At 84, cycling through villages to sustain a business

KATHMANDU: Ram Swaroop Rana, an 84-year-old resident of Daiji in Bedkot Municipality-10, Kanchanpur, defies his age with youthful vigor.

His wrinkled face, snow-white beard, unkempt attire, and a bicycle adorned with vibrant ropes tell the story of a man who embraces life’s struggles with resilience.

Every morning, Rana sets out from his home, cycling through villages, selling ropes, and returning home in the evening.

Despite his age, his determination remains undeterred as he earns his livelihood by selling ropes, nets, and baskets crafted from discarded plastic.

“My sons are unemployed, and we don’t have land for farming. Every day is a question of survival,” he shared. “Selling ropes is how I manage to feed my family.”

Rana collaborates with skilled neighbors to craft ropes and nets, paying them RS 100 per item.

In his spare time, he collects discarded plastic materials like noodle wrappers and biscuit packets, which he repurposes into durable household items.

He travels across villages in Bhimdatta and Bedkot Municipalities on his bicycle, selling these items.

These ropes and nets, priced between Rs 250 to Rs 500, are highly sought after in rural areas. Farmers use the nets to gather fodder from forests, particularly during the winter months, to keep livestock warm. “Depending on the size, I sell them at different prices.

Selling two or three items daily is enough to get by,” he said.

Small nets and baskets are sold for Rs 250, while larger ones fetch Rs 500. Farmers prefer these products for their durability and practicality.

Rana’s life has been a tale of endurance. He lost his wife at the age of 54 and took up this trade after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his family’s already fragile economy.

“Without work, survival is impossible. Though I never imagined working at this age, life left me with no choice,” he remarked. “It’s the rope business that keeps us going.”

Rana’s story is a poignant reminder of how determination and resourcefulness can overcome even the harshest circumstances.

His journey is not just about survival but also about setting an inspiring example for generations to come.