From Struggle to a Global Voice for Peace
“When I look back, I see fire, darkness, and fear. But when I look within, I see strength, light, and peace.”
My name is Kanchan Kumari Sah, though many people lovingly call me Angela. I was born on 25 July 2001 in Sunwarshi, Morang, the eastern part of Nepal, and faced numerous challenges. I come from a Hindu middle-class family with roots across India and Nepal. Growing up, I faced numerous challenges associated with limited resources, instability, and social barriers. Yet, every difficulty I encountered became a stepping stone, shaping me into the person I am today. I stand as a proud teacher, an active peacebuilder, and the Vice President of Nepal Unites, a youth-led organization committed to social change and harmony. Today, I carry a powerful story of transformation, purpose, and hope. A story I now strive to share with others so they, too, may believe in their own strength.
My life began in deep hardship. Due to ourpoor economic condition, I was fed goat’s milk as an infant, as otheroptions were beyond our reach. My father, Bhagwan Prasad Sah, had struggled toprovide for us working in India. My mother, Sabitri Devi Sah, is my real-life goddess, strong, wise, and full of faith. When we had no electricity at home,she taught us under the streetlight, behind our house. That moment left a permanent mark on my soul.
I was kept home until age 8 because my cousin had been tragically killed, and my parents feared for my safety. Later, just as we found our rhythm in school, we went to India to attend a marriage ceremony. One of the darkest days of my life was when our house was burned down, not by accident, but by people who wanted to harm us. Before setting, they stole every valuable thing we had, including our gold. We were left with nothing but ashes. The government gave us a tent and some basic utensils. My school teachers supported my sister and me, allowing us to continue our studies.
Due to delayed schooling, I had to skip grades 2, 5, and 7 to keep pace with my age group. I eventually passed the +2 Science exam from Biratnagar with a 50% scholarship. Dreaming of becoming a doctor, I moved to Kathmandu for medical entrance preparation. But then came COVID-19. Both of my parents fell critically ill. I left everything behind and returned home. My dream of becoming a doctor came to an end, but a new path opened up. I enrolled at Mahendra Morang Adarsha Multiple College, which is affiliated with Tribhuvan University, and I am now in my final year of a Bachelor’s in Science.
My journey with Nepal Unites (a part of GlobalUnites) began when Mohammad Jiyaul Rahaman introduced me to the platform, whichMohammad Ayatulla Rahaman founded. I started as a volunteer and program coordinator, pouring my passion into youth engagement, dialogue, and peacebuilding. Through hard work, I rose to become a board member, and now I proudly serve as the Vice President of Nepal Unites. Every role I take reminds me of why I started: to uplift others who live in silence and fear, just as I once did.
In 2023, I was nominated by Nepal Unites to attend the ICF Peace Conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It was my first time leaving Nepal and my first time on an airplane. I was filled with excitement and fear, mainly because I wasn’t confident in English.
We faced a terrifying moment at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, we were late, got separated, and I had no SIM card. Miraculously, kind airport staff helped me reconnect with my friends. They held the flight for 10 minutes, and we boarded just in time. I learnt a vital lesson: always arrive 2–3 hours before departure.
In Chiang Mai, I connected with incredible young leaders from Pakistan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Mongolia, Germany, Laos, Timor Leste, and Thailand. We shared stories, cultures, and visions of peace. I was no longer afraid to speak English. I was inspired to share.
In 2025, I had the privilege to attend the School of Peace in India, organized by the Interfaith Cooperation Forum, a project of the Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCAs. It was a life-changing experience. The opening ceremony was emotional, welcoming people from different countries, religions, and cultures. I enjoyed the team-building exercise and morning meditation. Warmth, acceptance, and curiosity surrounded me. I found a new kind of family. I’m genuinely thankful to Ms. Muriel, Ms. Retha, Ms. Bai, Ms. Annika, and Mr. Angelious, who supported and motivated me like parents. Their care, kindness and guidance gave me strength and shaped my confidence. Their support meant the world to me and still does.
We explored powerful themes:
-Non-violent Communication (NVC)
-The Dowry System and Patriarchy
-Conflict Transformation and Storytelling
-Religion and Interfaith Dialogue
-Grassroots Journalism and Youth Advocacy, etc
Each session built my confidence, skills, and sense of responsibility. We laughed, cried, danced, prayed, and grew together. The closing ceremony was full of tears and hugs, as we had become deeply bonded across borders.
Today, I continue my journey as a teacher and serve the community working with Nepal Unites. I am deeply committed to working in the fields of peacebuilding, education, conflict transformation, and social justice. My experiences have shaped me into a voice for those who are often unheard, especially young girls from underprivileged backgrounds. I aspire to engage in national and international platforms that focus on youth empowerment, gender equality, and interfaith harmony. I believe that real change begins at the community level, and I want to continue building safe and inclusive spaces where dialogue replaces violence and hope replaces fear.
I may not have become a doctor, but I have learned to heal in another way by planting peace where pain once lived. I have discovered a greater purpose: healing hearts, transforming minds, and building peace. I look forward to learning more, collaborating with changemakers, and continuing to serve as a bridge between my communities, Nepal, and beyond.