Sanman Thapa

Watch: A Fight for a Cup of Chai – Official Book Trailer

In the bustling factories of 1990s Kathmandu, amidst political upheaval and economic...

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Sanman Thapa

Sanman Thapa, an emerging author and seasoned educator, is a Bilingual and National Certified School Counselor (NCSC). With a career dedicated to empowering students, he specializes in fostering social-emotional growth, academic achievement, and cultural inclusivity.

His memoir, A Fight for a Cup of Chai, captures the resilience of factory workers in 1990s Nepal, chronicling their fight for dignity against exploitation. Rooted in his own...

A Fight for a Cup of Chai

A Journey Through Labor, Loss, and Hope

Watch: A Fight for a Cup of Chai – Official Book Trailer

In the bustling factories of 1990s Kathmandu, amidst political upheaval and economic change, Sanman Thapa, a determined young factory worker, finds himself at the center of a fight for dignity and basic rights. Struggling to balance grueling shifts with his education, Sanman discovers the...

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Praise

A Fight for a Cup of Chai is a deeply moving and eye-opening memoir about resilience, determination, and the fight for dignity...a rare glimpse into Nepal’s labor movement and the struggles of those who dared to demand more. I was completely absorbed in his story—... This is the kind of book that sticks with you long after you turn the last page.

– Abigail L.

Ever think a simple cup of chai could represent a whole revolution? Well, buckle up, because A Fight for a Cup of Chai is about more than just tea—it’s about guts, grit, and the fight for basic human rights... It’s raw, it’s real, and it makes you appreciate every sip of tea you’ve ever had. If you love underdog stories that make you want to stand up and cheer, this one’s for you. ☕✊📖

– Sue

This book is a touching memoir...The author tells a deeply human story of struggle, solidarity, and perseverance. His storytelling ability captures the harsh realities of factory life in that place and time. He experienced long hours and low wages which fed his desire for dignity and justice.
I highly recommend this book if you are looking to understand the relationship of history and resilience in the universal fight for human rights.

– Donna R

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Other Writing

Beyond the Shelf: What I Learned as a First-Time Self-Published Author

By Sanman Thapa

When I first set out to write A Fight for a Cup of Chai, I thought the hardest part would be telling the story—reliving the pain, shaping the truth, and honoring the lives that crossed mine in the factories of Kathmandu. And while writing was certainly emotional, it turned out to be the most grounded part of the journey. Everything that came after—the publishing, the promoting, the endless pitching and...

Blog

March 29, 2025

The Power of Story Telling: You Matter and Your Story Matters

A Fight for a Cup of Chai: A Journey Through Labor, Loss, and Hope

By Sanman Thapa | March, 29, 2025 | 11:00 am

Have you ever felt a quiet tug—that ticking urge to share your story with the world—only to be silenced by a voice that says, Who would care?

You’re not alone. I was one of those people, too.

Reaching middle age brought with it a wave of self-reflection and, with it, a deep desire to finally own my story. I’ve always loved to write. While digging through the attic one day, I stumbled...