Story of a ‘mountain man’ who built a road for his family all by himself

In the inspiring film “Manjhi: The Mountain Man,” based on a true story, we witness the incredible journey of Dasarath Manjhi, portrayed by the talented Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Set in an underdeveloped village in India, the movie follows Manjhi’s extraordinary determination to build roads after his wife tragically loses her life while crossing a treacherous rocky hill.

Despite being labeled as a madman for his ambitious mission, Manjhi remains undeterred. Armed with only a hammer and pickaxe, he embarks on a challenging and arduous quest to construct a road that would spare others from the same fate his beloved wife suffered.

The heartwarming tale doesn’t end with Manjhi, as Nepal has its own extraordinary figure known as Chandrabir Oli, hailing from Tulsipur in Dang. Following in the footsteps of Manjhi, Oli has been dedicating himself to road-building for several years.

Undaunted by the difficulties that lay ahead, Oli took it upon himself to construct a road leading to his home. His unwavering determination is driven by one noble purpose—to create a safe and accessible pathway for his blind wife and their six blind children. This road ensures their journey back home is free from obstacles and danger, granting them the freedom and independence to navigate their surroundings with confidence.

These remarkable individuals, both Manjhi and Oli, serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering love and commitment that can move mountains. Their selfless actions inspire us to face challenges head-on and seek solutions that benefit not only ourselves but also those we hold dear. Their stories stand as a testament to the power of determination and the capacity for ordinary individuals to make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others.

Like many Nepalis residing in the remote regions of Karnali province, Chandrabir Oli, now 72 years old, once left his homeland to seek work in India. However, at the age of 48, he returned to Nepal with a newfound purpose—to marry a blind woman from his village.

After their marriage, the couple decided to relocate to Sattale in Dang, where they joyfully welcomed their first child, who, like his mother, was born with a visual impairment. As the years passed, the couple’s joy multiplied as they were blessed with five more children, all of whom were born blind as well. Despite the challenges they faced, Chandrabir Oli remained remarkably resilient, expressing his belief that perhaps it was God’s plan for him to have this unique family.

The arrival of their youngest son without any visual impairments brought immense happiness and relief to the household. Oli was overwhelmed with gratitude, feeling that a divine blessing had been bestowed upon his child.

Amidst the tranquil forest surroundings, the Oli family’s home stood, but it was not without its challenges. The presence of wild animals posed constant risks, but the most significant hurdle they encountered was the absence of a road connecting their home to the outside world. The lack of accessibility made it incredibly difficult for his blind wife and children to move freely, and the thought of their struggles weighed heavily on Chandrabir Oli’s heart. He felt an immense responsibility for their well-being and decided to take matters into his own hands.

Despite being over 50 years old, Oli set out on an ambitious mission—to build a road leading to his doorstep. Armed with nothing but a pickaxe, he embarked on this daunting task, determined to carve a path through the steep and rocky hill. It was no easy feat, especially for someone not as physically strong as he once was, but his courage and unwavering determination were the driving forces behind his efforts.

Many people considered Oli’s endeavor to be madness, but for him, it was an act of love and devotion to his family. His unyielding spirit and selflessness stand as a testament to the depths of a parent’s love and the extraordinary lengths they are willing to go for the well-being and happiness of their loved ones. Despite the challenges and obstacles he faced, Chandrabir Oli’s story exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit and serves as an inspiration to all.

Chandrabir Marga and Chandrabir’s wish

In 2017, Chandrabir Oli embarked on a remarkable journey to build a road leading to his home. Every morning, starting at 9 am, he would leave his house and tirelessly dig through the hills until 5 pm. Even before and after his daily labor, he would engage in household chores, leaving him constantly occupied. This routine persisted for an incredible two years, during which Oli remained resolute in his mission to create a safe and accessible route for his blind wife and six blind children.

Oli’s determination knew no bounds, as he dug relentlessly without being deterred by any weather conditions. Neither scorching summer heat, nor pouring monsoon rain, nor the biting cold of winter could halt his progress. The persistent naysayers who branded him as mad or brave did not faze him; his unwavering dedication to his family fueled his drive to accomplish this arduous task.

Throughout his road-building endeavors, Oli encountered numerous challenges, including injuries to his hands and legs, occasional falls, and even a severe illness. At one point, he fell prey to pneumonia after being soaked in the rain. Despite facing setbacks, he refused to surrender and overcame each hurdle with a tenacious spirit, relentlessly pushing forward toward his goal.

Remarkably, despite the physical and emotional toll, Oli received no help from his village, despite reaching out for assistance. The ridicule and humiliation he faced from others did not dampen his spirits. Instead, he demonstrated the power of sheer will and determination by single-handedly completing the project.

The road he constructed came to be known as Chandrabir Marga, a testament to his indomitable spirit and tireless efforts. His determination did not go unnoticed, and eventually, the local government became aware of his remarkable achievements and provided support by widening the road.

Not content with merely connecting his home to the road, Oli’s ambition propelled him even further. He extended the road all the way to Khamari, a distance of 2 kilometers from his house. His selflessness and dedication to his family and community serve as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through unwavering determination and an unwavering spirit. Chandrabir Oli’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, showing that with sheer determination and relentless effort, one person can create a lasting impact and bring about positive change in the lives of many.

Thanks to the tremendous efforts of Chandrabir Oli, the road he single-handedly built has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once challenging for people to traverse on foot, it is now accessible for cars and motorbikes, providing a convenient transportation route. Those who had initially branded him a madman now utilize the very road he paved. Despite receiving no assistance from these individuals, Oli holds no grudges, driven by the love and strength provided by his children, who inspired him to undertake this extraordinary feat.

The impact of the road on Oli’s family has been profound. His children now have the opportunity to travel to Kathmandu for higher education, an achievement made possible by the newfound accessibility he created. Empowered by this road, they have embraced independence and pursued their academic aspirations.

The road has become so dear to Chandrabir Oli that he continues to care for it passionately to this day. Whenever landslides block the path, he is quick to clear the way, taking it upon himself to repair and remove any obstacles that hinder travel along Chandrabir Marg. His selflessness shines through, as he does not want anyone facing difficulties while journeying on the road he built.

However, Oli’s dreams for the road extend further. He envisions its expansion and improvement, wishing for it to be extended and surfaced with gravel. To him, the road is like one of his own children, and he yearns for the rural municipality to fulfill his dream and upgrade the road to a blacktop surface.

Despite his pleas and appeals, Oli feels that his efforts have been disregarded by the local government. He laments that no one seems to care about the road’s maintenance or the value it brings to the community. Nonetheless, his dedication remains unwavering as he tirelessly tends to the road, preserving its condition out of love and concern for those who travel on Chandrabir Marg.

Chandrabir Oli’s story is a testament to the extraordinary impact one person can have on a community, driven by love and a selfless commitment to family. His unwavering determination and resilience have not only changed the lives of his children but have also provided a significant benefit to all who now traverse the road he built. His hope for its further improvement reflects his unyielding spirit, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, one individual can strive to create a lasting legacy that benefits many.