๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ: ๐ป๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ ๐ก๐๐โ๐ ๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก ๐๐ก๐ข๐๐๐๐ (๐บ๐ท๐)
A Wonderful Journey to the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Bangkok: My Story -- Tikadevi Dahal
Tikadevi Dahal: I grew up in Sundarpur, Morang, Nepal, where I studied at Shree Sajilal Secondary School. At just one and a half years old, I missed the polio drops, leaving my left leg weak. My father carried me to school in the early years, and later I walked long, difficult roads myselfโoften facing falls and discouragement. Yet, I refused to let disability define me. Instead, I turned it into strength, pursuing education, self-reliance, and advocacy. For me, disability is not the end of the roadโitโs the beginning of proving whatโs possible.
From My Village to the City: The Struggle for Higher Education
Leaving my village for Kathmandu was a turning point. As a woman with a disability, I faced double discrimination and financial struggles that even paused my studies. Yet, after nearly a decade, I earned a masterโs in political science and turned my journey into advocacy for the education, rights, and equality of women and girls with disabilities.
My Desire for International Learning
After 28 years of work in disability and gender equality, I still dreamed of becoming a gender expert with international education. I wanted to sharpen my skills, improve my English, and contribute more to ending inequality. Leaving my activist role to be a student again was daunting, but I reminded myself that to give more, I must first invest in myself. With the encouragement of my friends Kopila Thapa and Uddhav Guragain at AIT, I found the courage to apply.
Beginning My New Chapter at AIT
In January 2025, I began my Masterโs in Gender and Development Studies at the School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) , AITโ the second chapter of my life.
The first few months were emotionally challenging. I missed my elderly mother deeply, I missed my active community life in Nepal, and even the taste of โdal-bhatโ (rice and lentils) from home. At the same time, I felt incredibly fortunate, I was finally studying in an international environment, something I had dreamed about for years.
The first semester brought many interesting and eye-opening experiences. After nearly 20 years away from formal education, sitting with younger classmates from diverse countries and cultures felt intimidating. Understanding lectures, meeting deadlines, and adapting to new expectations was a steep climb โ but having overcome greater hardships, I pushed forward with extra effort, late nights, and support from peers.
Accessibility Challenges at AIT
One of my first challenges at AIT was accessibility. Many classrooms were upstairs, and with my physical disability, climbing became harder with age. Yet, with the warm support of my classmates, I managed and learned how small acts of inclusion can make a big difference.
Another challenge was adapting to AITโs digital systems, where all announcements and assignments were online. At first, it was overwhelming, but with the patient guidance of my younger classmates, I gained confidence. For me, learning technology was more than completing assignments, it was breaking another barrier for people with disabilities.
Transforming Disability into Determination
Before AIT, I spent 28 years in a fast-paced life, balancing my own disability with responsibilities for others, often forgetting self-care. At AIT, I found peace โ fresh air, greenery, and the sounds of nature restored my energy and clarity. I was inspired by the instituteโs green campus initiative, proud to be part of a community committed to environmental protection and a cause larger than myself.
Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
At AIT, learning goes far beyond the classroom, with workshops, field visits, cultural exchanges, research opportunities, and interactions with global experts. I especially valued participating in International Womenโs Day celebrations, where womenโs leadership and gender equality were openly discussed. It was a meaningful space to share my own journey and connect with inspiring women from diverse backgrounds.
Another advantage was my long-standing connection with the United Nations and other international networks. These relationships sometimes opened opportunities for me to join programs in Bangkok alongside my studies, allowing me to maintain my advocacy work while pursuing my education.
Enhancing My Mobility and Independence
One of my proudest achievements at AIT was making my daily life accessible with an electric tricycle, allowing me to move easily around campus and fully participate in activities. It reminded me that accessibility is not a privilege but a right โ and when institutions prioritize it, they create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
My Vision Through the Gender Equality Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Lens
Living and studying at AIT has shown me that disability is not a barrier but a path to resilience and change. I hope my journey inspires others with disabilities to dream bigger and pursue higher education. My goal is to use the knowledge and skills I gain to fight gender discrimination, break barriers for people with disabilities, and promote inclusive policies where everyone is respected, valued, and never left behind.
My Closing Thoughts
I have learned three important lessons in my life:
- Disability is not the end of life, rather it is the beginning of a different and powerful journey.
- Gender equality makes the world more civil, respectful, and strong.
- Education has no age or gender limits, only a positive mindset, courage, and consistency are needed.
My time at AIT is not just about earning a degree, it is about proving that with determination, support, and an inclusive environment, anyone can achieve their goals. I am committed to contributing toward making AIT even more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for future students with disabilities.
For me, this journey is not mine alone. It represents all who believe in equality, dignity, and the transformative power of education to change lives.
Credit full story to: https://shorturl.at/0NgY8
