A few years ago, when my mother, Dipti Parmar, shared an article about Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar, a prominent social reformer, my initial reaction was indifference. The article, published by PeaceCorps.gov, highlighted Dr. Pariyar’s incredible journey as a Dalit girl in Nepal who overcame immense challenges to become a beacon of hope for marginalized women and girls. It wasn’t until my mother insisted that I delve deeper into Dr. Pariyar’s story that I began to grasp the significance of her work.
The word “Dalit” struck a chord within me, reminding me of my own family’s roots in the Dalit community in India. Although I was born and raised in the United States, where I’ve never personally experienced discrimination based on caste, I was deeply aware of the racial injustices faced by people of color in American history. This realization fueled my desire to learn more about Dr. Pariyar’s work and its impact on marginalized communities, both in Nepal and beyond.
As a current senior at Newark Academy, learning about the discrimination my people faced motivated me to dedicate myself to combating social issues in South Asia. Over the past three years, I’ve organized approximately 50 art workshops, teaching around 300 children how to draw while fundraising more than $5,000 for organizations like Dr. Pariyar’s ADWAN, AIM, and Asha for Education—each dedicated to fighting caste discrimination and illiteracy. Through these efforts, I hope to contribute to meaningful change, inspired by Dr. Pariyar’s trailblazing life story.
Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar was born in Nepal and immediately labeled with the single most damaging title a person living on the southern peninsula of Asia can have: Untouchable. From birth, Dr. Pariyar was heavily discriminated against and forced to redeem herself for a crime she had no control over. During her childhood, worthlessness was all she felt. The opportunities provided to her were significantly more limited than those presented to children of a higher caste.
For example, multiple temples were gated off to prevent Dalits from entering their sacred ground. Not only that, but other children shunned her and excluded her from group activities simply for being an untouchable or Dalit.
However, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope shone through: her father. Recognizing the importance of education in escaping the perpetual cycle of caste discrimination, her father pushed her to excel in school. Despite facing ridicule from teachers and students alike, Dr. Pariyar persevered.
Fortunately, her academic endeavors were recognized, and the Manakamana Higher Secondary School in Gorkha, Nepal, approached her family with the prospect of admitting her into their program. While the high tuition fees initially held her back, Dr. Pariyar’s exceptional academic performance convinced the school to offer her a place.
Throughout Dr. Pariyar’s life, those around her judged her based on her caste. However, for the first time, she met someone who looked past her caste identity and saw her for her character. John Brugman, the school’s science teacher and an American Peace Corps Volunteer, became a trusted mentor who motivated Dr. Pariyar.
After John’s tenure in the Peace Corps ended, their relationship continued. Dr. Pariyar passed her exams, leading John to provide her with a scholarship of 700 U.S. dollars. This enabled Dr. Pariyar to pursue a higher education and eventually found the Association of Dalit Women’s Advancement of Nepal (ADWAN). The organization, which continues to operate today, works tirelessly to end caste-based oppression. Roughly 150,000 Nepali people have benefited from ADWAN’s efforts.
Dr. Pariyar’s remarkable achievements have had a vast global impact. She has been honored with more than 40 national and international recognitions, awards, citations, and proclamations for her outstanding contributions to human rights.
In 2015, the City of Louisville, Kentucky, USA, honored September 27 as “Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar Day” in recognition of her social contributions. In 2013, she was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) from her alma mater, Pine Manor College, MA, USA.
Her life-struggle story has been featured in higher education textbooks, such as “The Writer’s Mindset” by Dr. Lisa Wright Hoeffner, published by McGraw Hill in 2021. In 2022, Dr. Pariyar’s life story was included in the State of Massachusetts’ Department of Education 7th-grade curriculum.
Additionally, Dr. Pariyar extends her compassion and expertise to victims of sexual abuse in the United States, offering therapy and mental health care.
Dr. Pariyar’s journey from an “Untouchable” to a beacon of hope serves as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of education. No individual should be defined by the circumstances of their birth, only by their actions and impact.
As we reflect on the incredible achievements of ADWAN, it is clear that the fight against discrimination and inequality is far from over. Dr. Pariyar’s unwavering determination and success inspire us all to challenge societal norms, support those who are marginalized, and strive for a world where everyone is valued for their humanity and potential. Let us take her story as a call to action, to support initiatives that promote equality and justice, and to be the advocates for change in our own communities. Together, we can create a world where no one is left behind, and where every person has the opportunity to rise and make a difference.
Cover art by Ishan ParmarÂ
Ishan Parmar
View More PostsIshan Parmar is a dedicated senior at Newark Academy, deeply committed to making a positive impact on the world. With four years of experience as a volunteer with Asha For Education, Ishan has been instrumental in raising awareness and funds for underprivileged children in India. His involvement has included creating informative brochures, organizing and participating in fundraising events, and advocating for the program's mission. Ishan's passion and dedication to Asha are evident in his tireless efforts to provide educational opportunities to those in need.
