When a Didi’s Story Becomes Our Lesson

By Dipa Kuikel, Didi Mentor, Rukmini Foundation

On June 17, we gathered at Kalidevi Secondary School in Lamagau. Seventy students from Grades 4 to 10 came. They were excited. They were curious. They were ready to listen.

Prabina Amatya Didi came to speak with them. She is the president of NUSAN, the Nepal US Alumni Network. But that day, she was just a Didi sharing her life with younger sisters and brothers.

She started with her own story. She told them about her family—how she is a daughter, sister, wife, and mother. She had opportunities to stay abroad. But she came back to Nepal to care for her parents. She showed them that you can love your family and still chase your dreams.

Then she shared something that made the students sit up straight. She told them about her early days when she used to stay quiet. She felt she was not capable enough. She was scared to speak. But she learned that staying silent means missing opportunities.

Dreams and Fears

Didi asked the students what they want to become. The answers came quickly. Teacher. Influencer. Someone who works abroad. Someone who supports their family.

Many said they want to go abroad. Didi did not tell them not to go. She told them that success is possible anywhere—even in Nepal. What matters is hard work, skills, and dedication.

Then she asked about their fears. Many students said they feel nervous speaking in front of people. They are scared of participating.

Didi told them that confidence does not come from waiting. It comes from doing. We cannot win a competition without entering it. We cannot succeed without trying. Every failure is a lesson. Every attempt makes us stronger.

Mobile Phones and Time

The students talked about their mobile phones. TikTok. Social media. Online games. They spend hours on them.

Didi did not tell them to stop using phones. She told them to use them wisely. Too much time on screens affects our concentration. It affects our studies. It wastes time that we cannot get back.

She shared a quote: "Time and tide wait for no man."

Today's moments become tomorrow's memories. We should use our time well. Study. Play outside. Spend time with family. Balance everything.

What Is Leadership?

Didi asked, "What is leadership?"

Some students said it means speaking in front of people. Others said it means having a title.

Didi shook her head. Leadership is not about titles. It is about helping others. Taking responsibility. Making good decisions. Bringing others forward with you.

A good leader grows with their team. A good leader creates positive change in their community.

Never Stop Learning

One message stayed with everyone that day. Learning is never ending.

Didi told them that she kept learning throughout her life. She participated in programs. She went to different countries. She built connections. And because she kept learning, opportunities came to her.

She encouraged the students to read, research, explore, and stay curious. There are scholarships, exchange programs, and leadership opportunities out there. But we have to look for them. We have to be ready to grab them.

What the Students Said

After the session, two students shared their thoughts.

Sugam Pakhrin from Grade 6 said, "I learned that confidence comes from participation. If we stay silent because of fear, we may miss many opportunities in life. I will try to speak up more and take part in school activities."

Suchit Tamang from Grade 10 said, "The session taught me that learning never ends. By managing my time well, continuing to learn new skills, and believing in myself, I can achieve my goals and contribute positively to my community."

A Didi's Gift

That day, Prabina Amatya Didi gave the students something more valuable than any textbook. She gave them permission to dream. Permission to fail. Permission to try again. Permission to speak up.

She showed them that success is not about being perfect. It is about being persistent.

To the 70 students of Kalidevi Secondary School: remember what Didi told you. Speak up. Participate. Keep learning. Your future is waiting.

And to our supporters: thank you for making sessions like this possible. Every Didi who speaks, every student who listens, every dream that grows—it happens because of you.

With gratitude,
Dipa Kuikel
Didi Mentor, Rukmini Foundation