Kathmandu, 5 Oct: In today’s world, social media has become more than a platform for sharing updates—it’s a tool for connection and rescue. Many lost belongings and even missing people have been found through these digital networks. One remarkable individual using this power for good is Arjun Bhusal, who has dedicated years to helping reunite missing persons with their families, rescuing abandoned individuals, and returning lost items to their rightful owners. Though others see it as social service, Arjun calls it his duty and responsibility as a citizen.
Arjun collaborates closely with Nepal’s security agencies but considers himself only a medium through which good work happens. His compassion extends especially to people left helpless on the streets. He often reflects emotionally on how anyone, including himself, could one day fall into mental illness or despair and end up abandoned. Through this empathy, he calls for a more humane perspective toward the neglected and mentally ill.
Among his many efforts, Arjun’s mission to return lost items stands out. He believes Nepalis must learn to value honesty and integrity. “We still don’t have a habit of returning found items intact,” he says, citing examples of people keeping money while discarding documents. His goal is to spread awareness about humanity through honesty. Over the years, his campaign has inspired the public—people now often say, “If something’s lost, give it to Arjun Bhusal.” Many have handed over cash, laptops, and other valuables to him to ensure safe return.
A Journey Sparked by Tragedy
Arjun was born in Khaireni, Madi Municipality–4, Chitwan, into a modest business family. Influenced by his father’s social values, his life took a sharp turn after surviving a serious accident while in college. That near-death experience made him see life as a second chance—a chance to do something meaningful.
The girl who lost her parents, found after 14-15 years.
Originally passionate about public speaking, he began awareness campaigns against drug abuse and for public cleanliness. His concept of “cleanliness” extended beyond streets—it meant cleaning the human mindset. His life’s purpose solidified when he began encountering grieving families searching for missing loved ones.
Defining Moment: The Lost Passport Case
His work gained momentum after a 2019 incident in Chitwan. A man lost a bag containing a passport, flight ticket, and gold meant for his daughter’s wedding. Despite a monetary reward, Arjun found the passport within 18 hours using social media. The grateful family’s blessing made him realize the transformative power of his mission. “Society must change,” he thought, and devoted himself full-time to helping others.
Free but Priceless Service
Arjun never charges for his work—he funds it himself, occasionally supported by sponsors impressed with his service. He says, “The tears of joy from a mother reunited with her missing son are my true reward.” His Facebook page now has over 2.2 million followers, enabling him to locate people and items within hours. Through social media, he has also mobilized blood donations and raised awareness on social issues.
His journey was far from easy. Coming from a modest background, he started with only a basic mobile phone. His mother wanted him to pursue a stable job, but his father encouraged him to follow his calling. Once dreaming of becoming a doctor, he switched to management studies due to financial constraints and is now pursuing a Master’s in Sociology.
Changing Society Through Humanity
Traveling across Nepal and abroad, Arjun has observed both development and decay. He worries that Nepal’s biggest crisis is a loss of humanity—domestic violence, depression, and neglect of the mentally ill are rampant. Through his social media posts and rescue work, he strives to awaken empathy in society.
He believes that while protests and reforms may come and go, true change begins with human compassion. As he puts it:
“I was ten during the People’s Movement of 2006. Twenty years later, my country is still the same—but I will keep trying to change it through humanity.”
