The Unchained Melody: "In the Orange Tree" & Saluja Chanda’s Story at Manavsewa Ashram

Inside Manavsewa Ashram, Raniban, a resilient poetess, turns childhood injury into spontaneous poetry.

The Story of a Relentless Spirit and Her Spontaneous Poetry 

The Unchained Melody of Saluja Chanda - Discover the inspirational story & poem, "In the Orange Tree," by a brain injury survivor reciting her spontaneous poetry at Manavsewa Ashram, a leading Nepali humanitarian shelter. 

The giant orange tree looms large in the childhood memories of 33-year-old Saluja Chanda. It was from its high, twisting branches years ago that a sudden, terrifying fall permanently altered the course of her young life. The accident left her with a critical, life-altering brain injury. 

Today, the physical repercussions of that childhood injury still linger heavily. Saluja battles unpredictable, untimely seizures that frequently leave her feeling physically sick, exhausted, and temporarily incapacitated. Yet, to meet Saluja even once is to realize that her spirit is completely untouched by her physical ailments. Far from letting herself be defined by medical limitations, Saluja has just stepped into a bright, hopeful restart of her life as the newest resident member of the Manavsewa Ashram in Raniban. 

Step inside the welcoming walls of the Manavsewa Ashram in Raniban and meet Saluja Chanda. Her radiant presence is immediately felt by everyone. She is a true live-wire, full of energy, moving through the communal Ashram space with an innate energy that instantly draws people toward her. More than just a resilient survivor of a traumatic brain injury, Saluja is a deeply gifted songwriter and poetess. 

She possesses a rare, brilliant, and almost magical gift for spontaneous artistic creation. On the spur of the moment, she can conjure heart-touching musical ditties, profound, deeply moving poems, or rhythmic verses about daily life and her past suffering. The outsiders might only see the tragedy of her past medical history, but Saluja transforms her life experiences into art. She uses her unique voice to weave raw human emotion, personal suffering, and ultimate triumph into beautiful, resonant poetry. 

Finding Home and Healing Sanctuary at Manavsewa Ashram 

For a highly creative soul battling a complex, chronic illness, the Manavsewa Ashram provides far more than just standard shelter. It offers a protective, nurturing sanctuary. 

The Ashram ensures Saluja has the specialized medical care required to manage her chronic seizures safely around the clock. This stable, stress-free environment helps minimize the physical toll of her condition. Beyond healthcare, she needs artistic encouragement. The Ashram environment actively celebrates her creative output, giving her a platform to share her poems and feelings. 

Her spontaneous, soulful poems resonate beautifully through the living halls and lanes of the facility. She is all bright smiles, despite her pain and tears, sharing moments with fellow residents and hardworking caregivers. The childhood orange tree may have devastated her with the physical fall all those years ago. However, within the caring walls of Manavsewa Ashram, Saluja Chanda has finally discovered the perfect, nurturing soil she needs to truly expand and bloom.  

उनको कविताको छोटो अंश -"सुन्तलाको रुखमा"- सलुजा चन्दा 

सुन्तलाको रुखमा

मुटुमा चोट जीवन मा भयो हार 

असू नै असू पाये जीवन मा थोउलो उपहार। 

दुइसालसम्म हासीखुशी रामैरा बसे  

तींनबर्सको उमेरमा सुन्तलाको रूखबाट खसे।  

मै ढुखीको सपना त ठूलो ठूलो थियो।  

तीनबर्सको उमेरमा बिरामले हराइदियो। 

दिदीबैनी हासिखुसी रमायेरा खेल्न लागे आगनमा  

तीनबर्समै मत पुगे सुन्तलाको रूखमा। ...”.  

A short excerpt of her poem “In the Orange Tree” by Saluja Chanda 

In the Orange Tree 

Heartache happened as life went along, 

Tears became a small gift, like a sorrowful song. 

I lived so happily for two short years, 

At three, I fell from the orange tree with tears. 

I had a big dream where happiness would stay, 

At three, an illness took my strength away. 

Sisters gathered happily and cheerfully to play in the courtyard;  

At just three years old, I ended up at the orange tree. ... . 

Read inspiring stories from Manavsewa Khabar and donate to support people like Saluja Chanda. 

Photos: Suluja Chanda, a talented resident poetess at Manavsewa Ashram, Raniban, smiling beautifully, reciting her amazing poetry. And of a grand Orange Tree.