“The competition was tough. Other 9 contestants were not any less deserving. All thanks to my supporters who believed in me and made me a winner,” said 29-year-old Basnet talking to the media at the airport. [break]
“The award has made me more humble, responsible and determined to help out all such kids in my country. This award is for my nation indeed,” she added.
Basnet at Tribhuvan International Airport. (Photo: Bhashwor Ojha)
Pushpa further said that she would use the amount she received, US $250,000, to build a house with better facilities for the children under her care.
“The dream to construct a house for my kids will definitely materialize now. I am determined to give better facilities and good education to many more such kids. The award has made me feel more empowered to do so,” she told to the reporters.
Even as this selfless crusader and now a youth icon has a clear vision of what she wants in life, her mother Sarita has exciting plans for her. Talking to Republica shortly before her daughter´s arrival, Sarita said that she is extremely proud of Pushpa, but her marriage is the first thing she could think of her as for now.
“I wanted her to stand on her feet. Now I wish she gets settled. I hope I can convince her to get married,” Sarita said. “I have been telling her to be prepared for it since the past four years. Marriage is something to be done in time,” said Sarita.
While asked about her mother´s wish, Pushpa just gave a hearty laugh and shrugged the matter off with a “not now.”
Pushpa began her humanitarian journey at the age of 21 while she was a student at St Xavier´s College in Kathmandu. She founded an early childhood development center in 2005 and, two years later, the Buttterfly Home, a residential center for children of convicted mothers who would otherwise languish in jail. At present, she is looking after 55 children ranging in the age from infants to 17 years.
Basnet was chosen for the award through a 9-weeks of public voting on CNN.com. She was selected from among over 10,000 social workers participating in the competition from around the globe.
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