Kathmandu. On the day the Bhotekoshi flood struck, September 10, the country was gripped by shock and uncertainty. As people watched news reports and listened to accounts of the devastation, one group was already on its way to Bidur, Nuwakot, carrying relief supplies and preparing to respond to the crisis.
The group was from the Golyan Foundation, the philanthropic arm of one of Nepal’s established business houses, Golyan Group. Led by young manager Jyoti Gaire, the team reached Nuwakot on the very day the disaster struck.
Since then, the foundation has been managing the holding centre at Chandrajyoti Secondary School in Bidur Municipality–3, where dozens of flood-displaced families, including many children, have taken shelter.
From delivering immediate relief supplies to providing food, basic healthcare, psychosocial support and day-to-day management of the holding centre, the foundation’s team has remained continuously engaged since September 10.
The volunteer operation, which initially began with around 30 people, has now grown to nearly 50 volunteers and employees deployed every day.
The team has effectively become part of the daily lives of those staying at the holding centre—being present in the morning, afternoon and evening, helping with meals, health services and other needs while also providing companionship and emotional support.
To help prevent children and other displaced people from becoming further distressed, the volunteers have been involving them in games, recreational activities and other forms of engagement.
They Did Not Leave After Distributing Relief
In the aftermath of the flood, numerous organisations and groups have reached affected areas with relief materials before returning. That process continues.
Golyan Foundation, however, chose a different approach. Rather than leaving after the initial distribution of relief, it decided to remain on the ground and provide continuous services to affected communities.
Volunteers and employees are being deployed to manage meals, health services, psychosocial support and the daily operation of the holding centre. The mobilisation, which began on the first day of the disaster, remains ongoing.
Golyan Group Chairman and Managing Director Akshay Golyan said the group decided to prepare a relief and support plan on the very day the disaster occurred, guided by the belief that affected citizens should be supported during a crisis.
He said the group plans to continue its support until the situation returns to normal and to work in coordination with the Government of Nepal and relevant government agencies to make relief and assistance more effective.
How long will the Golyan Group’s volunteer team remain at the holding centre?
Gaire says there is currently no fixed date for their departure.
“There is no definite plan to leave. At least until the government makes arrangements for the rehabilitation of the people staying at the holding centre we are managing, we will remain with them.”
Providing Shelter and Support to 68 Families
The holding centre at Chandrajyoti Secondary School, which is being managed by Golyan Foundation, currently accommodates 68 flood-affected families from the Devighat area.
Including members of those families and other affected residents from surrounding areas, the foundation provides meals and snacks three times a day to approximately 400 people daily.
Alongside food, basic health services and necessary medical advice are also available at the holding centre.
With particular attention to the psychological wellbeing of children displaced by the disaster, the foundation has arranged child psychosocial counselling and recreational materials.
Around 40 children are currently staying at the holding centre.
According to Jyoti Gaire, Chief Executive Officer of Golyan Foundation and Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Golyan Group, food and shelter are the most immediate needs of people affected by a disaster.
“Food and shelter are the first priorities for flood-affected people. That is why we reached the affected area on the very day the flood struck, without any delay,” she said.
She said the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children at the holding centre have been given particular priority.
Golyan Foundation’s volunteers have been encouraging children to play, dance and participate in recreational activities as a way of helping them cope with the trauma of the disaster. Videos showing the activities have also received appreciation on social media.
Rs 10 Million Contribution to Government Relief Fund
Alongside its direct relief and support efforts in affected communities, Golyan Group has said it will continue contributing to recovery efforts on the ground.
The Golyan Group has contributed a total of Rs 10 million to the government’s disaster relief fund. The contribution was made through Reliance Spinning Mills Limited, a company under the Golyan Group, to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.
The cheque from Reliance Spinning Mills was handed over to Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle by the company’s Managing Director Akshay Golyan and Director Shashikant Agrawal.
The company said the contribution was made as part of its corporate social responsibility and its commitment to supporting citizens and the government during times of natural disaster.
Golyan Group had also earlier announced that it would cover the educational expenses of children from families affected by the Gen-Z movement. The group has been implementing that commitment as well.
For Golyan Group, the response to the flood has therefore extended beyond a one-time relief operation. From the day the disaster struck, its volunteers have remained at the holding centre, providing food, healthcare, psychosocial support and day-to-day assistance while affected families wait for a more permanent solution to their displacement.
