‘Shri Bhavani Kathwala Furniture’ of Jeevan Jyoti Katuwal (23 years) is located at Thalara-7, Aathabis, Bajhang. This furniture is unique in this area. He started the furniture business about 4 years ago after coviding with his father. He is the eldest son of the family.
He went to India with his father at a young age and was working as a laborer. After returning to Nepal due to COVID, they became unemployed in the village. At that time, the Sirjana project started in his municipality. The father and son were happy after getting the training they wanted through the project. They took 3 months of carpentry (wooden goods making) training from ‘Algapuri Vocational School’ Lalitpur. Jeevan learned and performed great carpentry skills in a short period of training. As a result, the training institution itself offered him a job with a monthly salary of Rs. 24,000. Similarly, another furniture industry in Bajhang offered Rs. 30,000. However, he rejected all offers and decided to start a furniture business in his own village on his own.
The project recognized the skills and confidence he gained from the training and helped him start his business. After training, his determination to start his own business was fulfilled. With the help of the project, he got the help of a router, grinder, sizer machine, cutter, sander, and many other useful items for carpenters and furniture. Then the business officially started in its own backyard.
As soon as the business started, his work was publicized in his village. People from near and far came to give him carpentry orders such as beds, drawers, tables, doors, windows, etc. People liked his hard work. After that, the business gradually flourished. He says, “In the beginning, we learned to do most of the work by hand, but now, with modern machines, it has become easier and faster to work.”
The furniture business has given good financial returns. They earn up to 4 lacs annually. The income has strengthened the financial position of the house. They earn more than what they earned in India while happily staying at home. He says, “With the advanced machines, their work has become much easier and faster, giving more returns.” His elder brother (18 years old) also enjoys the carpentry work and helps his brother and father in their carpentry business.
Jeevan wants to learn more skills and grow his business further. For that, he believes that he can do more through the Sirjana project itself. He has no faith in the government. He says, “Government doesn’t count and support people like us; only those who have access get their support! Our hope and trust is only the Sirjana project that changed us from ordinary workers to carpentry businessmen in our own place.”
At an early age, Jeevan invested in his skills to make his family both sustainable and happy. His family and villagers are also happy to see his hard work and dedication.
