International Day of Charity: Building Hope in Nepal with Binaytara

History of the International Day of Charity

The International Day of Charity is observed annually on September 5 to honor the legacy of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her extraordinary charitable work. The United Nations General Assembly first declared this day in 2012 to commemorate the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, recognizing her lifelong mission to overcome poverty and distress. This day of charity is not only about reflecting on the history of international humanitarian efforts but also about encouraging people to participate in charity events, support a charitable organization, and continue the work of Mother Teresa in their own communities.

How the Work of Mother Teresa Drives Binaytara’s Mission

At Binaytara, this day carries a deeper meaning. Our president and co-founder, Dr. Binay Shah, has long counted Mother Teresa as one of his greatest heroes. “Her tireless service to the most vulnerable has been a source of constant inspiration for me,” Dr. Shah said. “The way she dedicated her life to alleviating suffering is exactly what we aspire to emulate through our work in Nepal, India, Nigeria, and beyond.” Inspired by her example, Dr. Shah and his wife, Tara, co-founded Binaytara to reduce disparities in healthcare and bring hope to families who otherwise face long journeys and overwhelming costs just to access cancer treatment.

Binaytara’s Impact as a Charitable Organization

Binaytara is a global oncology nonprofit organization on a mission to minimize cancer disparities. Since 2018, our organization has run a small cancer hospital in Janakpur, Nepal. We have already provided care to over 2,000 patients in Madhesh Province, a region of more than six million people that previously had no cancer hospital. Today, the Binaytara Cancer Center (BTCC) offers services ranging from histopathology labs and oncologic surgeries to chemotherapy and intensive care. Yet, the need remains urgent, which is why we are now building a new 200-bed comprehensive cancer hospital to expand access to lifesaving treatment.

The story of Premkala Jha, a patient whose life changed when she found care at BTCC, exemplifies the real impact of our work at Binaytara. Premkala, diagnosed with periampullary adenocarcinoma, once traveled hundreds of miles to Kathmandu and even to Chandigarh, India, for treatment. The physical, emotional, and financial toll on her family was staggering. Her son-in-law, Sanjiv Kumar Mishra, recalls: “We have spent over 1.5 million NPR (about 10,700 USD) during this journey, and had we known about BTCC earlier, a large part of that could have been saved.”

Now, Premkala receives her chemotherapy just a 20-minute walk from her home in Janakpur. She is undergoing treatment surrounded by family, supported by doctors who speak her language, and spared from the exhausting cross-country journeys that once defined her care. For her family, the BTCC became a lifeline.

Stories like Premkala's are why we are expanding. The new 200-bed hospital will include a radiation oncology center equipped with linear accelerators and brachytherapy systems, treatments currently unavailable in Madhesh. Our fundraising initiatives, such as the Annapurna Trek, Binaytara Gala, Compassionate Care Fund, and the Nurse Training Program, represent our strong and enduring commitment to improving access to cancer care. These efforts not only symbolize our promise to deliver high-quality cancer care to thousands of families in medically underserved areas but also help build an impactful community, fostering meaningful connections between local healthcare workers and those in the United States.

The impact model we implemented in Nepal is now taking root in Nigeria. In a recent partnership with the Federal Medical Center, Ebute-Metta, Binaytara is working to improve cancer care in the commercial hub of West Africa—Lagos, Nigeria. We plan to provide chemotherapy equipment and training to ensure that cancer treatment is delivered safely and at the highest quality. In addition, we aim to build capacity through fellowships and multidisciplinary training in oncology and palliative care, including opportunities for international exposure. To further strengthen cancer care systems, we will establish a cancer registry, improve clinical efficiency, and provide technical support for organizing an annual cancer conference in Nigeria.

How can I get Involved in the International Day of Charity?

The history of international days like the International Day of Charity is about building a more equitable and compassionate future. As we mark this day, commemorating Mother Teresa of Calcutta, we invite you to join Binaytara in continuing her legacy. Every donation makes a tangible difference, helping us deliver care to those who need it most and allowing us to bring advanced cancer treatment to underserved regions.

With the generosity of our supporters, we have already brought relief to hundreds of families through health camps and cancer care services at BTCC. Continued support will help us raise awareness, expand our services, and save countless lives worldwide.

On this day, let us honor the charitable work and vision of Mother Teresa by ensuring that every patient in Nepal, India, Nigeria, and beyond has access to cancer care. Please consider supporting Binaytara through a donation today. Together, we can transform the future of cancer care and bring hope to thousands of families across the globe.