Visually impaired RJ from Jumla leaves audience in awe

By Netra Shahi,Jumla, Oct. 14: In a small studio in Bhulidada, Jumla, Dharmalal Pyakurel, a young man, begins his day differently from most. From the bed set up inside the studio, he rises early in the morning, feeling his way to the radio equipment. 

Despite being a person with low vision, Paykurel runs the local Radio Sinja Khola, producing, reading, and broadcasting news throughout the day.

Though he cannot see letters, his voice brings news and information to the Sinja region from morning until late evening. What makes his story remarkable is that he single-handedly manages both the technical work and news reading, tasks usually performed by multiple people.

Many might wonder how a person who cannot read printed text can work as a newsreader. Pyakurel’s method is extraordinary. Unable to read from a notebook, he memorises news stories by listening to them, then recounts them live on air. 

In recent times, he has started using mobile applications and talkback apps, Google's screen reader for Android devices, to write, translate, and prepare news for broadcast, a technique that makes his work more efficient.

Aged 22, and a local of Baidarbada village in Kanaksundari Rural Municipality–7, Pyakurel has an impressive daily routine. He sleeps in the studio, turns on the radio by 5:45 a.m., and continues broadcasting programmes until 9 p.m. 

Alongside presenting and producing, he also handles the station’s technical operations. His commitment and energy inspire everyone around him.

His journey into radio began in July, 2023, when he joined Radio Sinja Khola through the coordination of journalist Umesh Budha, the station’s programme coordinator.

Initially, no one believed a visually impaired person could operate a radio station. But Pyakurel proved them wrong. “He can run the radio alone,” said Budha proudly. Encouraged by the station’s operator Mohan Shahi, Pyakurel continued to learn and improve his broadcasting skills.

Having studied up to high school using Braille script at Bhairab Secondary School in Narakot, a school with a resource class for the visually impaired, Pyakurel now stands out as a beloved RJ among listeners in the Sinja region. His popularity reflects the trust and gratitude the audience has for his work.

His entry into journalism began in 2020, when the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Jumla Chapter organised a three-day basic Radio Jockey (RJ) and journalism training for people with disabilities. Out of forty participants, Pyakurel was among the few who went on to successfully pursue a career in journalism.

Through his determination, Pyakurel has challenged the widespread misconception that people with disabilities cannot achieve anything in life. 

Chairperson of Sinja Rural Municipality, Purna Prasad Dhital, praises his achievement: “He has shown that given the right opportunity, persons with disabilities can excel in any field. It was surprising at first to see him participating in programmes during the day and reading news on the radio in the evening. Now, it fills us with pride.”