Thangka is an artistic depiction of life of Buddha and Bodhisattvas alike. Thangka painting is a religious art used for prayer and is also one of the revered tools of meditation. Unlike usual trends of making thangka for commercial purpose that are available in the market, the realization of need and importance in preserving the real essence of thangka culture whilst creating a working sphere for wheelchair users suffering from spinal injury, BIA Foundation initiated this project, now run under B.I.A. Institute.
Stitched with a special blend of patchwork, applique and embroidery techniques unique to the Himalayan region, these artworks are a rare form of thangka. The vivid mosaic of silk, intricately layered, hand stitched and brilliantly colored works of Tibetan applique art is inspiringly fascinating. The whole idea of commencing this project emerged from an informal visit of Chogyal Rinpoche to Boudha where he promptly saw an appliqué art of a deity called Avalokiteshvara. He found this artwork highly fascinating and immediately thought about transforming it into one of the projects.
With each passing year, there have quite a rise in number of BIA family. It’s not just the trainees but also their little ones who come to BIA everyday. As their parents cannot leave them alone at home with no one else to look after them, they tag along with their parents. There are currently 7 children aged 1-3 and some of them are already or almost at the age of going to school.
These are the samples of carpets made by the differently abled friends at BIA. If you would like to purchase any of the products made by the differently abled friends from our various projects, please reach out to us through mail at [email protected] with product name from this website. In case of bulk orders, we can arrange delivery service as well. Your Every Purchase Supports Our Differently Abled Friends Lead A Better Life.
These are the samples of malas made by the differently abled friends at BIA. If you would like to purchase any of the products made by the differently abled friends from our various projects, please reach out to us through mail at [email protected] with product name from this website. In case of bulk orders, we can arrange delivery service as well. Your Every Purchase Supports Our Differently Abled Friends Lead A Better Life.
These are the samples of wood carvings made by the differently abled friends at BIA. If you would like to purchase any of the products made by the differently abled friends from our various projects, please reach out to us through mail at [email protected] with product name from this website. In case of bulk orders, we can arrange delivery service as well. Your Every Purchase Supports Our Differently Abled Friends Lead A Better Life.
BIA: Empowering Lives Through Art and Creativity
B.I.A. Institute is a non-profit distributing social organization where B.I.A. stands for (Bodhisattvas In Action). In Sanskrit, the meaning of Bodhisattva is an enlightened being but traditionally a Bodhisattva is anyone motivated by great compassion. Chogyal Rinpoche is the founder of our organization with the pure objective of helping the people with disabilities and the underprivileged people. An establishment following BIA Foundation registered on August 27, 2014, B.I.A. Institute undertakes the activities aimed to continuously strive towards expanding our works in the disability sector by creating employment opportunities through harmonious communities for such people.
Our Mission
We firmly believe that there is nothing people with disabilities cannot do if they have the will and proper support provided to them. We provide handicraft trainings to around 150 people with disabilities through which they can learn the skills they want without having to pay for the training. About 60 people, whose houses are out of valley, are provided hostel facility including both accommodation and food without any fees charged.
Our Handicraft Projects
We currently have 12 projects under which the students learn various handicraft skills. Thangka Institute I and II, Applique Thangka Institute, Incense Institute, Tailoring Institute, Dhaka Institute, Carpet Institute, Bamboo Institute, Mala Institute, Statue Institute, Ritual Object Institute, and Art Therapy Class are the projects we have so far. We hope to achieve continuous growth and development through the efforts of creating sustainable projects to support the people with disabilities.
- BIA Thangka Painting Institute: Traditional Buddhist artworks used for prayer and meditation.
- BIA Applique Thangka Art: Unique patchwork and embroidery-based thangkas.
- BIA Children's Daycare: Providing care and support for children while their parents work.
- BIA Tailoring Institute: Training in tailoring and sewing to create beautiful clothing items.
- BIA Mala Institute: Handcrafted malas used for meditation and spiritual practices.
- BIA Incense Institute: Natural incense production with aromatic and calming properties.
- BIA Metal Statue Institute: Hand-carved metal statues symbolizing cultural and spiritual heritage.
- BIA Carpet Weaving Institute: Intricate handwoven carpets with traditional and modern designs.
- BIA Dhaka Institute: Producing the iconic Nepalese Dhaka fabric.
- BIA Metal Carving Institute: Skilled metalwork showcasing Nepalese artistry.
Community Events and Activities
Beyond training and production, BIA is deeply committed to fostering community engagement through various events and activities. These initiatives aim to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and celebrate diversity. Some of the major events organized by BIA include:
- BIA Wheelchair Marathon: Encouraging mobility and participation among wheelchair users.
- Fashion Show: Showcasing innovative designs by individuals with disabilities.
- Art Exhibitions: Displaying breathtaking artwork created by BIA artisans.
- Festival Celebrations: Organizing events for cultural festivals like Teej, Dashain, and Tihar.
- Donation Programs: Initiatives to gather support for the underprivileged and disabled communities.
- Annual Programs: A celebration of achievements and milestones reached by the BIA family.
Why Choose BIA Products?
Supporting BIA means more than just purchasing a product—it’s about contributing to a movement that transforms lives. Here are some compelling reasons to choose BIA’s handmade products:
- Handmade with Love: Each product is crafted with dedication and care.
- Social Impact: Every purchase supports the livelihoods of disabled individuals, helping them achieve independence.
- Cultural Significance: BIA products carry Nepalese traditions, making them unique treasures.
- High-Quality Craftsmanship: Every product meets high standards of quality and artistry.
- Ethical and Sustainable: BIA emphasizes sustainability and responsible practices in all its operations.
Our Vision for the Future
BIA envisions a future where every individual with disabilities has the opportunity to live with dignity and purpose. By expanding our handicraft projects, introducing new skill-development programs, and increasing community outreach initiatives, we aim to touch more lives and create a ripple effect of empowerment and hope.
Get Involved
Whether you choose to purchase our exclusive handmade products or make a donation to support our initiatives, your contribution plays a vital role in transforming lives. By supporting BIA, you are not just a customer—you are a changemaker. Join us in our journey to create a world where everyone can thrive.
