Recharge your body and spirit - Chiran Jeevi Poudel

"Despite my impaired vision, I have risen to the challenge of running my own business, employing and managing a team of staff. " – Chiran Jeevi Poudel

Chiran Jeevi Poudel from Kapilbastu is one of the first visually impaired people to become a certified masseuse in Nepal. Having received training through a UK-based charity called Seeing Hands Nepal and spending several years as a professional massage therapist in Seeing Hands Pokhara, Chiran is now a proud proprietor of Seeing Hands Kathmandu. Chiran was always determined to empower other visually impaired Nepalis and make them socially and financially independent.

Transcending the social stigma of massage being associated with the sex industry in Nepal, Seeing Hands is now a successful social venture with a devout clientele. His clinic, located in Thamel, currently employs three visually impaired people and has trained three as massage therapists. Chiran was awarded with the Surya Nepal Asha Social Entrepreneurship Award 2012 and his services are now being recommended by Lonely Planet Nepal.