Chogyal Rinpoche posted a status on Facebook on January 4, 2015, saying, "January 3 was a beautiful day." On that day, an event called "BIA Let's Join Hands" was organized, attended by around 300 people with disabilities, as well as local and foreign volunteers. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali attended the program as the chief guest.

Chogyal Rinpoche is a compassionate, kind-hearted, and helpful Buddhist spiritual leader. Born in Nepal in 1985, Rinpoche now resides in Switzerland. He frequently travels to China, India, the USA, and Europe and conducts activities in China, India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

From an early age, Rinpoche expressed a desire to embrace monastic life. In 2000, he began his studies in Buddhist philosophy in Himachal Pradesh, India, and received a Khenpo degree in 2010. Before returning to Nepal, he studied the Chinese language at Beijing University. Upon returning to Nepal, he took responsibility for the orphanage run by his parents in Kathmandu. In 2014, he established the 'Bodhisattva in Action (BIA) Foundation'.

Rinpoche aimed to make Nepal the center of his social and religious activities. BIA's purpose was to select proposals from people with disabilities in Nepal, conduct them as projects, and form various groups to operate them. As part of this process, seven projects were chosen. In accordance with Rinpoche's wishes, it was announced that five more projects would be added, bringing the total to twelve projects. At that time, 146 individuals with disabilities were selected for the projects.

The project's objectives were to teach skills, provide employment, and distribute a significant portion of the income generated to the individuals involved. The remaining funds were to be used to run projects in all districts, from rural areas to cities. Equipment was purchased to operate projects in various rented rooms around Kathmandu. The first project related to sewing and tailoring was started in Battisputali, Kathmandu. Similar projects were launched in Thamel, Gwarko, Sakhu, Kirtipur, and other areas.

The individuals with disabilities were happy and grateful to Rinpoche. Both local and foreign volunteers were supporting Rinpoche. However, this situation did not last long. Factions began to form among the local and foreign volunteers involved in the campaign. Since the foreigners were providing financial assistance, they held more influence. As a result, the Nepali volunteers felt humiliated and left BIA.

After the departure of the Nepali volunteers, disputes also arose among the foreigners. The conflict escalated to the point where Rinpoche was also criticized. Ultimately, only the manager, **Gokarna Dhungana**, remained.

The individuals with disabilities at BIA produce thangkas, sculptures, carpets, baskets, and other items. However, they are not given fair wages. The BIA Institute sells the products they create. Around forty individuals with disabilities at the Narayantar branch learn skills and produce goods. Yet, they are only paid a monthly wage of four thousand rupees, which has caused dissatisfaction with the management.

Manager Dhungana has denied any exploitation of the labor of individuals with disabilities at BIA. He stated, "The purpose of BIA is not to provide for individuals with disabilities but to teach them skills."

Rinpoche's goal remains unfulfilled, and the situation at BIA has been deteriorating day by day. Allegations have arisen that they have failed to improve the living standards of individuals with disabilities and that the management has been exploiting their labor.

Under the guise of social service and protection, BIA appears to have engaged in severe labor exploitation of individuals with disabilities. While those residing in the institution have no complaints against the founder, Rinpoche, the lifestyle of Manager Dhungana has been changing daily.

BIA has not been able to launch additional projects. It seems that the founder, Rinpoche, has been unable to achieve the initial objectives, and the organization has not been able to provide nationwide service. Manager Dhungana has been accused of exploiting individuals with disabilities and using donations for profit.

The individuals with disabilities at BIA have not been receiving fair compensation for their work. Although they are entitled to receive the government-mandated minimum wage, the management has only been providing them with a small amount.

After news reports were published on this matter, Manager Dhungana reportedly threatened the individuals with disabilities. It has become evident that the entire management of the institution is under Dhungana's control, and Rinpoche is also seen to be supportive of the current activities.

Chogyal Rinpoche did not want to comment on this issue, stating that he was in meditation and hanging up the phone. This clearly shows that Rinpoche has also neglected the current state of BIA.

BIA Award

The Bodhisattva in Action (BIA) Foundation announced the BIA Award in 2019. The purpose of this award was to honor individuals or institutions making significant contributions in the field of disability. According to the news that year, applications for the award could be submitted through the foundation's website. The deadline for applications was August 15, 2019 (30th of Shrawan), and the award distribution ceremony was planned to be held on September 26th (10th of Bhadra) during the foundation's anniversary celebration.

The foundation had also planned to hold various cultural programs during the anniversary celebration. The BIA Foundation has been involving 135 individuals with disabilities in training and skill-based activities across 11 different categories. Recently, the foundation had plans to conduct training and skill-based activities in four areas for 30 individuals with disabilities in Kirtipur. Additionally, the foundation was providing free accommodation to 50 individuals with disabilities.

However, there has been no report on the continuity of the BIA Award after 2019. This award program was a significant aspect of BIA Foundation's social contribution.

Chogyal Rinpoche BIA Foundation