#10 - Dhammawati Guruma, 86 years old - Life Journey & Perspectives [Newa]

In this 10th episode of Aji’s Podcast, we speak with 86 years old Dhammawati Guruma of Dharmakriti Vihar in Kathmandu. Guruma takes us back to her younger days when she ran away to Burma from Kathmandu to pursue her education in Buddhism. She shares her philosophy and perspectives on many things including her friendship with Aung San Suu Kyi. She also answers several questions sent to us from our listeners via our #AskAnAji campaign.

This episode with 86 years old Dhammawati Guruma was recorded on March 6th & 12, 2020 at the Dharmakriti Vihar in the Sheegha neighborhood of Kathmandu by Aji’s Co-founder Lorina Sthapit.

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#9 - Kirtan Krishna Bhattarai- Health enthusiast & environmentalist at 92 [Nepali]

In our 9th episode we speak with 92 years old Kirtan Krishna Bhattarai. Even in the congested city of Kathmandu, he has managed to set up organic farming and is raising two cows to meet his daily needs of vegetables and milk. He is an avid health enthusiast with a degree in Ayurveda and strictly follows healthy eating habits and lifestyle. He is fit, energetic and is engaged in several social work activities to preserve the environment and share his knowledge on healthy diet and way of life. In recognition of his contribution towards environmental conservation (regular street cleaning and plantation around Icchu river), the community has named an entire street in the neighborhood Kirtan Krishna Chowk in his honor.

This episode with 92 years old Kirtan Krishna Bhattarai was recorded on 17 February 2020 at a recording studio in Ganabahal, Kathmandu by Aji’s Co-founder Lorina Sthapit.

You can also listen to Aji’s podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

Please support us on Patreon to help us bring you more episodes.

#8 - Late Shreemati Bajracharya, 77 years old- Life's joys and career as a school principal [Newari]

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Shreemati Bajracharya holding her Senior Citizen award in 2018.

In our 8th episode we are very fortunate to have spoken with 77 years old late Shreemati Bajracharya. This interview was recorded on Jan 30th, 2020 in her home in Balaju less than a month before her passing. Shreemati was a strong and assertive woman who made significant contributions to the education sector. She was homeschooled till SLC along with her siblings and cousins by her father. In this episode, she shares about many mischiefs and shenanigans during this time.

She went on to become a school teacher and later on the principal of Mahankal school for 25 years! In an era when girls were strongly discouraged to pursue education, Shreemati was a pioneering school principal who faced many hurdles during her professional life. She received support and encouragement to pursue her career from her family particularly her husband and mother-in-law, as well as members of her ‘tole’. When we spoke with her she was battling ill-health but showed great affection and satisfaction towards her children and grandchildrens’ achievements.

We publish this podcast on the eve of International Women’s day honoring Shreemati Bajracharya’s life as a strong and accomplished woman.

You can also listen to Aji’s podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

Please support us on Patreon to help us bring you more episodes.

#7 - Tika Maya Gurung, 86 years old- Strength, struggle and success [Nepali]

In our 7th episode we speak with 86 years old Tika Maya Gurung. Despite a difficult marriage, she independently supported her four children and husband and also built a house by starting series of enterprises from a small grocery shop in a godown to a tailoring shop, knitting center, travel agency, kerosine depot and farming. Today she is living a happy and graceful life with her 4 kids and 5 grandkids.

You can also listen to Aji’s podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

Please support us on Patreon to help us bring you more episodes.

This episode with 86 years old Tika Maya Gurung was recorded on 24 January 2020 at a recording studio in Ganabahal, Kathmandu by Aji’s Co-founder Lorina Sthapit.

#6 - Dil Hera Tuladhar: married at 8, first income at 83 [Newa]

In our 6th episode we speak with 84 years old Dil Hera Tuladhar about her inspiring life experiences. She got married when she was just 8 years old, lost her first child as a young mother, learnt to knit and sew in Kalimpong where she waited for several years for her husband to return from Lhasa, and at age 83 she was featured on BBC for making her first income selling dhaka baby blankets on Aji’s. Today she lives a happy and fulfilling life as a mother to 3 children, grandma to 6 grandchildren and great grandma to 3 great grandchildren!

You can also listen to Aji’s podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

Please support us on Patreon to help us bring you more episodes.

This episode with 84 years old Dil Hera Tuladhar was recorded on 9 January 2020 at a recording studio in Ganabahal, Kathmandu by Aji’s Co-founder Lorina Sthapit.

#5 - Shobha Lamichhane Bhattarai, hospitality entrepreneur and Airbnb Superhost at age 62 [Nepali]

At 60 years old, when most people think about retirement, Shoba started her entrepreneurial journey— a new business venture named Shobhalaya. She shares about her life’s struggles, loss of her husband to cancer, and how she overcame depression. Today at 62 she’s living a happy and fulfilling life as a mother, successful entrepreneur, and an Airbnb Superhost!

Please support us on Patreon to help us bring you more episodes.

You can also listen to Aji’s podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

This episode with 62 years old Shoba Lamichhane Bhattarai was recorded on 18 December 2019 at a recording studio in Ganabahal, Kathmandu by Aji’s Co-founder Lorina Sthapit.

#4 - Shiro Moktan: single mother, educator, independent woman [English, Nepali]

Shiro at her home in Kathmandu.

In this fourth episode of Aji's podcast we speak with Shiro about her journey as a rebellious girl growing up, single mother of five daughters, dedicated educator and now an independent elderly women defying many stereotypes. She is also an Aji’s maker. You can buy her macrame plant hangers on our products page and read her interesting perspectives on our blog.

Please support us on Patreon to help us bring you more episodes.

You can also listen to Aji’s podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

This episode with 68 years old Shiro Moktan was recorded on 3 November 2019 at a recording studio in Ganabahal, Kathmandu by Aji’s Co-founder Lorina Sthapit.