About PA Nepal | PA Nepal

Giving Prisoners and their children a better today and brighter future

Vision

Everyone has a right to live with dignity. Children have a right to grow up in a healthy and safe environment.

Mission

To empower and support prisoners and their children through sustainable solution, including education, housing, advocacy and welfare support.

Prisoners Assistance (PA) Nepal – a non-profit making charitable organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and socially reintegrating incarcerated children in Nepal, was founded by Indira Rana Magar, widely known as Aama. She first began working with prisoners in 1990 alongside human rights activist Parijat and registered PA Nepal in 2000 AD. Aama, is a social worker and human rights activist dedicated to giving prisoners’ children a better today and brighter future in Nepal. Indira was one of three finalist nominees for the 2014 World’s Children Prize and was awarded the World’s Children’s Honorary Award by Queen Silvia of Sweden for promoting and protecting the rights of incarcerated mothers with children. Various honorary awards that include Ashoka Fellow 2005, Asia 21 Young Leader Public Service Award 2009, BBC 100 Women around the World 2017, Rotary Vocational Excellence Award 2017, International Humanitarian Award “The One 2022”- Runner up and many more at national level have been awarded to Aama for her humanitarian work in Nepal.

Our Work and Impact

Prison Program

Junkiri Primary School

Children Home

Founder: Indira Ranamagar

Indira Ranamagar is a social worker and a chairperson of PA Nepal, a non-profit organization that looks after the children of criminal parents living in the jails. She is a well-known name to the prison authorities of Nepal and has been working in the field of human rights for more than three decades. The organization has established 10 children homes, 2 schools, 3 daycares, and several other social projects to help prisoners and their children.

Indira Ranamagar, a distinguished social worker and the founder of Prisoners Assistance Nepal, has dedicated the past three decades of her life to advocating for human rights and championing the cause of prisoners and their children in Nepal. Born in 1970 in the village of Shanischare-6 Salbari, Jhapa District, she emerged from a backdrop of poverty and gender-based limitations to become a beacon of hope for those entangled in the complexities of the Nepali justice system.

Indira’s early life was marked by adversity. Denied the opportunity for formal education due to societal norms dictating that only boys were entitled to it, she persevered, learning the basics from her brothers. Extreme poverty posed additional challenges, but her tenacity saw her through. Improvising with makeshift study materials, including using her fingers to scratch letters in the dirt, she not only gained access to education but consistently excelled as a top student.

Her journey continued as she transcended her local life, becoming a school teacher and providing adult literacy classes for women in her village. However, her ambitions soared beyond the confines of her community, propelling her to make a significant move to Kathmandu when faced with political challenges.

In the bustling city, she found herself at a small school where she crossed paths with the influential writer and human rights activist, “Parijaat.” Parijaat’s commitment to the rights of political prisoners ignited a passion in Indira. Through visits to prisons and exposure to the intricacies of the Nepali justice system, she became deeply involved in the cause, following the path of kindness set by her mentor.

Working closely with Parijaat, Indira built relationships with prisoners, earning their trust and gaining insight into the human rights issues within Nepali prisons. This firsthand experience fueled her determination to address the challenges faced by prisoners and their children. It was this commitment that led her to establish Prisoners Assistance Nepal in 2000, marking a significant milestone in her mission to create a secure and nurturing environment for these vulnerable individuals.

Today, Indira Ranamagar stands as a beacon of inspiration, not only as the founder of a vital non-profit organization but also as the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Nepal. Her story is one of resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to fostering positive change in the lives of prisoners and their families, now extending to the highest echelons of the country’s legislative body.

Namaste!

It is with immense gratitude and a sense of responsibility that I reach out to you today. I am Indira Ranamagar, presently holding the esteemed position of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal and proudly serving as the founder of Prisoners Assistance Nepal (PA Nepal).

I want to take this moment to extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of you who has contributed to PA Nepal’s journey. Your support, both local and international, has been pivotal in realizing our vision of transforming the lives of vulnerable prisoners and their children.

As we stand at a juncture of growth and expansion, meeting the evolving needs of the communities we serve, I am deeply appreciative of the ongoing support from donors like you. Your generosity enables us not only to sustain our long-term, established programs but also to venture into new initiatives aimed at providing holistic and person-centered care.

Our commitment to creating a world where everyone, especially women and children, can live in safety, free from the clutches of crime, remains unwavering. PA Nepal is dedicated to being a force for positive change, and your continued support makes this journey possible.

I am honored to lead an organization that stands for justice, compassion, and empowerment. Together, let us continue making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families who possess incredible potential to contribute to our society.

Thank you for standing with us on this transformative journey.

Many thanks and warm regards,
Indira Ranamagar
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal
Founder, Prisoners Assistance Nepal (PA Nepal)

Recognition

Since its inception, PA Nepal and its founder Indira Ranamagar have received numerous awards and recognition in Nepal and internationally.

The One Humanitarian Award

2022

World’s Children’s Prize Honorary Award

2014

Asia 21 Young Leaders Public Service Award

2009

All Awards and Recognition

Team

Subani Ale Magar

Chairperson

Hari Karki

Director

Sunita Manandhar

Project Coordinator

Arpan Rana Magar

Finance and Admin Coordinator

Sarita Rai

Mala Home Director

Srijana Magar

Home In charge (Firefly Home)

Janaki Kumari Sharki

Home in charge ( Kumari Home)

Yogesh Tamang

Home in charge (Jhapa Home)

Sagar Magar

Home in charge (Sankhu Home)

Sunita Magar

Home in charge (Sustainability Home, Jhapa)

Rojina KC

IT Officer