Krishna Thapa Magar is definitely an inspiration for the victims of conflict. While many in Sankhuwasabha run away from their villages for safety and a better life in the citiy, he chose to stay in Khandbari and start a new life. And after years of struggle, he has established himself as a successful motorcycle mechanic.

Four years ago, Krishna fled his remote Num village to escape Maoist recruiters. With the help of NGO Rural Reconstruction Nepal, he took a three-month course in Urlabari sponsored by British Aid Ministry DfID. In a short time he started his own workshop with a grant from DfID and today he makes more than Rs 5,000 every month.

"There is so much work and the demand is growing," says Krishna as he repairs a Japanese trail motorbike. When he started his business three years ago there were hardly 30 bikes in the area and he had no idea if he would succeed. Today the number of motorcycles has more than doubled. Porters carry them all the way from Leguwa VDC to Kurlingtar, a nearly two-day trip with the unimaginably heavy loads.

"I'm glad that I did not go to the city as I am now making more than I could dream of," says the optimistic Krishna. "I want to train as many young people as I can so that they can also start their own workshops," adds the only mechanic in Khandbari, the district headquarters.

The 35-year-old believes there is always hope for the area's young men, mostly from the Magar and Rai communities, those most targeted by Maoist recruiters. "At least now my children are safe and will have a better future. I hope the same for other youths of the district," adds Krishna, whose two sons and daughter are studying in a private boarding school in Khandbari.

Formerly a farmer who quit school at the end of grade eight to support his family, the mechanic now employs local people to help in his workshop. Already a number of young men are working as his interns in the hope that they can also start their own workshop one day.