from the President of Nepal. Pushpa has continued to receive numerous other international and national awards and honors for her philanthropic efforts, solidifying her status as an inspirational public figure in Nepal.

Social Life and Public Engagement

Pushpa Basnet’s work has also made her a prominent social figure in Nepal. She connects with communities, raises awareness about the challenges faced by children of prisoners, and advocates for their rights. Apart from children, she provides shelter, a canteen, and health care to helpless older adults. They live a life of fulfillment. Through various public events and seminars, Pushpa continues to try to garner local and international support for her cause.

Personal Life and Motivation

Pushpa Basnet’s life is dedicated almost entirely to her work and the children she supports. Though she has faced many struggles along the way, her love for these children and her desire to make a difference drive her unwavering commitment. She has stated that seeing the children grow, succeed in school, and live happily is the greatest reward for her efforts.

His social life and activities have made him forget the happiness and joy of his personal life because the smile on the faces of those who are helpless and sad gives them real happiness.

Legacy and Impact on Nepal

Pushpa Basnet’s work has transformed individual lives and raised awareness about the plight of marginalized children in Nepal. By providing an environment where these children can grow up with dignity, she inspired a new generation of social workers in Nepal. Her legacy is one of kindness, resilience, and humanity. She is an empowered woman carrying a strong message of social change that a country or society rarely gives birth to.

Pushpa’s service work is now expanded beyond Kathmandu. She does not want any child of Nepal to live inside the walls of a prison. Therefore, she has gradually expanded the system of providing services to the children of such prison victims to various other districts outside Kathmandu. Her organization can now manage a fund of more than 20 crores. And various such affected children are being taught in high-level colleges apart from schools. Children from a few months old to youngsters of 21 years have received services through her organization, and many other helpless older adults have also been helped.

Summary

Pushpa Basnet’s journey reflects a deep sense of purpose and humanity. As an advocate for children of incarcerated parents, she has created a brighter future for hundreds of young lives. She is no longer just a social worker; she has become a loving mother to many grown-up children and a loving daughter to many elderly persons. With her enduring commitment and impressive work, Pushpa is a shining example of social service for modern society and how one person’s dedication can bring about remarkable changes in the social sector.

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