Sometimes a single encounter can change everything. Indeed, it only takes a moment, a look, or a simple gesture to set a personal story on a new course. That is exactly what happened to me in Nepal in 2018. What began as a mountain trek took an unexpected turn, and one person left a lasting impression on me. Over time, this humanitarian encounter became a lasting commitment, growing into concrete action for people who have little or no access to healthcare.
Walking Nepal: A Breath of Silence
In 2018, I travelled to Nepal to hike in the mountains. This trip was not a sporting challenge. It was not about performance. It was about slowness, breath, and silence. At high altitude, walking teaches humility immediately. Every step matters. Every breath is hard-earned.
I already knew Nepal—its raw beauty and its harshness, too. This trek was meant to be a pause, a timeless space. Yet in the mountains, the body sometimes makes the decision for you.
Gradually, fatigue settles in. Subtle warning signs emerge. Finally, the body can no longer go on.
When My Body Could No Longer Keep Up
I fell ill during the trek. Shortly afterwards, I fractured my ankle. At that point, continuing to walk was no longer possible. As a result, the situation quickly became more than I could handle on my own. Medical repatriation was therefore the obvious decision.
In moments like these, any illusion of autonomy disappears. You are no longer an independent hiker. Instead, you become a body that must be cared for, stabilised, and transported safely. It was precisely in that context that a decisive encounter took place.
Meeting Dr Rinku Joshi
Before the repatriation flight, a military doctor administered the injection required for the journey. It was Dr Rinku Joshi. From the very first moment, something struck me: her calm, her precision, and the quality of her presence.
In moments of vulnerability, human connection can matter as much as the medical procedure itself. Rinku doesn’t just follow protocol; she is fully present. As a result, trust forms naturally.
An Almost Instinctive Question
Before leaving Nepal, a question came to me almost instinctively: could I, in the future, refer children or extremely poor people in need of medical care to her?
Her response was immediate—clear and unconditional: yes. From that moment on, what began as a humanitarian encounter ceased to be a simple travel memory. Instead, it became a living, active, and lasting bond.
Quiet commitment over time
Since 2018, whenever I have needed her, Rinku has been there. Each time I reached out for help or medical guidance, she responded with quiet availability and genuine attention. I cannot speak for everything she may have done beyond those moments, but I know that when I turned to her, she was always present.
There was no self-promotion, no publicity, and no request for recognition. There were only actions.
In the humanitarian world, we often talk about projects, numbers, and targets. All of that matters. However, there is another form of commitment—quieter, more intimate, yet just as essential.
The opening of a free outpatient clinic
Recently, Dr Rinku Joshi opened a free outpatient clinic. Once a week, she offers medical consultations at no cost to people who otherwise have no access to healthcare. Without this support, many of them would remain unseen.
However, initiatives like this can make a genuine difference in people’s lives. Moreover, access to healthcare remains a major challenge in Nepal, as highlighted by the World Health Organization. Therefore, these quiet, discreet actions can have an immediate and very real impact.
What These Gestures Reveal About Our Humanity
For some, it may not seem like much—one day a week, a modest setting, a local initiative.
For me, it is immense.
Because these actions reflect a worldview in which others truly matter, and where human dignity does not depend on money, status, or visibility.
I feel proud to have met Rinku—not in the social sense of the word, but as a human being.
Helping Hands: The Same Core Belief
This personal story reflects Helping Hands’ philosophy in a very real way. Since it was founded, the organisation has transformed human encounters into practical, lasting action.
Helping Hands works where needs are real. Through school bursaries, school rehabilitation, improved access to clean water, and targeted solidarity initiatives, the organisation is committed to long-term, practical change.
Each project is grounded in a simple belief: we cannot help everyone, but we can do our part—steadily, seriously, and with care.
Why Your Donation Truly Matters
All of these actions depend on the generosity of donors. Without financial support, no project can last. That is why your donation makes a direct, measurable, and immediate difference.
A gift of 100 € actually costs you only 25 € after tax deduction of 75 %. This makes your commitment accessible while remaining extremely effective.
👉 Make a donation on Helping Hands
https://helpinghands.fr/en/make-a-donation/
A long-term commitment
Helping Hands does not operate in emotional emergencies. The association prioritises continuity, reliability and transparency. The 2025 objectives are in line with this approach to sustainability.
Donors can track our projects over time, read testimonials, and understand in concrete terms what their support achieves. This level of transparency is essential for building trust that lasts.
Conclusion: From Encounter to Commitment
Finally, this humanitarian meeting and this commitment remind us of an essential truth. At one time or another, we are all dependent on the solidarity of others. However, everyone can take action at their own level.
Today, you can turn generosity into concrete action. By supporting Helping Hands, you help sustain essential projects over the long term. As a result, your donation becomes a powerful lever for real change.
👉 Support Helping Hands now.
👉 https://helpinghands.fr/en/make-a-donation/
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