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			'title' => 'Tourism Entrepreneur Shakya’s Album Launched',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 27: Tourism entrepreneur Karna Shakya’s music album “Ma Nagarik Kasari Banu” was launched in Kathmandu on Sunday.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:13px">November 27: Tourism entrepreneur Karna Shakya&rsquo;s music album &ldquo;Ma Nagarik Kasari Banu&rdquo; was launched in Kathmandu on Sunday, November 26. Legendary lyricist Ratna Shamsher Thapa launched the album composed by Shakya and sung by Karna Das amid a function.</span></p>

<p>Thapa said that Shakya has added another identity as a lyricist in his list and the songs will make general people aware and alert about their duties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Music critic Prakash Sayami mentioned that the songs of Shakya include the theme of citizens&rsquo; duties. Das said that Shakya&rsquo;s album delivers a message on how to become a responsible citizen.</p>

<p>Shakya said that though it is easy to suggest people on how one should be, we lack the sense of correcting ourselves. So, the songs will motivate people to be self conscious about such issues.&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'A Visionary Developer',
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			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Om Rajbhandary, Executive Chairman of Brihat Group and Chairman of Comfort Housing is a long-familiar name in Nepali real estate sector. Many may find it hard to believe that one of the most prominent developers and the pioneer of community housing in Nepal actually started his career as Medical Representative. Rajbhandary, a promoter of planned urbanization has conquered a lot in the real estate sector, and has a lot more up his sleeve.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Rajbhandary, a real estate expert, developer and builder and pioneer of community living in Nepal doesn&rsquo;t like to be known only as a businessman. &ldquo;I am not just working for my business, I am working for the betterment of entire real estate sector of Nepal,&rdquo; says Rajbhandary. Rajbhandary, over the years, has made enormous contribution for the professional management of the sector. Brihat Group has been publishing a newsletter for the last six years to educate and aware the people about the sector and about its market. Rajbhandary was the first person to work as a Real Estate Faculty Member of Ace Institute of Management and in Apex College. He has taught Real Estate, an optional subject to MBA and BBA students in these colleges.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Rajbhandary has been promoting real estate, infrastructure and urbanization through presentations in various national and international programmes. He is also the Visiting Speaker of Thai Real Estate School of Business, and is regarded as a key speaker in Asia-Pacific region. He was also the first to introduce Real Estate Marketing Agent Course in Nepal in 2009 to generate certified real estate marketing agents. At present, Brihat Group has produced more than a hundred such agents. &nbsp;He has played a major role in many fairs and expos, and has been the coordinator of various real estate exhibitions. Rajbhandary has also addressed the issue of the sector in the government, and is always coordinating with government authorities and international agencies like IFC and IMF for improving the sector.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>The Genesis</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Surprisingly, Rajbhandary started his career as a Medical Representative for a company called Winthrop in the year 1984. Soon, he was promoted to District Sales Manager. He left the job in 1992, when he was further promoted and had to go to India. &ldquo;I always wanted to work in my own country and become an entrepreneur. So I left the job after nine years,&rdquo; said Rajbhandary. His experience in Winthrob taught him corporate culture, and he also learnt a lot about administration. Back in his head , he had plans of doing his own business. In the same year, he, with five other partners, started CE Constructions. The company then started dealing with construction business, successfully carrying out government and private construction projects.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The first project of CE Constructions was the installation of transmission line in Lumbini. Other major projects accomplished by the company in the following decade include Gokarna Golf Resort, Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), Sagarmatha Chaudhary Eye Hospital in Lahan, Siddhartha Children and Women Hospital in Butwal, Buddha Maya Garden Hotel at Lumbini and extended portion of B and B Hospital among others.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;After a decade of its inception, CE Constructions was a popular name in Nepali market. Around the same time, Rajbhandary came up with the concept of community housing, which was a relatively new concept in Nepal back then. In the year 2001, he started the construction of Comfort Housing with the concept of community living. &ldquo;It was started with the concept of providing customers with stand-alone housing units with property ownership, infrastructure and amenities,&rdquo; explained Rajbhandary. But like any new idea, his idea of community living wasn&rsquo;t readily accepted in the market. It took some time for the market to get used to the new concept.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	There were 76 houses in his first Comfort Housing Community Living project at Sitapaila, and it took him two years to sell all the houses. Within the two years&rsquo; time, the concept gradually picked up, and his second such project at Budhanilkantha was completely booked in two days, and sold within six months. &ldquo;This proved that the market has slowly accepted the concept of community living. We were encouraged by this, and constructed even more such housings,&rdquo; says Rajbhandary. &nbsp;The popularity and credibility of the housing grew so much that the next Comfort Housing project at Ichhangu had to be sold with lottery system. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Going Beyond</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to Rajbhandary, he is committed to enhance the quality of life of Nepalis. &ldquo;For this, we had to go beyond Kathmandu. So we searched for good locations, and constructed our fourth Comfort Housing in Dharan,&rdquo; says he. At the same time, Rajbhandary again started something new, the idea of Vertical Community Living or apartments. Then he constructed The Comfort Housing (TCH) Tower-2 at Lazimpat which was ready by year 2006. It also was a huge success as all the apartments were sold out in a single day. In 2007, TCH Tower-3 was ready. &ldquo;There were 41 apartments, and for that we received 350 applications. That too was sold with lottery system,&rdquo; says he. For the sale of his next two ventures TCH Community Living at Thaiba and TCH Tower-4 at Sitapaila, potential buyers were informed three months in prior. &nbsp;The demand was so high that these two properties also had to be sold on lottery basis.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As Comfort Housing only concentrated on community living houses and apartments, Rajbhandary thought of constructing other housing structures like senior housing, rental housing, environment friendly housing and low cost housing among others. &ldquo;To move on further with this, I started Brihat Investments Pvt Ltd in the year 2008,&rdquo; says he. According to him, Brihat Investments was started to promote real estate investment, entrepreneurship and marketing. Under the company, he constructed first environment-friendly community living with the theme of eco-urbanization at Ramkot. These houses have eco-friendly features like UV protected windows, reduced use of wood, rain water conservation, solar street lights and proper disposal of household wastes among others. There are 76 units in the community, and 30 units are handed over and 18 units are already occupied. Brihat Group now has four companies under it, Brihat Investments Pvt Ltd, Brihat Developers and Builders Pvt Ltd, Swayambhu Hotels and Apartments Pvt Ltd and Pioneer Developers and Builders Pvt Ltd.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Rajbhandary was born in 2019 BS in Yangal of Kathmandu to Late Bishnu Bahadur Rajbhandary and Narayan Devi Rajbhandary. Growing up, he was very close with his grandfather Bhairab Bahadur Rajbhandary. He is the youngest among two sisters and a brother. He did his schooling from Laboratory School till grade 8, and did his SLC from Viswa Niketan School. He did his Intermediate and Bachelor degree in science from Amrit Science Campus.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Present and Future</strong></span></div>
<div>
	After the recession in housing sector about four years back, there have been some issues in lending and project financing. According to Rajbhandary, Nepal still has deficit of housing, but owing to the increased price of land, huge housing projects are not a possibility for now. &ldquo;To cope with this problem, we have come up with the idea of cluster housing. There are only houses in cluster housing without other infrastructures and community facilities,&rdquo; explains Rajbhandary. He is launching three such projects in Kathmandu within 2014.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In the future, Rajbhandary wants to develop the core city area of Kathmandu as a safe shelter to reduce the risk of earthquakes. He also wants to transform the area with better management in terms of transportation, sanitation and ventilation. Rajbhandary is also in favour of conserving our cultural heritages. &nbsp;He also wants to develop new towns to adjust with the growing population, and has dreams of bringing a public limited company for housing sector. &ldquo;I want planned urbanization to foster, not only in Kathmandu but all over Nepal,&rdquo; says the ambitious builder.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Personal Side</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Rajbhandary married Purnima Rajbhandary in the year 2050 BS. &ldquo;My wife has an enormous contribution towards my success. We are very compatible with each other, and enjoy a very friendly and happy relation,&rdquo; says he. &nbsp;She is an MBA graduate, also the CEO of Brihat Investments. The couple is blessed with a son Brihat, and under his name, the entire group is established. He is doing his engineering in Canada, and Rajbhandary wants his son to support his business with newer technologies, and take it to newer heights. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He says he is a very helpful person with a light heart, and is popular among his friends, family and acquaintances. He considers leadership and eloquence among his strengths, and advocates independence and freedom of decision making. &ldquo;I believe in god, and respect my ancestors. I pay respect to the both every morning before I have my breakfast,&rdquo; says the faithful man. Besides his work, he is busy socializing. He loves travelling, listening to music and loves gadgets. Rajbhandary doesn&rsquo;t want to splurge on cars, and drives a Kia Sportage and Ford Classic.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Afterword</strong></span></div>
<div>
	A strong believer of entrepreneurship, Rajbhandary is contented with the fact that he has contributed to the nation through his constructions and employment. &ldquo;As our country is in political transition, the society has expectations form business leaders like us. We should be responsible towards the society,&rdquo; says he. According to him, knowledge is not a private property, and all should transform knowledge for the better good of society and country. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Involvements</strong></span></div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Founding Chairman and Promoter, CE Constructions&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Director, Ace School</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Board Member, Industrial Promotion Board, Department of Industries&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Board Member, Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Management Board</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Executive Committee Member, FNCCI</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Coordinator, Urban Development Forum, FNCCI</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Third Vice President, Nepal Land and Housing Developers&rsquo; Association&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>National Team Member, Habitat for Humanity International&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Member, Canada Nepal Business Executive Committee&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lifetime Special Member, Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce of Industry (CACCI)</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Executive Committee Member, SAARC Chambers of Commerce and Industry (SCCI)</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Administrative Director/General Secretary, Hospice Nepal</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Senior Vice President/Fund Raising Committee Coordinator, Nepal Ambulance Service</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chairperson-Vocational Service Project, Rotary Club of Kasthamandap</div>',
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			'created' => '2014-03-24',
			'modified' => '2014-03-25',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Om Rajbhandary, Executive Chairman of Brihat Group and Chairman of Comfort Housing is a long-familiar name in Nepali real estate sector. Many may find it hard to believe that one of the most prominent developers and the pioneer of community housing in Nepal actually started his career as Medical Representative. Rajbhandary, a promoter of planned urbanization has conquered a lot in the real estate sector, and has a lot more up his sleeve.',
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	(int) 2 => array(
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			'id' => '2643',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Twist Of Time',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Binayak Shah, the President of European Economic Chamber Nepal, Vice President of Summit Group of Hotels and Resorts and Managing Director of Airport Hotel, had started his career from the young age of 17. Though deterred from business as a youth, he ultimately ended up where he was supposed to: in a mega scale business of hospitality and World Expos. Shah, who likes to call himself a development oriented businessman, says that making money is not his sheer aspiration. &ldquo;I feel that I have to help my country through my business, only then it becomes fruitful,&rdquo; says Shah.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah started off as a journalist and used to work for Gorkhapatra and Radio Nepal. &ldquo;I used to do reporting and proof reading for Gorkhapatra, and did news monitoring for Radio Nepal. That&rsquo;s where I believe I started my career,&rdquo; recalls Shah.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah says he was always oriented towards business, since a very young age. His father never held a job; he was involved in trade and commercial agriculture and did jute and other plantations on a big scale. &nbsp;Unfortunately, a flood in Koshi once swept away all their land and plantation, sending his father deep in debt. His father was deeply shocked by the event, lost a lot of money and stopped doing business. His father also advised him to get a government job and keep away from business.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shah was born in 1953 in Durbar Marg of Kathmandu to Late Devendra Bahadur Shah and Gauri Shah. Shah was the eldest of three sisters and a brother. His house was in the same place where Hotel Annapurna is today. &nbsp;&ldquo;I was born and brought up there till the age of ten. We had to sell our property owing to pressure from the Royal Palace back then as there were plans of establishing the hotel,&rdquo; recalls Shah. Then the family moved to ancestral house in Gyaneshwor, and Shah still resides in the same place today.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah did his schooling from Shanti Vidya Griha. He says he was admitted directly in Grade 5 as he used to take home tuitions prior to joining school. He completed his SLC from there, and did his IA from Mahendra Ratna College. He did his graduation from Trichandra College, and finished his Masters in Economic from TU. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Initiation</strong></span></div>
<div>
	After completing his studies, Shah opted for government job. He joined the then Trade Promotion Centre and worked there for 16 years. He served there in various positions including Department Head and In-charge of International Marketing. During his tenure, he promoted Nepal and Nepali products like carpets, garments and handicrafts in Western European countries. He worked with various international development agencies like GTZ, International Trade Centre and others to promote Nepali products in Europe. &nbsp;&ldquo;I participated in numerous international trade fairs and exhibitions back then,&rdquo; says Shah. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As a Thakuri, job in army or police was another prospect for him, but life had other plans for him. Thanks to his job in Trade Promotion centre, his orientation towards business grew even stronger. &ldquo;Government jobs didn&rsquo;t suit me well, there were lot of political interferences, still I held on for some time,&rdquo; says he.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	During his 16 years government job, he made a lot of contacts and relations with international business community. Then he left the job in 1992, and with his initiation, Nepal German Chamber of Commerce and Industries was formed. Shah was the first CEO of the Chamber and he fostered the trade between Nepal and Germany during his tenure. &ldquo;I formed Business Advisory Service program which was a result of cooperation between German Development Bank and Nepal German Chamber. The program helped numerous SMEs in upgrading their capacities in terms of export,&rdquo; says Shah. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Later Years</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shah&rsquo;s involvement in Trade Promotion Centre and Nepal German Chamber of Commerce and Industry made him ready to do business on his own. &ldquo;I had assisted numerous businesses as Business Development Consultant. Later I thought that it was time for me to start something of my own,&rdquo; says Shah. &nbsp; In the year 2000, he jumped into business and became a full time business person. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah then started organizing mega-scale international fairs, events and exhibitions that promote Nepal and Nepali products. He specializes in constructing Nepali pavilions with life-size replicas of Nepali temples and structures illustrating art and architecture of Nepal in World Expositions around the globe. World Exposition is a huge public exhibition that is organized around the world by Bureau of international Exposition (BIE), Paris, of which Nepal is also a member. A total of 167 countries are member of BIE.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="center" width="100">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Nepal Pavillion at Expo 2010 Shanghai, designed, built and operated by IEG" src="/userfiles/images/prs2%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 550px; height: 368px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#DDDDDD">
				<div align="center">
					Nepal Pavillion at Expo 2010 Shanghai, designed, built and operated by IEG</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Present Times</strong></span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;Shah participates in the World Expos through his company Implementing Export Group (IEG), where he is also the Director of International Marketing and Promotion. Shah has constructed various themed Nepali pavilions in World Expos in Germany, China, Japan, Australia, South Korea and other countries. &nbsp;His pavilions have been viewed by millions of people worldwide. &ldquo;The participation in World Expos massively supports tourism, trade and goodwill of Nepal. We represent entire Nepal in a small scale in these Expos,&rdquo; says Shah. The next World Expo is going to be held in Milan in 2015 with the theme &lsquo;Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life&rsquo;, and Shah is currently busy preparing for it.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;The Expos do a lot of promotion of Nepal and supports Nepal in numerous ways,&rdquo; says he. Shah, who recently turned 60, says that participating in these Expos required him to stay overseas for a long time. &ldquo;Since travelling very frequently doesn&rsquo;t suit me, I started looking after Airport Hotel as Managing Director,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Personal Side</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shah married Shanta Shah in 1979, and the couple has a son and a daughter Bishan and Ojaswi. Shah says he is busy on all days, and doesn&rsquo;t usually take leave even on Saturdays. &ldquo;When I am free, I get restless. I have to be working all the time and I like to keep myself occupied all the time. Free time makes you worry, and I try to avoid that,&rdquo; says a workaholic Shah. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah gets up at 5:30 in the morning and is always at his office at Airport Hotel at 8:30. He holds a meeting everyday among his staffs. &ldquo;There are various departments, and all have to be coordinated for the smooth operation of Hotel. I coordinate between all the departments through the meeting every day,&rdquo; explains Shah. &nbsp;According to him, maintaining good personal relation with the staffs is the key to make them more productive and motivate them. In the day, he looks after the tasks of Summit Group of Hotels and Resorts. Shah&rsquo;s evenings are spent in socializing and get-togethers and parties. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah used to play cricket when he was young, and also was the captain of his team in University. He still finds time to watch cricket on TV, and is a fan of Nepali cricket team. He also loves photography and travelling. &ldquo;My business has allowed me to travel a lot. I have travelled Europe extensively, and many other countries around the world,&rdquo; says he. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="center" width="100">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Shah with his family" src="/userfiles/images/prs1%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 550px; height: 368px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#DDDDDD">
				<div align="center">
					Shah with his family</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Word of Advice</strong></span></div>
<div>
	&ldquo;I am a self made man; I am where I am only because of me. I have no regrets, and I am happy,&rdquo; says the contented man. In his words, time is the most crucial thing in one&rsquo;s life, and it should never be wasted. &ldquo;Time is the most important thing, it won&rsquo;t wait for you and you won&rsquo;t get it back. If you act on time, you can achieve a lot, if you miss it, it won&rsquo;t come back for you,&rdquo; says Shah. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah believes that Nepal has come have a long way in a few years, but still a lot needs to be done. &nbsp;&ldquo;All entrepreneurs and businessmen should think for the country and make long term plans. No one gets rich overnight,&rdquo; says he. &nbsp;According to Shah, Nepal&rsquo;s true potential is in numerous sectors, we Nepalis just have to be sincere towards our work. &ldquo;Nepal cannot compete with India and China in manufacturing, but it is not the same scenario in herbs, tourism and hydropower. We should be able to capitalize our resources,&rdquo; says Shah. Shah also believes that if we can commercialize agro-forestry, then we can feed the entire world. &nbsp;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2014-02-20',
			'modified' => '2014-02-21',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Binayak Shah, the President of European Economic Chamber Nepal, Vice President of Summit Group of Hotels and Resorts and Managing Director of Airport Hotel, had started his career from the young age of 17. Though deterred from business as a youth, he ultimately ended up where he was supposed to:',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2311',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Liberal Feminist',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<div>
		<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		After years of working in education sector and in areas of women empowerment and entrepreneurship development, Sharma has recently entered into politics. Sharma, who likes to call herself a social entrepreneur, is also a candidate for the Constituent Assembly polls under Proportional Representation electoral system from Madhesi People&#39;s Rights Forum in the recent CA Elections. &ldquo;Politics will be my major focus from now onwards. I will bring forth the issues of women, youth and employment through politics,&rdquo; says Sharma.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Sharma has been working in the education sector since last 15 years, and believes that education is the most fundamental need. She has played the role of a pioneer in introducing Tourism Studies at the academic level in Nepal by starting Nepal College of Travel and Tourism Management in 1996. &ldquo;I was inspired to open the college as tourism is the top most potential that Nepal has. I started the college to take tourism and education hand in hand. This is the first college to provide formal tourism education in Nepal,&rdquo; says she. According to her, this is the only college in South Asia that offers Bachelor level courses&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		in Tourism. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		The college provides academic courses like Bachelor in Travel and Tourism Management, Bachelor in Hotel management and Masters in Travel and Tourism Management. &ldquo;My intention for starting the college was to merge education with tourism and help in providing employment through it. As Travel and Tourism Management is a professional course, the employment rate is very high, at around 98 per cent,&rdquo; informed Sharma. She is also the Founder Director of Kaasthamandap Vidhalaya.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
	<strong style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Chhaya Sharma" src="/userfiles/images/prsnlt1%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 250px; height: 328px;" /></strong>
	<div>
		Sharma was born in Dillibazar of Kathmandu to Late Rohini Prasad Pant and Janaki Devi. &nbsp;She says she enjoyed a childhood that was very happy and well provided for. &ldquo;I grew up with my elder brother and little sister. We were taught from our childhood to care for others, and for those who are less fortunate,&rdquo; recalls Sharma. &nbsp;She did her schooling from Saint Mary&rsquo;s School. Sharma says she was brought up in a very disciplined environment, both at home and at school. &nbsp;She believes all her traits and characters developed from her education and upbringing.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Sharma still remembers not having any definite career goals as a young girl. &ldquo;As I grew up in well to do family, I didn&rsquo;t gave much thought to career when I was young, but still I had the feeling that I should somehow contribute to the society,&rdquo; says she. After school, she did her Intermediates from Ratna Rajya Laxmi Girls College, and later went to Delhi to study Interior Designing. After completing the course, she returned to Kathmandu. At that time, Interior Designing was quite a new thing. She tried a few jobs, but didn&rsquo;t continue it as she didn&rsquo;t see much prospect in it back then.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&ldquo;I again pursued my education, and did my Masters in Sociology from Patan Multiple Campus,&rdquo; shares Sharma. She has also received numerous professional trainings including Conflict Transformation Across Cultures from SIT Graduate Institute Vermont, USA and Social Healing and Leadership in Peace building. It was the same time when Nepal was suffering from armed conflict, and the training helped to give her life a new direction.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Philosophies</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		As an enterprising and creative woman, Sharma strongly believes that economic empowerment is the key to uplift women. &ldquo;I believe in self employment and creativity. Through many associations, I have assisted numerous women empower themselves through skill development, trainings and through micro-credit projects,&rdquo; says Sharma.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Sharma has played an instrumental role in conflict management in the then war-torn areas like Kailali and Rukum. She got involved with organizations like Women Entrepreneur&rsquo;s Association and Karuna Centre. &nbsp;Also, her major involvement was in area of women empowerment through entrepreneurship development and employment generation. After the conflict ended, she was engaged in peace building process in communities. She has conducted numerous researches on Micro Enterprise Development in many remote areas of Nepal. &nbsp;Sharma is also the Board Member Institute for Conflict Management, Peace and Development (ICPD) and a Life Member of Human Rights Association of Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Along with advocating for equal rights for women, Sharma also believes that responsibilities should be equally divided between male and female. &ldquo;Though the structure of our society is patriarchal, but it&rsquo;s gradually changing. We should open our arms to change, but should not let go of our culture and values,&rdquo; says Sharma. &nbsp;However, she strictly disapproves of women working only in the households. &ldquo;Women can contribute economically, and they should look after their family as well,&rdquo; says she. She also believes in economic evaluation of women&rsquo;s household work.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Chhaya Sharma" src="/userfiles/images/prsntlt2%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 250px; height: 347px;" />Personal Side</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Sharma is married to Pranesh Sharma, and says her relation with her husband is based on respect and friendship. &ldquo;We are very compatible with each other, and share everything, no matter how small or big. I think every relation should be based on friendship for it to last forever,&rdquo; says she. A mother of a son and a daughter- Pranav and Pallavi, Sharma says that she is blessed with a very happy and close-knit family.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Sharma starts her day with a cup of tea with her husband. She believes in keeping herself fit, and goes to gym every day. &nbsp;Her days are spent in meetings, in managing her college and in various organizations. Refusing to do any work on Saturdays, she relaxes on weekends and watches TV and reads biographies of famous personalities. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>The Road Ahead</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Sharma has recently entered into politics, and plans to make it her major focus in the days to come. &ldquo;I was always interested in politics, but I wanted to have adequate resources, skill and knowledge first. Now I think I am capable of contributing through politics,&rdquo; shares Sharma. Sharma recalls advocating and lobbying with the government for women empowerment through FWEAN. That&rsquo;s when she figured out that there were many difference in policy making level, and more women were needed there. &ldquo;All the decisions are made at the upper level, and it need more voice from women. That level could only be reached through politics. That&rsquo;s another reason why I am in politics now,&rdquo; says she. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Given the present situation of women in Nepal, Sharma thinks that they need some priority, so that they can have a level playing field. She advocates for reservation for women until they are equally placed. &nbsp;&ldquo;As women lack numerous opportunities in our country, they need some push for a certain time, until they can face the competition with men&rdquo;, says she. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		According to Sharma, women entrepreneurs need to believe in themselves first, and should move ahead with a strong and positive attitude. &ldquo;Follow three Ds, determination, dedication and finally the devotion for a cause. Success will surely come your way,&rdquo; advises Sharma.</div>
</div>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-22',
			'modified' => '2013-12-30',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Chhaya Sharma, Chairperson of Women’s Committee-Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Founder/Director of Nepal College of Travel and Tourism Management says that education is the major driving force for development of society, community and country as a whole. “When people are educated, they become aware of their rights and will fight for it,” says Sharma who is also the Immediate Past President of Federation of Women Entrepreneurs’ Association of Nepal (FWEAN).',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2181',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Fighting Spirit',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Just like every lock has its key, all the problems come with a solution,&rdquo; says Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, MD, Panchakanya Group, one of the leading manufacturers of construction materials in Nepal. Shrestha has managed the Group for almost three decades, and is still directing it towards new avenues. Shrestha says that his new ventures will be in areas of hydropower and agriculture. &ldquo;As our base is manufacturing, we will continue focusing on industries and manufacturing. Besides, hydropower and agriculture will be our next area,&rdquo; he says. According to him, Panchakanya Group is a household name in Nepal, and enjoys a good reputation. &ldquo;We have nationwide dealership network and we are known as quality manufacturers. We never compromise in the quality of our products. What we are is all because of the trust of our customers,&rdquo; says Shrestha.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, MD, Panchakanya Group" src="/userfiles/images/prsn2%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 300px; height: 410px;" />Origin of Group</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group started as Panchakanya Rice Mill in 2028 BS, named after five Hindu goddesses Durga, Saraswati, Laxmi, Radha and Annapurna. The next major venture was Panchakanya Iron Industries in Kotihawa (Bhairahawa) of Rupandehi district. There wasn&rsquo;t much industrial development in western Nepal back then. So the company also opened two industries that manufactured pipe and steel in Bhairahawa in around 2040 BS. Today, Panchakanya Group is renowned as one of the pioneers in manufacturing sector and there are around a dozen industries under the group, and has generated thousands of employment opportunities.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shrestha joined the Group in the year 1985 after completing his studies. &nbsp;When he first joined, he used to handle all the aspects of business, from managing the finances to correspondence. This was also because he was a student of commerce, and also because the Group was not what it is today. &ldquo;I started in a small way, and I am happy that I have played my part in changing the business to what it is today,&rdquo; says Shrestha. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>The Turning Point</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Before going to college, Shrestha says he didn&rsquo;t always think of being a business man or joining his family business. &ldquo;I wanted to study science and become an engineer. So I applied to Amrit Science Campus. But it was very hard to get admission in those days, so I wasn&rsquo;t selected.&rdquo; One day, a friend of his father told him that if he becomes a successful businessman, he will get many engineers to work for him. His words changed his mind, and then went to Darjeeling to study B Com.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	After his graduation, he didn&rsquo;t want to go abroad for his further studies. Also, his father wanted him to study here as it would also help him in building relations. So he joined TU and did MBA. Shrestha was the student of first MBA batch of TU. &ldquo;I proudly say that I completed my Masters from Nepal. Whenever I am abroad and people ask me where I studied, I proudly tell them the fact,&rdquo; says Shrestha. By doing so, he believes he has also conveyed a message that the educational system of Nepal is at par. &nbsp;After finishing his studies, he joined the family business and has been handling it since then.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shrestha was born in Illam in 2016 to Prem Bahadur Shrestha and Neel Kumari Shrestha. He says he was very active and restless since his childhood. He used to take part in every sport possible, and was very athletic.&rdquo;I wasn&rsquo;t an excellent student, but rather an above average one,&rdquo; recalls Shrestha. He studied in a local school in Fikkal till grade four, and did the rest of his schooling from Victoria Boys School in Kharsang of &nbsp;Arunachal Pradesh in India. He completed his graduation in Commerce from North Point College in Darjeeling.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shrestha gives all the credit for the current status of the Group and his success to his father Prem Bahadur Shrestha. His father was the one to initate the business as the founder. &ldquo;My father taught me everything about business. He passed his business ethics on to me and taught me how to be successful in business. Ours is a family business, and it will continue for generations to come,&rdquo; says Shrestha.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shrestha says his father laid a very strong foundation, and his generation has added bricks to that foundation. Shrestha, under his management, has made the Group evolve and brought it where it is today. &ldquo;We are happy about what we have done. But if the country was in a better condition, we could have done much more. Even in this adverse time, we are trying to grow,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, MD, Panchakanya Group" src="/userfiles/images/prsn1%20(Copy).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 412px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Personal Side</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shrestha loves sports, and is very keen golfer and plays every other day. He says he is a very competitive person in every aspect and strives for victory. The same reflects in his business and also in golf. &ldquo;I cannot be second, I am a fighter and I have to win,&rdquo; says he. According to him, sport is not only good for health, but also makes you better in every aspect. &ldquo;Sports teach you to accept defeat. It has taught me that if you lose, it doesn&rsquo;t mean you are a loser, it just means you have to try harder,&rdquo; says Shrestha. He says that people usually don&rsquo;t realize how close they are to success. &nbsp;According to him, defeats should be analyzed, and worked upon again.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Despite his very busy schedule, Shrestha almost always manages to go wherever he is invited. &ldquo;Wherever people invite me, I go there and show my presence. That is in my nature. I have dinner in my family only once a week, so I have breakfast in my home every day,&rdquo; says he. Sports and social engagements are what keep Shrestha busy. Shrestha travels extensively, and goes for vacation once a year with his family. Shrestha loves to travel with his wife Usha and sons Udeep and Ashik. &nbsp;He also likes to travel to remote areas Nepal and go trekking with his family. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Philosophies</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shrestha strongly believes that every person can contribute in his own way to develop the nation. &ldquo;I am a responsible citizen, and I feel I have to pay back for what the country has given me. &nbsp;If every Nepali thinks this way, Nepal will be changed in no time. We all can make a difference,&rdquo; says Shrestha. &nbsp;&ldquo;Nepal is not as poor as people generally conceive it to be. I don&rsquo;t think ours is a poor country, only the mindset of the people is poor,&rdquo; says he.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Shrestha, it is unfortunate that Nepal has many problems, but still Nepalis have achieved a lot. He believes that Nepal can be developed and prosperous only if every Nepali acts for it. &ldquo;Every Nepali should think that he should contribute his part, and start thinking collectively. &nbsp;There is no other way, and no one other than Nepalis will develop Nepal,&rdquo; says Shrestha.</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-11-28',
			'modified' => '2013-12-16',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => '“Just like every lock has its key, all the problems come with a solution,” says Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, MD, Panchakanya Group, one of the leading manufacturers of construction materials in Nepal. Shrestha has managed the Group for almost three decades, and is still directing it towards new avenues.',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2064',
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			'title' => 'An Unintentional Journey',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong>--By Sagar Ghimire</strong></div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Jayaram Lamichhane, President of Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN), has many identities associated with him. A teacher turned businessman, Lamichhance, has recently jumped into the fray of politics. Unlike many successful personalities, Lamichhane was a rolling stone, who did not have a thorough planning and a specific career goal to meet in the days to come.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		With the passage of time, he tried to fit himself in different roles, either merely to make his living, an ambition to earn huge amount money or sheer interest to serve the nation. Whatever he met on the way, he accepted it as a career with making sincere and hard efforts to make it happen.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		The ambition to earn money has its roots in his early childhood. The deprivation he experienced during his childhood left an indelible imprint in his mind, always compelling him to think about accumulating wealth. However, he says, he never compromised with his ethics and integrity to make money. Born to Late Jibnath Lamichhane and Late Dewaki Lamichhane in a middle-class family in Makwanpur, he had to endure the grief of his father&rsquo;s demise barely at the age of two. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Multiple identities</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Recently, he has been recommended as a Nepali Congress (NC) candidate for the upcoming Constituent Assembly polls from Makwanpur Constituency-2. He joined the party last month amid a function in Kathmandu, where the party president Sushil Koirala welcomed him by issuing the general membership of the NC.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&ldquo;I joined this democratic party as I want to serve the nation now through politics,&rdquo; shares Lamichhane. He is in the contract business for more than 25 years. During this period, his company has not only constructed hundreds of bridges, roads and buildings, but also worked as a sub-contractor for the construction projects as far as in India, Japan, Cambodia and Qatar.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		He is now leading more than 17,000 contractors of the country as a President of FCAN. Apart from that, he is also a Board Member of Nepal Purwardhar Bikash Company Limited (NPBCL), Nepal&rsquo;s first public limited company building a national toll highway of Asian Highway Standards. The company is in the process of building the Kathmandu-Kulekhani-Hetauda Tunnel Highway (KKHT), a dream project with the 4P initiative (people, public and private partnership).&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Teaching in transition</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		After completing his School Leaving Certificate degree from a local school in the Chitlang, Makwanpur, he decided to teach in a school at Kulekhani to make a living instead of going to college. It was while teaching in the school he decided to appear privately in Intermediate degree exams. He was happy for getting a teaching job as he did not need to worry about bread and butter. Yet, he was looking further for ways to make more money. &ldquo;It was very difficult for me to manage everything with mere Rs 275 per month. So, I was looking for other alternatives,&rdquo; he shares.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Turning Point</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Once, Lamichhane was returning home from Martung, Kulekhani for his holiday. Incidentally, he met one of his relatives Ram Prasad Lamichhane on the way, who happened to work for Mittal Construction Pvt Ltd in a Devighaat Hydropower project. Lamichhane inquired about job possibility in the company. The relative informed him that the company was looking for someone who could look after the project accounts, and had to be stationed in Dhunche in Rasuwa.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Agreeing to work, he went to Kathmandu the next day for the job in the Company. The company offered him Rs 1000 per month for the job. &nbsp;Later, he went to the project site to take up the job of maintaining financial account of the project. However, he did not limit himself to book keeping. &ldquo;Eventually, I learned other aspects like engineering, survey works as well as other aspects of road construction,&rdquo; he recalls. &nbsp;After the completion of that project, he was provided with the overall responsibility of another hydropower project as an in-charge. Impressed with his works, the company later provided him the responsibilities in numerous other projects.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&ldquo;While working for these projects, I had gained a lot of experience and also had an insight of the construction business.&rdquo; he shares. Life was about to open a new door for him, and he was struck with an idea to open his own construction company. &ldquo;When I shared my interest to come up with my own company with the Managing Director Manohari Lal Mittal, he was very affirmative about the idea and encouraged me to pursue what I dreamt of,&rdquo; he says and adds, &ldquo;he did not only encourage with his words but also provided me with a seed fund of Rs 50,000.&rdquo;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		With this capital, he registered his own company Swochhanda Constuction Pvt Ltd in 1989. It did not take him much to speed up the business after establishing his own venture. &nbsp;After the launch of his own company, he never looked back. The first project his company undertook was an irrigation project in Parsa worth Rs 300,000. Till date, he has completed many projects worth billions of rupees, most of them as a sub-contractor for international companies like Japan&rsquo;s Obayashi Corporation and Chinese CWE Company. He says he has been able to win hearts of these international companies, thereby earning accreditation for his company as one of the &lsquo;best&rsquo; in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Personal Nature</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Youngest among five sisters and brothers, Lamichhane did not get a privilege to go to college owing to the poor economic condition. However, he did not let his interest of studying die. Though he had dropped school while he was in grade 8, he rejoined it later realizing that he should continue his study at any cost.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		An introvert during his childhood, his family friends and relatives mistakenly thought him to be arrogant. &nbsp;Today, Lamichhane has much changed and is quite an outspoken person. &ldquo;I was determined to achieve whatever I strived for, and that included my personal aspects as well,&rdquo; he says. &nbsp;Since he did not grow up in a well-off family, he rarely had time to hang out with his friends. &ldquo;I realised from my early childhood that I had to manage the finances myself, and I always felt that I had to stand on my own feet. Owing to my financial problems, I never get a chance and time to truly enjoy my childhood,&rdquo; says Lamichhane.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>&ldquo;Nobody to guide&rdquo;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Behind every successful person, there is somebody whose support becomes instrumental for him. Family, teacher or a mentor, among others, are usually there to push a person forward towards his life goals. However, it was not the case for Lamichhane. &ldquo;I was not lucky enough to have such an opportunity. &nbsp;Whatever I met with in my directionless journey, I had to utilize and adopt it on my own as a career,&rdquo; says Lamichhane.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sustaining Formula</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Lamichhane says that wherever he stands today, it is because of his honesty that he maintained throughout all the situations. &ldquo;Once I even refused a huge project offered by the Obayashi Corporation because I knew I could not deliver the work on their stipulated deadline,&rdquo; he shares, and adds, &ldquo;after I was reluctant to undertake the project, they insisted me to work with them, encouraging me to take the project anyway. They assured me that they will support me in everything to get the project done on time.&rdquo;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		He says that he did not shy away from revealing own weaknesses. &ldquo;The businessmen in Nepal tend to conceal their pitfalls, but I have always tried to be honest,&rdquo; says Lamichhane. He respects the value of labour very much. &nbsp;&ldquo;Be it in a single grain that I eat or a single cup of tea that I sip, there is a value of labour attached with it,&rdquo; he notes.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		He gives the labourers very big credit behind his success in business. &ldquo;For me, I come only after the labourers, who always put their efforts and hard work for the success of any project,&rdquo; he says.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Bad Bidding</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		As a businessman who has spent almost three decades in the construction business, Lamichhane strongly criticizes the tender bidding process of Nepal. The contractors are often accused of employing muscle power and goons for getting the contract in their hands. However, he denies it as a problem. The overall problem emanates from the flawed tender bidding process and the related law, he claims. &ldquo;The tender bidding process neither bodes well to the contractor nor to the beneficiaries. The contractors have to compromise on the quality of the construction as the lowest bidder is awarded with the project,&rdquo; he argues. &nbsp;Frustrated with the lengthy, complicated and flawed process of the tender bidding of the government projects, he underlines the need of overhaul in the bidding process. &ldquo;Else the country and people will have to suffer from the substandard delivery of the projects,&rdquo; he warns.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Hobbies and Family&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Humming songs alone, watching comedy shows and spending times with family are his hobbies. When overloaded and stressed with work, he meditates, and loves to do so in secluded and tranquil location of Dakshinkali. &ldquo;To get rid from the hustle bustle of the city, I sneak to Dakshinkali alone for 2/3 hours to meditate, sometimes even at 10 in the night,&rdquo; he reveals.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		He has three children who are in school. &nbsp;As he is not able to give much time to his family on weekdays, he manages a day in a week for them. &ldquo;My children understand me and are happy with their dad&rsquo;s works,&rdquo; he shares. &nbsp;Lately, travelling and enjoying the natural beauty has become his pastime. He has been to 56 districts of Nepal and also to more than 25 countries. &nbsp;Out of all the countries he has been to, he loves Japan the best while he never gets tired of going to Kulekhani and Daman in Nepal.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Entrepreneurship Essence &nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Years of Unwavering walks have landed Lamichhane in his current position. He didn&rsquo;t have any concrete plans when he started. He, however, advises the aspiring entrepreneurs to think ahead in future and weigh the profitability of the business they want. &ldquo;Never compromise in quality in what you do, and always maintain honesty, regardless of the circumstance. Stick to the deadlines, and always delivered the promised quality. You should be accountable for these two aspects,&rdquo; he cautions. &nbsp;For him, success is seen as what grows after sowing in the barren land. He advises to new generation: &ldquo;Always sow better seeds so that the coming generation would always remember you while reaping and rejoicing the benefits of it.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-29',
			'modified' => '2013-10-29',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Jayaram Lamichhane, President of Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN), has many identities associated with him. A teacher turned businessman, Lamichhance, has recently jumped into the fray of politics. Unlike many successful personalities, Lamichhane was a rolling stone, who did not have a thorough planning and a specific career goal to meet in the days to come.',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1965',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Survival Story',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong><img alt="Anup B Malla" src="/userfiles/images/malla%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 420px;" /></strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Anup B Malla, Chairman of Nepal Kangri Carpet Industry (P) Ltd and President of Nepal Carpet Exporters&rsquo; Association is one of the oldest players in the carpet business of Nepal. Malla has dedicated three decades of his life for the promotion of carpet export from Nepal. Malla, who is also the Chairperson of FNCCI&rsquo;s Export Promotion Committee, says he has survived through the hardest times in the carpet business.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In his starting days, Malla didn&rsquo;t have dreams of being in business. As a student of science, he had plans of becoming an engineer. To pursue his dream, he went to Pune to study engineering, but unfortunately had to return back within three months. &ldquo;My mother was diagnosed with liver cancer. The news came to me as a shock, and I had to return to look after the family as I was the only son,&rdquo; recollects Malla.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	After his return, his life took a different turn. As carpet business was booming in those days, his father opened a carpet factory for him, and he got involved in the business from the year 1984. Prior to this, Malla hadn&rsquo;t taken any responsibilities for his family, and it was quite tough for him in the start. &ldquo;It was hard for me, but I had to do it for my family. The factory I started from was quite a small one, with 22 looms and around 90 employees,&rdquo; remembers Malla.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Rise of Business</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Soon, Malla started learning about the business, and saw tremendous prospects in it. The industry was in a primitive stage back then, and all the processes of manufacturing were done manually. &nbsp;He supplied the carpets to local exporters who then exported them to countries like Germany, Holland, France and England among others. He wanted to export directly to Europe, and started to get completely involved in his business.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In 1986, Malla met with an official from Eastern Kayam OCM, a London based carpet exporter. He received orders from the company and stared directly exporting the carpets. At that time, he was exporting around 200-300 square metres of carpet a month. The carpets he exported were branded by the company as Kangri Carpet, and then he also renamed his company as Nepal Kangri Carpet Industry in 1991. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Though he was satisfied from his exports, Malla wanted to expand his business. His big break came in the year 1989 when he went to participate in Germany&rsquo;s biggest carpet and floor covering fare, Domotex. It was Malla&rsquo;s first time abroad, and first time in an aeroplane. When was in the Fare, he realized that the demand for Nepali carpets was tremendous in the European market. He had taken with him a few photographs of his products, and two small carpets for demonstration. He was very well received in the Fare, and the two carpets that he had taken sold as hot cakes.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He received numerous enquiries about his products and production capacity. To his surprise, he received an order for producing 2700 square metres of carpet, which was worth 200,000 US Dollars at that time.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Happy with the order, he returned back and increased the capacity of his industry. In the year 1993, his company was among the top ten carpet exporters. Malla then regularly participated in Domotex, and had many customers. When the business was on peak, his industry exported 125,000 square metres of carpet in a year. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="Anup B Malla" src="/userfiles/images/malla1%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 300px; height: 544px;" />Downfall and Survival</strong></span></div>
<div>
	What goes up must come down, and same proved to be true for the Nepali carpet business. Around the year 1995, the demand for Nepali carpets started to decline. According to Malla, this was chiefly because Nepali manufacturers compromised in the quality of the carpets. Also, Indian imitation carpets were flooding the European market. There were also the issues of child labour and toxic dyes used in carpets. All of these contributed the downfall of Nepali carpet industry. To worsen the situation, the country was hit by the armed conflict, power crisis and strikes. &ldquo;Around the year 1993/94, the carpet business went down, and hasn&rsquo;t gained the momentum till today. The exports are going down every year,&rdquo; says Malla.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Owing to the decline in exports, many companies shut down and there were no new players in the market. Ordinary carpets were no more in demand, and the importers wanted new designs, and very high quality products. &ldquo;. It was the time for research and development, and tie to employ new advanced technologies. The situation called for a drastic change in the carpet manufacturing sector. It was survival of the fittest,&rdquo; recalls Malla. &nbsp;Determined to continue with his business, Malla paid more attention to the demands. The market now has demands for better quality products, with new designs and new colours and new trend.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malla tried his best to change with the changing times, and survived when it very tough. At present, Kangri Carpet Industry exports around ten to twelve thousand square metres of carpet a year. Last year, his company exported to 10,000 square metres of carpet. &ldquo;The capacity of our industry is much more than this, but it&rsquo;s hard to predict the market these days, so we produce in moderation,&rdquo; says Malla.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malla believes himself to be a survivor who made it through the toughest of times.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Malla was born in Sinamangal of Kathmandu in 2022 BS to Govinda Bahadur Malla and Malla Keshar Kumari Malla. Malla says he grew up in a very protective and possessive family as he was born after six sisters. He went to Bhanubhakta Memorial School for his primary education and passed his SLC from Demonstration Multipurpose School (DMPS).&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malla married Suchita Malla in the year 2049 BS. His mother has passed away just a year ago, and was pressurized by the family for marriage. As all of his sisters were married, and there was no female member in the family, He had to make the decision very quickly. &nbsp;&ldquo;Around that time, I saw a girl at Thapathali Campus. I was instantly attracted, and it was love at first sight,&rdquo; recalls Malla. He couldn&rsquo;t find the courage to talk to her, but wrote a letter to her proposing for marriage. They started talking on phone, and got to know each other better. Everything went fine and they married about six months later. &ldquo;Looking back, I feel I made a very good decision. I am a very happily married man today,&rdquo; says Malla. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="Anup B Malla" src="/userfiles/images/malla2%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 438px;" />Personal Side and Philosophies</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Malla gets up at 6 every morning and exercises for an hour. He has been doing Pranayam and Yoga for the last ten years. Tennis and swimming are his hobbies, and also like music and singing. He was the vocalist of a rock band when he was young. Lately, he is attracted by classical music. Malla loves to have free time to spend with his family, and believes in living life to the fullest. &ldquo;Enjoying and living life is the major thing for me. I don&rsquo;t run after money because it is sheer necessity. In that sense, I may not be very ambitious,&rdquo; shares Malla.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;Malla usually spends his Fridays with friends and family. GG Machan at Jhamsikhel is his favourite place to hang out. He is a frequent traveller, and has been to almost al of Europe, many states of USA, China, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia and many other countries. According to Malla, many perceive him as an arrogant and tough person. &ldquo;Those who are newly acquainted with me feel that way about me. In fact, I am a very soft hearted and easy going person,&rdquo; says he. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malla believes in hard work, and says one has to know pain and hardship to enjoy happiness in life. &ldquo;I have faced many problems in my life and suffered a lot at an early age. That&rsquo;s why I can fully enjoy and cherish my success. I am very happy and satisfied with my life,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Future</strong></span></div>
<div>
	If the business environment becomes friendlier, Malla says that he may be involved in manufacturing such commodities that can be locally consumed and exported as well. As export has always been his expertise, Malla says Nepal should realize its export potentials. &ldquo;Nepal is gifted with a wide variety of climate, temperature and ecosystem. We have many products with comparative advantage. We should be able to turn these into products with competitive advantage,&rdquo; opines Malla. &nbsp;He also believes that more such products should be sought apart from the 19 items promoted by the government.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	To be successful, one should be involved in those occupations that make us happy, says Malla. &ldquo;If we turn our passion into our occupation, then success will surely follow. Life paves way for us, we just have to be alert and follow,&rdquo; says Malla.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-08',
			'modified' => '2013-10-09',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Anup B Malla, Chairman of Nepal Kangri Carpet Industry (P) Ltd and President of Nepal Carpet Exporters’ Association is one of the oldest players in the carpet business of Nepal.',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1677',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Visionary Vanguard',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pradeep Jung Pandey, MD and Chairman of Lomus Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd and Vice President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry is a familiar name in Nepali business sector. But Pandey didn&rsquo;t always have thoughts of becoming a businessperson and wanted to join the army as a young man. A simple twist of fate turned him into business, and today, Pandey has many companies and industries under him and is one of the most successful Nepali business personalities.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Lomus Pharmaceuticals has recently become the first company to export medicines from Nepal, and has exported medicines worth around 25,000 USD to Nigeria. The company will soon start exporting to Liberia. &ldquo;Even at a time when the industrial environment is not so good, we have been able to export medicines for the first time in Nepal. If the conditions become better, we can export even more,&rdquo; says Pandey. According to him, there is huge possibility of drug export from Nepal, and Lomus is the proof of it. Lomus contributes to 3.5 per cent of total drug requirement of Nepal. If it runs with full capacity, it can contribute up to ten percent, says Pandey.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Lomus is a company that started it journey three decades ago, and is one of the topmost pharmaceutical companies of Nepal. The company was ranked number one in terms of value and unit in the year 2000 by IMS Health Switzerland. The company manufactures 270 different medicines, including psychiatric, diabetic, fertility drugs, hormonal and many others. The company&rsquo;s manufacturing plant is in Gothatar, a 72,000 sq feet state of the art facility.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Business Philosophy&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Pandey says that he doesn&rsquo;t want to be involved in many businesses at once. &ldquo;I start new venture only after the earlier one is successful and sustained,&rdquo; says he. After Lomus started to do well, Pandey established Cosmos Cement Industries in Janakpur 12 years ago. &ldquo;The condition was not favourable back then, but still I made it survive. Two years ago, I set up Eastern Cosmos Cement Industry in Biratnagar,&rdquo; informed Pandey. Both the industries manufacture 400 MT of cement per day now. Also, he started manufacturing clinkers from Janakpur that is enough for both the companies.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says he faced a lot of problems in manufacturing sector, like power outage, labour problems, and government policies among others. &ldquo;The government wasn&rsquo;t also very supportive. So I looked for some other sectors that are unaffected by labour problems,&rdquo; says He. That&rsquo;s when he started Shikhar Insurance Company Ltd, for some financial security. Pandey is also the Chairman of Citizens Bank International Ltd and Mountain Energy Pvt Ltd, a hydropower company. The company has produced five megawatts of energy and it is already connected to the national grid. His another venture, Lomus Herbineria P Ltd manufactures herbal medicines. &ldquo;Nepal has immense potential in manufacturing herbal medicines, that&rsquo;s why I started the company,&rdquo; explains Pandey. The company manufactures herbal medicines for liver, cough syrups, blood purifying medicines, shilajit tablets among others.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says he works only in the sectors where he has expertise, and believes all should do this for success. &ldquo;A country can prosper and get renowned through only one brand or one product, like many other countries in the world,&rdquo; says Pandey. He wants his medicines to do the same for Nepal. &ldquo;Nepal can&rsquo;t compete with the world in manufacturing automobiles or other similar products, but we can do that through Herbal medicine. I will focus on that in the future,&rdquo; says he. According to him, herbal medicines can do many things that allopathic medicines cannot, and has comparative advantage. A company should manufacture a unique product, make the company sustain and then should look after branding as it is the key to success of the manufactured product, says Pandey.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Pradeep Jung Pandey,Vice President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry " src="/userfiles/images/pjp1.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 349px;" />Early Life&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Born to Purna Jung Pandey and Dev Kumari Pandey in Chhetrapati of Kathmandu in 1950, Pandey was basically brought up by his grandfather in a joint family. His father passed away when Pandey was only five years old, so he says he doesn&rsquo;t have much memories of him. &ldquo;My childhood was very simple. There was no TV or entertainment medium of any such sort. I spent my childhood playing with my friends in the streets,&rdquo; recalls Pandey. According to Pandey, he was always an above average student, and used to study quite hard. &ldquo;I have never failed in any examinations since I was a child,&rdquo; says Pandey.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He did his schooling from JP School and completed his SLC from there. He did his graduation from Public Commerce Campus. As his grandfather had fought in World War II, Pandey initially had thoughts of joining the army. His family inclination was also towards the army owing to the respect and social status. But unfortunately for him, his eyesight wasn&rsquo;t fit for being in the army, and he didn&rsquo;t apply. Today, Pandey thinks of it has a fortunate coincidence. He believes he has served his country more as an industrialist than he could have done as an army man. &ldquo;Helping a country economically is the best you can do for your country,&rdquo; says Pandey.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Start&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	After he completed his M Com from TU in the year 1972, he became interested in financial matters and thought of doing business. Instead of trading business, he chose manufacturing. &ldquo;As medicines are one of the most critical things for Nepal, I thought of manufacturing it and opened Lomus Pharmaceuticals,&rdquo; recalls Pandey. Royal Drugs was the only company manufacturing drugs back then. That&rsquo;s when he thought that private companies can also do the same. &ldquo;If you start a general manufacturing company, you will have many competitors. But pharmaceutical is a technical sector, so there is relatively less competition. This was another reason for me to choose the sector,&rdquo; explains he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Personal Side&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Married to Urmila Pandey in 1975, Pandey is father of three sons, Prabal, Pratap and Prajwal. His elder son Prabal is also the MD of Easter Cosmos Cement Industry and also looks after manufacturing at Lomus. Pandey says he is quite religious and spiritual, and believes that we should preserve our tradition and culture. &ldquo;We should follow our own culture as it is our true identity. We should be honest towards our profession, nation and tradition as well,&rdquo; says Pandey. According to him, a successful entrepreneur should also pay attention towards religion and culture.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He starts his day by going for a morning walk at 6, and does some exercise. He is always at his office earlier than his staffs. He says that an entrepreneur should work more than his staffs to sustain his business. In his free time, he is involved in writing articles related to economics. He has also written a few songs, and wants to guide the society towards a positive direction through his work. Pandey is quite an easy going person, and says he receives phone calls from everyone, even from the unknown numbers. &ldquo;It is very easy to get in touch with me,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey loves to travel to new places and learn new culture and lifestyle. He says travelling recharges you and fills you with new energy to go on. He is also interested in economic systems of various countries, and has extensively travelled Nepal and India. He has also been to US and many countries of Europe. Pandey only takes vegetarian food three days a week and fasts two days a week. He reserves his Saturdays for his family and relatives, and doesn&rsquo;t get involved in business activities unless it&rsquo;s very urgent.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says he isn&rsquo;t very conscious about brands, and lives a simple life. He owns a Toyota Rav 4 and Nissan Datsun. Pandey carries an iPhone 5 and Samsung S4. He uses gadgets for the facilities they provide, and says one should be familiar with technology for making his time more productive.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says there are more opportunities than challenges in Nepal. He believes that one should not be over ambitious and know his limits to be successful. &ldquo;Satisfaction is a major thing for running a successful business. One should be an expert in his field and success will surely follow,&rdquo; says Pandey. Pandey firmly believes that dedication, honesty, hard work and a positive mindset are essential for success. &ldquo;Honesty always pays in the long run,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says he believes in fair competition and coexistence in business. In the future, he wants to diversify his businesses and manufacture better quality products. He also has plans of making his medicine brands renowned in Nepal and even in the international sector. &ldquo;Instead of diverting your focus at many things, one should concentrate on improving the quality of what he already owns,&rdquo; says Pandey.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-08-22',
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			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Pradeep Jung Pandey, MD and Chairman of Lomus Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd and Vice President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry is a familiar name in Nepali business sector.',
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			'id' => '1440',
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			'title' => 'Passion For Perfection',
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			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">--By Sujan Tiwari</span></strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Padma Shree Group&rsquo;s current focus is on development works, and since 2010, has started importing heavy equipments from Liebherr, a Swiss company. The company recently has started importing road construction and finishing heavy equipments from Auman, a Swiss company. &ldquo;As Nepal has enormous potential in hydropower, and most of the projects are facing problem with tunnelling, we are now looking forward also to import tunnelling equipments from Sandvik, a Swedish company,&rdquo; says Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya is also shifting his focus to power sector, renewable energy and waste management. His company is doing the study and research on the subject, and hopefully will have some new projects very soon. &ldquo;I want to support the development works in the country by offering best possible equipments, services and projects,&rdquo; says Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Rohini Thapaliya, Executive Director of Padma Shree Group" evolution="" of="" src="http://newbusinessage.com/userfiles/images/prsnlt1.jpg" strong="" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></strong></div>
<div>
	<strong>Evolution of Group</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">What is now known as Padma Shree Group started as Shree Padma Saw Mill in the year 1963, initiated by Thapaliya&rsquo;s father Late Badri Prasad Thapaliya in Simra. The company then used to supply timber to Nepal and India, and also supplied railway sleepers to India. Thapaliya joined the company, worked in the saw mill at the beginning, helped his father and a few years later started the furniture company. The company&rsquo;s name changed to Shree Padma Saw Mill and Furniture Factory Pvt Ltd, and it expanded to Kathmandu as well. What followed is a huge business, as the group now has a lot of big brands under it.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	Gradually, the company started manufacturing high quality furniture. The company did the furnishing of Singha Durbar, many 5-Star hotels and also the royal palace. The furniture company was honoured in the year 2000 by the then King Birendra for the services offered. &ldquo;That was the first instance of a company receiving this sort of honour,&rdquo; recalls Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In the year 1988, Thapaliya opened Altech Pvt Ltd that dealt with aluminium doors and windows and building materials. Shortly after, he established Padma Shree Pvt Ltd, a trading company for the purpose of representing of various international brands. &ldquo;During the nationwide movement of 1990, many companies suffered owing to political unrest, labour problems and strikes. Then we thought that we should not focus only on one business, and should diversify,&rdquo; says Thapaliya. The Group is the outcome of that diversification.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In the year 1991, Mazda Motor Corporation of Japan was looking for a representative in Nepal, and Thapaliya&rsquo;s company was among four other contenders. &ldquo;Our proposal was the most practical, so they selected our company as their partner,&rdquo; says Thapaliya. From the year 1993, the company started importing Mazda vehicles from Japan. Mazda is one of the flagship imports of the Group today, known for its power, style and performance. In the year 2000, the company started importing power tools from Bosch Germany, one of the biggest tools manufacturers in the world. In 2005, the Group also imported generators from Deutz, Aggretech and MTU, all Germany-based companies to help the nation deal with the power outage.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Thapaliya, Padma Shree Group is renowned in the market for the products it represents. &ldquo;Whatever products we represent, they are the best in the world. I always go after quality products which are well known and well tested. Though it may be slightly expensive, ultimately, it provides long term benefit,&rdquo; says he.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Early Life&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya was born in Lazimpat of Kathmandu in 1952 to Late Badri Prasad Thapaliya and Padma Thapaliya. He studied in Saint Xavier&rsquo;s School till grade four, and then joined Demonstration School, which later changed to Laboratory School. After his SLC, he joined ISc course and had dreams of becoming an engineer. He wanted to go to Russia to study engineering, but had to give up his dream to help his father in the company. &ldquo;Yet I don&rsquo;t have any regrets now, because I am doing well in my business,&rdquo; says Thapaliya.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Rohini Thapaliya, Executive Director of Padma Shree Group" evolution="" of="" src="http://newbusinessage.com//userfiles/images/prsnlt3.jpg" strong="" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 275px; height: 404px;" />Personal Side</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya says he is normally much occupied with his business, and takes leave only on Saturdays.&rdquo; As generators are one of our major products, it has to be running 24/7. So there could be complaints coming in any time, so I am busy almost all the time,&rdquo; says Thapaliya. Still, if possible, he wants to be free on Saturdays. &ldquo;I spend time with my family and I try to avoid any business activities on Saturdays. I dedicate my time to my family, and also after office, I spend time with my family,&rdquo; shares Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	On a more personal side, Thapaliya is quite a reserved person, and takes time to open up and build new relations. &ldquo;Once I build a relation, I continue it for long. I believe all the relations should be long lasting,&rdquo; says Thapaliya. According to him, it takes very long to build a relation, but it can be spoilt in no time. &ldquo;I want to maintain relations for ever, all the relation, both personal and professional ones. I seek perfection in everything I do,&rdquo; shares Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya enjoys playing tennis and squash, and goes to health club at least five days a week. Quite a religious man, Thapaliya has been visiting Pashupatinath everyday for the last 40 years. Thapaliya travels frequently for business and for vacations. He has been to Japan, China, Singapore, Germany, UK, Switzerland and other countries. He drives Mazda 3, and will soon be driving Mazda CX-5, a new crossover. Thapaliya says he uses gadgets and technology as required, and owns iPhone, MacBook Pro and an iPad. On grooming, he says he wants to look decent and presentable at all times.</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Rohini Thapaliya, Executive Director of Padma Shree Group" evolution="" of="" src="http://newbusinessage.com/userfiles/images/prsnnlt4.jpg" strong="" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 275px; height: 344px;" /></strong></div>
<div>
	<strong>Family</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Married to Deepa Thapaliya in 2037 BS, Thapaliya says it was a love affair turned into arranged marriage. He clearly remembers meeting her for the first time. &ldquo;We met for the first time in a wedding. We knew each other, got close and later arranged the marriage,&rdquo; recalls Thapaliya. Deepa holds a degree in Law, and is also the Director of the Group. &ldquo;She is very supportive and encouraging, and helps me in all my endeavours,&rdquo; he adds.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The couple is blessed with a son and a daughter, Shubhashish Thapaliya and Shreeyukta Thapaliya Pandey. Thapaliya has two granddaughters from his daughter. His son holds an Engineering Degree in Energy and Power, and is working in a company in Singapore. He wants his son to return and continue the family legacy.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Philosophies&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Thapaliya, failures are inevitable, but what matters is how you deal with failures. &ldquo;When you fail, realize that it was not your piece of cake and move on. When one door closes, another one is always open, do not look at the closed door, and move towards the one that has been open for you,&rdquo; says he. Thapaliya believes life is very precious, and says that tomorrow is indefinite. &ldquo;One should not spend time in regrets, and move on towards better things,&rdquo; advises he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya says he firmly believes in team work, sincerest of efforts and accountability. &ldquo;To be successful, dedication and sincerity are the ones needed the most. It will do you good in the long run,&rdquo; says he. Thapaliya says that there is no shortcut to experience; still it doesn&rsquo;t mean one has to go through all the hassle. &ldquo;We have a lot of exposure now, and we can cut short the time needed to be experienced. We all should try to see things from a wide perspective, and do something for the society and the country,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Concluding Remarks&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya believes that god has given Nepal all that is needed, and it&rsquo;s our turn now to make it a real heaven. &ldquo;I wish to see a peaceful, prosperous and developed Nepal, and I am doing my part for it,&rdquo; he says. Though he admits that the business environment is not very good now, he says everyone should try to make the best out of this situation.&rdquo; If you want rainbow trout, then you need fresh and running water. Looking at the situation of the country, unfortunately, all we have is muddy waters now. But I expect to have fresh and running water very soon,&rdquo; says Thapaliya</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>',
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			'description' => 'Rohini Thapaliya, Executive Director of Padma Shree Group, didn’t always have thoughts of owning and running a business house. As a youngster, he wanted to be an engineer and thought of going to Russia for pursuing the degree. But life had other plans for him..',
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			'id' => '1060',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Tenacious Trader',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Sujan Tiwari</strong></p>
<p>
	Akhil Kumar Chapagain, Chairman of Akhil Trading Concern Pvt Ltd always had thoughts of being a businessman since he was a child. Even though he was born in a family whose profession was agriculture, he had deviations towards business. &nbsp; His family background was no motivation for him to start a business, so for some time he thought of holding a job, as he had no other career aims. “Besides my career, my ambition was to become a national level player and I fulfilled that. I was a national athlete from Koshi zone,” says Chapagain. But despite his success in sports, he wasn’t interested in making it his career. In the back of his head, he always thought of owning a business. Fortunately, he was able to realize his childhood dream immediately after graduating.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Akhil Kumar Chapagain’s new ventures will be in the sector of tourism and agriculture, which are quite new for him. After 29 years of running a successful trading business, Chapagain now has plans of opening a resort in Dhulikhel. “While abroad on business delegations, I have always tried to sell something from Nepal. As Nepal has such immense potential in tourism, I thought of opening a resort. I will accomplish this within the next two or three years,” says Chapagain. He also has plans of starting his own farming business.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	For the last two years, Chapagain’s major focus has been on opening own retail outlets for his products. “The outlets reduce the hassle of appointing wholesalers and retailer. The customers can buy the products at a cheaper price so I am focusing on such outlets,” informed Chapagain. Till date, he has opened retail outlets for his brands Suvari, Istikbal, Rodimood and Colin’s.</p>
<p>
	Chapagain says he believes in doing fair business, and wants to be long-run player. “After all these years in business, I have made a name for myself and my company. I have a reputation to maintain. So I always do fair business,” says he. According to him, having moral courage to face the society is very important for him, and making profit comes only after that. He believes he has contributed to the society through his fair business, and is happy about that. “As I am associated with numerous trade associations, I encourage all to play fair game. It always pays off in the end,” says Chapagain.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Early Life&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
	Born in Bhojpur, Dingla in 1957 to Thama Nath Chapagain and Pushpa Kumari Chapagain, Chapagain says he was mischievous and aggressive since his childhood. With eight siblings, he grew up in quite a big family. He spent most of childhood and school days in Biratnagar. According to Chapagain, he was very athletic and loved sports, and had a lot of friend. “I still miss those days when I used to play with my friends in a garden near my school. We climbed trees, swam in the pool and had a really good time,” said he. After moving to Kathmandu, he joined Min Bhawan Campus for higher education, and later graduated from Trichandra College. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Initiation</strong></p>
<p>
	Chapagain had started his business journey by opening Akhil Trading Concern as a private trading firm in the year 1984. To start with, he imported wrist watches and cosmetics from Switzerland. Sadly, his first attempt didn’t pay back well and he suffered loss in both the products. “At that time, many companies were importing watches through illegal channels. I imported the watches through legal channels by paying all the taxes, which may have increased their prices. So it didn’t go well,” recollects Chapagain. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	After receiving his first blow, he thought of changing his approach, and focused on the products that would suit the need of the people here, and were quite inexpensive. After much thought, he imported dry fruits from Singapore, and it did a satisfactory business. This helped him to cover his earlier loss, and most importantly, gave him the courage. Filled with new hope, he imported refrigerators from China, and it too went well. “Later, I discontinued importing Chinese as the quality was inferior, and I started importing FMCG from European countries,” says Chapagain. Today, majority of his imports are from Europe.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="Akhil Kumar Chapagain, Chairman of Akhil Trading Concern Pvt Ltd " src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personlaity_June2013_tenacious_trader_akhil_kumar(1).jpg" /></p>
<p>
	<strong>Evolution of Business</strong></p>
<p>
	Chapagain was in Germany once, searching for some business opportunities. Walking on the streets, his eyes fell on a store with a brand named Fakir. He found out that it was a household appliance brand, and intuitively wanted to import and sell its products in Nepal. After his return to Nepal, he made correspondence asking the company for dealership. Back then, Akhil Trading Concern wasn’t a big name as it is today, so he had little hopes that his request would be accepted. “I had informed them about my actual status, and they knew that mine wasn’t a very big company. I wasn’t very hopeful for a favourable response,” says he.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The representatives of the company came to Nepal and had talks with him. They also met with people from other companies here, most of them at a higher position than his. Sometime later, the company offered him the exclusive dealership despite the size of his company. This dealership gave him his first big break. “Years later, I asked the company men why they selected me over other companies. They said that they were impressed with my honesty as I had told them about my status without any exaggeration,” says Chapagain. The dealership did a good business for him and he focused on more European products.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Present Times</strong></p>
<p>
	Currently, Chapagain imports more than a dozen big brands from Europe, Australia, Thailand and Hong Kong. Some of these brands are Suvari, Rodimood, Colin’s, Istikbal and Khao Shong. Most if his imports are from Turkey, as he says Turkish products are of European standard, and are affordable as well. He says he imports only the best products with superior quality. According to him, his import Khao Shong is the number two coffee brand in Nepal and Arabella is number one in pasta. The products include FMCG, textiles, furniture, appliances and apparels among others. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	“Honestly speaking, I wanted to do business because I dint want to work for anyone, and wanted to be my own master. I preferred it over doing a job for some company,” says Chapagain. He started his business with an investment of 300,000 rupees, and imported one or two products. Today, he runs a successful trading business and has more than a dozen products in his list. According to him, the business is doing really good, and is growing year after year. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	On success, Chapagain shares that he is satisfied with what he has accomplished. “To keep a trading firm running in Nepal all these years is a success in itself as it’s a very risky business,” says he. He strongly disagrees with those who say trading is easier business than manufacturing. According to him, trading is in no sense an easy business, and has its own threats and challenges. “Traders have to face problems like grey market, counterfeit goods and other traders’ monopoly over brands. We also have a huge responsibility towards the customers,” says Chapagain. He has no plans of foraying into manufacturing, and is contented with what he is doing and what he has achieved. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Family</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="Akhil's Family" height="392" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personlaity_June2013_tenacious_trader_akhil_kumar_family.jpg" width="450" /></p>
<p>
	Chapagain married Gyanu Chapagain at the age of 29. Their fathers were old friends, and the marriage was fixed even before he was aware of it. They went to the same school and knew each other, but he never thought he would marry her. Very shy around girls, Chapagain vividly remembers the first time they met with the purpose. “I was quite a rebel, so I didn’t want to go with my father’s decisions. But when she reached marriageable age, we got together quite well and we both agreed to marry,” says he. &nbsp;Gyanu is a housewife and maintains all aspects of his personal life. According to Chapagain, she maintains the family bond and looks after all the family matters as he is too busy for them. The couple is blessed with two sons Arpit and Arjit. His elder son Arpit has recently joined the company as the Managing Director.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Personal Side</strong></p>
<p>
	Very health conscious and athletic, Chapagain exercises a lot. He jogs 5 kilometers every day, and has been doing it for the last 25 years. He is a frequent blood donor and has donated blood 26 times. Travelling and trekking are his hobbies, and is abroad for about five months a year. He has travelled Asia and Europe extensively. He spends most of his free time with his family and acquaintances in outings and get-togethers. Chapagain enjoys all sorts of foods, and is a social drinker. He enjoys good wine, and imports them too.</p>
<p>
	Chapagain says he is very conscious of his clothing, and wears brands like Pierre Cardin, Louis Philippe, Van Heusen and of course, Suvari. “I like to groom myself, and use some cosmetic products as well. &nbsp;I always want to look presentable,” says Chapagain. He is passionate about gadgets, and owns iPhone 4S and a Sony Vaio. Samsung Galaxy S4 and iPhone 5 are on his wish list. Chapagain currently drives Nissan Super Saloon.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Epilogue</strong></p>
<p>
	Chapagain believes that all the diplomatic missions and offices in foreign countries should promote Nepal. “All such offices should have a booth to inform about Nepal and our products as it helps in promotion and publicity of Nepal. The rest of the world needs to know about Nepal and what Nepal has to offer,” says he. He has personally promoted Nepal during his business delegations and visits.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	He believes that all should stop blaming the government for the problems, and take responsibility squarely on their shoulders. “There is too much negativity around us. Everyone from all walks of life should move ahead with a positive and constructive mindset,” says Chapagain.&nbsp;</p>
<div>
	 </div>
<div>
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			'description' => 'Akhil Kumar Chapagain, Chairman of Akhil Trading Concern Pvt Ltd always had thoughts of being a businessman since he was a child. Even though he was born in a family whose profession was agriculture, he had deviations towards business.',
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			'id' => '979',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'From Led Zeppelin To Yoga Vasistha',
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			'content' => '<p>
	<strong style="font-size: 12px;">By Sujan Tiwari</strong></p>
<p>
	Shashi Ram Bhandary, CEO of Kathmandu Housing and Leasing Company and Nirvana Country Club Health and Golf Resort in Dharan vividly remembers his first summer job while studying in the US. Working in the kitchen of the Marriott Hotel, he had a tough time cutting onions for a few hours, with tears in his eyes. That was when he was noticed by a Manager in the hotel and taught him how to cut onions without hurting the eyes, by soaking the onions in water for some time before cutting them. He told Bhandary that there were two ways to do anything, the right way and the wrong way. “This was the lesson I learnt for life, that things should be done the right way, and it didn’t just apply to onions,” says Bhandary.</p>
<p>
	When he was in Nepal for a vacation once, he went to &nbsp;the coffee shop in Annapurna Hotel and he wasn’t satisfied with the service there. So he left a note saying ‘the service wasn’t up to par’. &nbsp;To his surprise, he was called the very next day by the hotel and was offered a job. He didn’t want to join at first as he was on a vacation, but finally accepted the offer. “I took the job as a challenge. I was hired as Assistant Food and Beverage Manager. I worked there for two years,” recollects Bhandary. But he wasn’t going to be satisfied with a job in a hotel; he had other plans in the back of his head.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Once he went trekking to Upper Manang and realized the shortage of food and supplies there. That was the moment that decided his life. He came up with an ambitious plan of designing a hotel that was self sustained, with its own food and energy production. “I dreamt of a hotel that was dependent upon only a few products from outside. I thought of producing vegetables, rearing cows for dairy products and manure for energy and fertilizers,” says Bhandary. He wanted to experiment with the idea, the idea of a self sustainable hotel. Nirvana Country Club is the result of the same model. It has its own farm, a dairy and has the largest bio-gas plant in eastern Nepal. About 30 per cent of the required energy is produced by the Resort itself. It also produces dairy products like cream and butter, organic herbs and vegetables.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	But Nirvana Country Club was nothing like it is today when Bhandary first acquired the property back in 2000. When he bought the property, he says it was in complete ruins, with land, some structures and a pasture that is now the golf course of Nirvana. &nbsp;To start with, Bhandary brought some consultants from India. After their survey, he was advised not to start the project as the consultants didn’t find &nbsp;the land feasible. “The property was in a very bad condition, it didn’t meet the needed threshold. Also, there were not enough flights to Dharan back then. But I had a gut feeling, and I took the challenge against all odds. Today I am so glad that I took the challenge despite the adversities,” says Bhandary proudly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	He started by literally sweeping the place clean. He renovated the structures, built the walls and developed the golf course. At present, Nirvana Country Club has a dairy with 50 cows, a 19\8 hole golf course, multi-cuisine restaurant, swimming pool, offers tennis and squash, provides yoga and meditation among other services. Also, there are 20 well furnished air conditioned bungalows with living, dining, kitchen and three bedrooms each. “In the last 12 years, I have entirely transformed the place from what it initially was. It is a complete turnaround,” says Bhandary.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Early Life</strong></p>
<p>
	Born in Kamaladi, Kathmandu in 1962 to Suna Bhandary and Late Banshi Ram Bhandary, he had five elder sisters before him. Bhandary says he was one of the first Nepali students to go to Lincoln School. He remembers cycling all around the valley with his friends, most of &nbsp;whom were from other countries. “I enjoyed a childhood without any worries as my family was quite well off. Everything was provided for us. I was lucky to be born in a big joint family with a good reputation and background. Bhandarys of Kamaldi were known by all in Kathmandu,” says Bhandary. Bhandary studied in Lincoln School from Kindergarten to 8th grade, and did his SLC from Anandakuti School. After that, he went to US for his further studies, he joined Gaithersburg High School in Maryland and graduated from high school there. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	After completing high school, he started working for Marriott Hotel as a summer job, as all the students in the US worked in summers. “I actually didn’t need to work for money, but I followed the American tradition. I was living with relatives at that time. I wanted to be independent, so I moved out and started to work,” remembers Bhandary. He says he worked right from the bottom, doing dishes and &nbsp;other forms of lowly work. Later, he became a supervisor and finally a manager in Marriott Hawaii. He worked for Marriott for seven years and later did his graduation in Hotel Management from US.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Has was sent to US by his family to study medicine, but he loved dealing with people and loved service business. After his first summer job, he ended up studying hotel management. He didn’t reveal this to his family at first and so had to earn his own money. Bhandary believes this decision made him independent as he started working. “I didn’t have any specific aim, but I wanted to fly planes as a child, and I still want to,” says Bhandary.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Family</strong></p>
<p>
	Bhandary married with Kalpana Bhandary at the age of 21. Once when he was in Pokhara, he caught the eyes of Kalpana on a boat, and says he was instantly attracted to her. He went home and told his mother about the girl he saw, and their family arranged the rest. They met and got along well, and eventually got married. “My marriage was the biggest turning point in my life. I felt more responsible after I got married,” says Bhandary. Kalpana Bhandary is now the MD of Nirvana Country Club. According to Bhandary, he really wanted to be together with his spouse, and he kept her together, even at work. The couple has been blessed with two sons Rishikesh and Raghu.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>The Personal Side</strong></p>
<p>
	As a youngster, Bhandary grew up listening to rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and The Who. Now, he says he wants to spend time quietly.Inside, Bhandary says he is a very spiritual person, and loves to read, especially books &nbsp;about spiritual development. “Lately, I want to uncover the spiritual side of my own self. I want to know what my purpose in the world is, and I try to figure it out through meditation. I really want to be at peace,” he says. Bhandary is also a disciple of Shankaracharya. As he was brought up in a religious family, he liked to listen to prabachans religious-philosophical discourse as a child. “I found the words of wise men interesting from the beginning. After I read Yoga Vasistha, it completely turned around my life. It taught me that everything that exists is an illusion, and everything else is the working of mind. I was so influenced by it and entered into spirituality. Then, I started to look at life from a spiritual point of view, says Bhandary.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Pastime</strong></p>
<p>
	Bhandary &nbsp;has been an avid animal lover since his childhood, and owns eight Tibetan mastiffs and one Alsatian, has a few barking deers in his farm and keeps his Japanese Spitz Casper with him wherever he goes. He drinks very rarely, as he says it disturbs the spiritual balance. Whenever free, Bhandary likes to cook and equally enjoys eating, and loves Khichadi, his all time favourite food. He lives mostly in Dharan, and travels frequently. His hobbies include playing golf, going for long drives and travelling. He says he is outside the country at least once a month, and has been to US, India, Europe, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and other countries.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Bhandary believes one needs to be determined and has to possess a will-do attitude to succeed. “One has to be commanding and friendly at the same time, has to have a balance of both. Also, we should be able to bring out the good in people,” he says. Bhandary says he is content with his life, as has no regrets. “I am living the life I wanted, married the women I wanted, &nbsp;I have done something for the country and am blessed with good children. There is nothing more &nbsp;I could have wanted,” says Bhandary. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	According to Bhandary, things should always be done the right way and it will &nbsp;be done as there won’t be many obstacles. “Determination and good intentions are needed, it can really help you progress. &nbsp;It is not that hard to start a business and succeed in Nepal. No one needs to leave the country in pursuit of success. Things can be done right here, we just have to figure out the right way,” says he. For the future, Bhandary has plans of making Nirvana Country Club completely self sustainable and wants to open a Golf Academy. And if things favour him, he wants to learn to fly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="Shashi Ram Bhandary, Personlity, From Led Zeppelin to Yoga Vasistha " height="546" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_may2013_sashi_ram.jpg" width="450" /></p>',
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			'description' => 'Shashi Ram Bhandary wanted to experiment with the idea, the idea of a self sustainable hotel. Nirvana Country Club is the result of the same model. It has its own farm, a dairy and has the largest bio-gas plant in eastern Nepal. About 30 per cent of the required energy is produced by the Resort itself.',
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			'id' => '948',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Driven Calling',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	 </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Kumud Kumar Dugar, A driven calling, April 2013" height="421" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_april_2013_kumud_kumar(1).jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 0 10px;" width="300" />Kumud Dugar predicts 2013 and 2014 to be the most decisive years for his Group. Numerous projects and products are in the pipeline, making these two years full of equal challenges and opportunities for him, and the Group. “These two years will decide the future of KL Dugar Group. If all goes well, the Group’s turnover will increase three folds within this time,” says Dugar.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar has been taking care of the Group since 1991, right after he completed his graduation. More specifically, he looks after the Food Grain Business of KL Dugar Group that includes eight different industries. Dugar had joined the Group as the Director, but recalls working as a cashier. “I kept track of where the money comes from and where it goes. It was very essential for me to know about the exact finances of the Group,” says Dugar.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	From the moment he joined, he had a dream of professionally managing the group, although at that time he didn’t know what professional management exactly was. To start with, he ordered a customized accounts package from Kolkata, customised for his Group. He brought in new technologies, computerized the systems and set up numerous industries and took the Group where it is today. He says he was driven by a thirst to work and move ahead, with a strong passion of do something novel.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Early Life</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Born in 1967 in Biratnagar to Krishan Lal Dugar and Jatan Devi Dugar, Dugar’s mind was set to business right from childhood. Most of his childhood was spent in Kolkata as he was there for about 18 years, from kindergarten to graduation. He was in Nepal only for vacations then. Dugar was involved with Dugar Group long before it separated into three groups in 1990. He used to work in the liaison office of the Group in Kolkata since he was in Grade 9. &nbsp;After graduating from St Xavier’s College in Kolkata, he thought of starting a business in India. In the process, he bought a granite mine and a solvent plant in Hyderabad, but wasn’t able to go on with that business. Due to the separation of Dugar Group, he felt he was needed in the newly formed KL Dugar Group, so he returned to Nepal.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	As soon as he joined KL Dugar Group, he set up a vanaspati factory in Biratnagar. As the Group was newly formed, he felt immensely challenged and pressurized. Driven to prove himself, he says he set up the factory from scratch in just six months. “No one could have done this back then. I set up Swastik Oil Industries at a cost of 22 million rupees. It still is the largest oil industry of the country,” says Dugar with pride. This was his first venture as the MD of the Group, and a lot more industries were about to follow. During his stay in Biratnagar, he set up numerous industries. Saurabh Oil Mill, Vikas Flour Mill, Gyan Food Products, Pratibha Rice Mill and Gyan Herbals Pvt Ltd are among a few of them. Dugar shifted to Kathmandu in the year 1995. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar considers the separation to be a major turning point in his life. He first took it as a challenge, but later he figured it out that it was beneficial for him, as it gave him his individuality and helped him grow more. Rather than import export business, he focussed on local materials and set up locally based industries. “I always wanted to do something for the country. Today, I think I have contributed by branding the local products,” says Dugar. At present, the food products of the Group are exported to numerous countries worldwide.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	As a child, Dugar was not so mischievous, but rather disciplined, a quiet one. He says he was not very good in school and always was mediocre student, but very good in accounts. “I was very interested in accountancy, and was also very good at it,” recalls Dugar. He also possessed leadership in his school but remember being shy around girls.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Personal Side</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar was married with Namita Dugar in 1991, and the marriage was an arranged one. It was immediately after the formation of his Group, and business was his top priority then. &nbsp;As a result, his personal life was somehow out of balance. He says he went for his honeymoon after three years of his marriage. “Back then, I felt much challenged, and was very busy. I could not give time to my family and children. I didn’t take any holidays either,” says he. But later, when all his businesses went well, he was able to balance both the professional and personal aspects of his life.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar likes to takes immediate decisions and doesn’t want to linger on issues. &nbsp;He says he can’t stay idle for even an hour. He remembers him being bored once on a three-day vacation with his family. He says he is very industrious, and is always thinking about his business. He firmly believes in teamwork and says that the system should work, not a person. Regarding his finances, he maintains that the accounts should be updated till the present moment, and not yesterday. Dugar believes in doing fair business, and strictly follows his business ethics.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Not at all a party goer, Dugar likes to spend his evenings with his family after a stressful day. He likes to watch TV and spend most of his free time at home, with his children. “I feel more responsible towards my family and children because I couldn’t give much attention to them when I started business. Now I can afford time for them, and I feel I have to make up for the lost time,” says he. Dugar is the proud father of son Saurabh and daughters Bhavika and Drishika. A scrupulous follower of traditions, Dugar strictly abstains from alcohol, tobacco and non-vegetarian food. He loves Indian vegetarian food and is not very fond of trying new dishes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Hobbies</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar loves to travel, especially to modern cities in the world. He loves branded stuffs and loves to shop. He has been to Dubai, US and many countries in Europe. His other interests are music and dancing. He loves to listen to Hindi songs, and watches movies once in a while. He says he is quiet brand conscious. “I am very obsessed with being dressed properly. All my outfits are stitched in Mumbai. I am also very fond of clothes,” says Dugar. He also loves branded watches, and carries the latest gadgets though he is not too fond of them. He believes he has to be familiar with technology as it helps in the business too.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Way Ahead</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	According to Dugar, KL Dugar’s future ventures will be in sectors of hydropower and construction. The Groups’ largest project United Cements is all set to start by the end of this year. KL Residency will be handed over in 2013 and Nepal Hydro Developers Pvt Ltd will also commence in 2013. &nbsp;In addition, more than 30 products related to home appliances, automobiles and others are in the pipe line. Dugar says that he has to work even harder now, as the recent times are even more competitive.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Nepali entrepreneurs are as capable as any others in the world. “We are doing our best even when faced by worst of situations. We have load shedding and political problem; still Nepali entrepreneurs are doing their job. We can do even more if the government is more supportive,” says he. Dugar wants to be number one in whatever he does, and is always striving for excellence. “Dhara oil and Gyan flour are one of my best products. I want to remain number one, and want my legacy to go with the products,” says Dugar. According to him, his greatest asset is the trust that his customers have put in him and the Group.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar believes that three things are very crucial for the success of any business. One has to be loyal and committed towards his business, have knowledge the business, and most importantly, one should be very critical of finances. &nbsp;He says he gives equal importance to one thousand rupees and one million. Moreover, he thinks one should have faith in his staffs and should have frequent interactions as they have more knowledge than the boss. “A good suggestion from them can change your entire perspective and help the business,” says Dugar.&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-04-18',
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'For Kumud Kumar Dugar, MD, KL Dugar Group, failures are as important as success as he believes they keep you striving for success. He says that people need to fail to succeed. “Failures should be analyzed, and then they serve as a lesson. More importantly, one has to learn to be responsible for their failures. Blaming others for your failures is never going to help,” says Dugar.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '886',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Balanced Life',
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			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	 </p>
<p>
	<img alt="Sumit Kedia, Personality, March 2013" height="432" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/march2013_personality_sumit.jpg" width="450" /></p>
<p>
	Sumit Kedia, the Executive Director of Kedia Group and the Director of Sita Ram Gokul Milks Ktm Ltd, vividly remembers the time when his company was deep in debt and was on the verge of being sold out. “Those were the most stressful times of my life. The Bank had no trust upon us, and the entire Group was about to be blacklisted,” recalls Kedia. It all happened immediately after he joined the company after completing his studies.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Making first moves</strong></p>
<p>
	New to the business and the entire business scenario of Nepal back then, Kedia says he was overwhelmed by the situation at first. Gradually, he with the help of the Group was able to convince the banks to give some leverage to the company. One of the banks agreed to swap the loan and with some arrangement, he was able to pay off the entire loan after some time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	On the management part, he made the backward linkage strong by directly interacting with the farmers and thus, creating an economic interdependence. This, in turn, improved the quality and quantity of the raw material. “I personally met the farmers; I went to cow sheds and educated them. As a result, we received better quality raw material and enjoyed more security than our competitors,” explains Kedia. He also introduced new technology and updated the equipments used in the factory. This significantly enhanced the efficiency and the cost of production went down as well.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Carving a niche</strong></p>
<p>
	All of Kedia’s efforts have finally paid off. Today, Sita Ram Gokul Milks, a sister concern of Kedia Group is nation’s leading dairy processor and distributor, with production capacity of more than 2.86 million gallons of milk per year. The company has completed the journey of 17 years, and operates through a highly advanced technological plant with latest machineries producing milk and dairy products like milk, ghee and butter. The company is all set to produce flavoured milk and paneer within the next month. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia firmly believes that responsibility with accountability is the mantra to success. “Nothing can be achieved alone, but a responsible and accountable team working for a common goal can achieve almost anything,” says Kedia. Kedia has been taking care of Sita Ram Gokul Milks for the last 10 years.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Memory lane</strong></p>
<p>
	Born to Bishwa Nath Kedia and Krishna Devi Kedia in Birgunj in 1976, Kedia did his entire schooling and higher education in India. During his school years, he was a hostel student in Darjeeling and Mussoorie. He completed his high school in Delhi and graduated from DAV College in Chandigadh, and completed his post graduation in MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management of Pune.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	As a child, most of his time was spent in hostel. “I used to come home only for holidays, so found it hard to adjust with my family. I was more comfortable with my friends than with my family,” recalls Kedia. He was home only for a few months in a year and also was oblivious of the development of the family group, Kedia Group.</p>
<p>
	After completing his education, he returned home and all of a sudden he was in family atmosphere that he wasn’t much used to, and also was into business abruptly. “I really found it hard to manage the three major parts of my life, my friends circle, my family and my business. &nbsp;But today, I have balanced all three aspects of my life,” says Kedia. &nbsp;As he became more involved with family and business, his friends circle shrunk. Today, Kedia says family and business are his top priority.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Married for 10 years with Ritu Kedia, Kedia is a father of a son and a daughter, Rachit Kedia and Shristi Kedia. His marriage was an arranged one and he didn’t even know her wife very well before marriage. “We were given just half an hour to discuss and decide. Within that short time, I fell in love with her eyes, and I immediately said yes. I’m happy I made the right decision,” shared Kedia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Social involvement</strong></p>
<p>
	Kedia is involved with Round Table Nepal, an international fraternity with both business and family gatherings. “In this fraternity, there are people from business community and also their families. This has given me friends for life, with same wavelength. We go on various outings and picnics through the fraternity,” says Kedia. &nbsp;He usually spends his evenings and weekends with the friends of the fraternity, but still feels there is nothing like childhood friends. &nbsp;Kedia is also the First Vice President of Nepal Dairy Association and has been the Director of National Dairy Development Board for two tenures.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Finding inner peace</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;As a student, Kedia loved to play basketball and was also in the college team. “I’d still love to play now, but my business doesn’t really allow me to do that anymore. However, after a stressful day, I like to give some time only to myself,” says he. He is a member of health club in Radisson hotel, loves swimming sauna and steam, and does cardio exercises. Kedia says he isn’t much into books, watches movies at times, doesn’t really care about gadgets. “I’m a simple person with simple desires; I want to lead a simple and modest life. I don’t believe in showing off and pretence. Kedia travels for work and leisure, but thinks he needs to take more vacations “I need to improve this part of my life. I don’t take many vacations. I’m trying to do it this year, may be ill go to Switzerland this year with my family,” says Kedia. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Changed dream</strong></p>
<p>
	Growing up, Kedia had dreams of being in hospitality and tourism business. He dreamt of owning a hotel as a graduate student and he even applied to study Hotel Management in Switzerland after graduating, but says it didn’t work out. Life had other plans for him. “As a member of a huge joint family, family’s dreams and decision always meant more than that of a member. Family’s decision mattered more to me, and I was needed in the group. So, I gave up my dream for my family,” shared Kedia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Experience speaks</strong></p>
<p>
	Introvert by nature, Kedia says he is a shy guy. Once he was invited as a chief guest at a co-operative’s AGM. He had to give a speech in public, but he became very nervous and he completely blacked out. “I don’t even remember what I said there. With time, I improved my public speaking skills and I have no problem with that today,” says Kedia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia sees Vinod Chaudhary is his idol, and says his struggle and success has always been an inspiration to him. &nbsp;Kedia had family relations with Chaudhary, and personally knew him as he is also a member of Young Entrepreneur Forum (YEF) under Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI). He also sees Shankar Lal Kedia, his uncle as idol within his family.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia opines that capital should stay within the country, regardless of the challenges faced by businessmen and entrepreneurs. According to him, rather than criticising the government and society, one should maintain a positive mentality and enhance the economy with a combined team spirit. He also feels that the spirit of ‘us’ is needed for development of a family, an organisation and an entire nation.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Foreseeable future</strong></p>
<p>
	As for his future plans, Kedia is not in investment mode now, as he feels there is no stability in the country. He thinks at such a point, it’s wise to retain what he has. New ventures may be started only after the problem of labour and load shedding are over. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia says he loves his profession, and work is his worship. He feels that he needs to do something for the company till he retires. “I work together with all my staffs, all my team, not just my personal growth, but also for their growth, I like to see through the perspective of ‘us’ rather than ‘me’. I like to create a win-win situation for all,” says Kedia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia says that if all goes well, he may also be involved in the hospitality business. “After all, fulfilments of inner desires give you true satisfaction. It was always my dream to be in the sector. Let’s see what future has in store,” Kedia is optimistic.</p>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Sumit Kedia with Family" height="378" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/march2013_personality_sumit_with_family.jpg" width="514" /></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-03-23',
			'modified' => '2013-04-17',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Life always has equal share of success and failure, one should never forget his roots when he is on top of success and one shouldn’t let the fire inside him die out when faced by failure, says Sumit Kedia a young business person, rephrasing what he learnt from his uncle Shankar Lal Kedia.',
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			'id' => '881',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Quest For Bliss',
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			'content' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img align="right" alt="Trishakti Joshi" height="338" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_trisakti_feb2013.jpg" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="318" /><strong>By Gaurav Aryal</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Trishakti Joshi, CEO of Elite Networks was raised at a time when sons in the family were pressed to be either a doctor or an engineer. Being a part of the family with a daughter and two sons, Joshi was set to be a doctor as his elder brother had chosen the path to engineering. But the life of his had something else in its details.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	He was convinced and determined to be a doctor in his schooldays. So, he also took up Biology as one of the optional subjects in school. But as soon as he came out of his school passing his School Leaving Certificate (SLC), he watched lives of doctors from close. Then the fire in him that wanted to be a medical doctor extinguished. Joshi explains, “I was always a kind of person who wants and tries to do something new. I did not find that profession interesting. New experiments and trying out new things were missing out there. Though there is scope for research and development, it is not simply possible in the initial phase.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>The Chosen Dream</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Deciding to quit the doctoral profession he thought of shifting to architectural engineering. But unfortunately, only Intermediate in Engineering was taught in Nepal. So, one had to go abroad to complete the further studies. So, he joined ISC in Patan Campus but entering the Physics faculty was not so easy for a boy who came through a biology background. &nbsp;He managed through it and joined BSc in Trichandra College. Though he was keen to go to the US for further studies, he recalls his father, who had lived in the US for a long time, did not want Joshi to go there for his undergraduate studies.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the meantime the wave of new technology and especially the computers had struck Nepal. Along with his studies, he also joined MIPS at Bagbazar and learned the ABCD of computers there. The curiosity for the technology and a strong background in Science made him land as a job holder in the Mercantile Office Systems. There he used to repair computers. He worked for five years for Mercantile. Having worked for a long time with machines, he then craved working with people.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	With a dream to do something new and more satisfying he came up with an idea to offer computer networking services to offices. It was already an old thing in the international market but it was pretty new for Nepal. Then he established Elite Networks, partnering with a friend, the company which he is currently looking after.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Making Leaps</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi cashed in on the relationship he made in his previous job to find his clients. So, the networking responsibilities of the then Grindlays Bank or today’s Standard Chartered Bank were taken up by his company in its initial days. Joshi accredits the bank for the success of his company. As of now the entire IT of the bank is managed by Elite Networks. His company worked for the American Library, looked after IT aspects of Hillary Clinton’s Nepal visit and also sold computers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the due course, his company also work abroad too. Joshi’s company took up all the responsibilities of setting up networking for UNDP’s Bhutan Office. As of now, he has been introducing and maintaining the new initiatives his company makes. Around 1996 he also initiated the project to network two offices. And Joshi claims that his company was the first in Nepal to introduce wireless networking.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi’s venture that began with networking business also tried out sms banking, and now concentrates more on providing complete IT solutions to its clients. It not only provides tools and technology but also provides the entire services related with it. Since 2009, he started selling Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and all the services associated with it such as installation and maintenance among others. Joshi claims that his company has over 50 per cent market share in the ATM sales and caters to around 65 banks and financial institutions. His company also installs and manages ATM lounges. Once, Joshi also provided consulting services for his clients about the IT. Apart from these, his company in partnership has established and operated a data centre at Thapathali targeting financial institutions and corporate houses.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Elite Networks that began with two people, has now reached to a team of 60. Moving away from selling hardware, he plans to concentrate more on the complete solution packages and also venture into software development. Joshi sees a huge market prospects not only in Nepal but also globally in apps development for smart-phones and tablet computing.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Had he not been in the current business, Joshi thinks he would have become either doctor or taking some job somewhere in the field of IT.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="padding:10px; background:#f4f3e6; margin-bottom:5px;">
	<p>
		<strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-size: 16px;">Personal Side</span></strong></p>
	<ul>
		<li>
			Likes attending social events and professional gatherings</li>
		<li>
			Enjoys drinking without letting alcohol taking him over</li>
		<li>
			Loves cooking on weekends</li>
		<li>
			Loves using gadgets more for his works than for entertainment</li>
		<li>
			Prefers quality over brand names but gives value to brand values</li>
		<li>
			Likes photography</li>
		<li>
			Loves playing golf</li>
		<li>
			Socially active as a member of Toastmasters Club, Executive Member of CAN and Executive Member of Nepal Golf Association</li>
	</ul>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	 </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi says, “For me trying and doing new things is like an addiction. I visit abroad to understand and find out emerging technologies and identify new technologies that can be useful in Nepal.” Joshi localises those technologies to best suit the need of the Nepali market before introducing to Nepal.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Working style</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	While making any decisions, Joshi goes after his instincts, local market knowledge and trend in the international market. Similarly, he says that he readies himself before the market readies itself while introducing any new products and services. Joshi is already ready on his part before the clearing houses are ready to be operational in Nepali market- his new target place to offer services and solutions. Joshi recalls such times when he has been ahead of time and market, and instances where he had to drop the entire idea. He exemplifies such a situation in sms banking, where other companies in the market are doing well currently.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Every day, Joshi gets up at around 5:30 in the morning. Then, he goes to the club for exercises and fitness for one and a half hour. At around 8:30, he leaves for office and reaches there within half an hour. As he has to keep in touch with companies in Singapore, he utilises the time before his employees arrive for corresponding with those companies. “When my team arrives at office by 9:30, I am ready for them and by 10, when banks open, I am ready for clients too,” he describes. He usually ends the day at 6 pm.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Management approach</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi looks after the management of his company Elite Networks while his partner Pramod Kunwar looks after all the technical aspects. He reveals that the entire accounting services have been outsourced to another company since day one.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi believes, “As easy it is to establish a company, it is equally difficult to sustain it. It may look effortless to grow but it is equally tough to maintain that growth.” &nbsp;Joshi’s company around six years ago thought of getting an ISO certificate but dropped the idea because of the lengthy documentation process. But, he slightly modified the procedures and applied all the quality measures on the functioning of the company.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	When it comes to the human resource management, he has not left any stone unturned to keep his employees happy and motivated. He says that performance based incentives and regular motivational packages are offered to the human resources to keep their high spirits going higher.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Defining Success</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	For different people, success comes at different shapes and sizes. For Joshi, it comes in the form of satisfaction and joy. He recalls his initial days when he used to be filled with joy on closing a deal. “Everything does not remain the same forever. I am constantly in search of what next. If the newness is missing, pleasure diminishes,” he explains, “More than money, I enjoy the process of making money.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi suggests sincerity and dedication to the work is must for both satisfaction and achieving success. “You have to believe on what you do and you have to be passionate about it. When one enjoys work, money does not become the first priority and success will automatically follow. Money is its by-product,” says he.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>The Personal Space</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	When it comes to bridging the professional and personal life, Joshi likes them to remain at a distance. He does not mix the two. He says that unless it is an emergency, he neither takes official work to home nor receives any work related phone calls from home. Saturdays are the days when he likes spending time with his family and giving chances to his hobbies and interests. When he gets free time, he adores going little adventurous. He loves hiking, trekking, cycling and roaming around in the nature. Joshi has also recently developed new hobbies – photography and golf. He plans to give more time to his interests and his desires that were sidelined on the process of pursuing bigger professional dreams.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	It has been more than two decades since he first started working. So, he desires to give some extra time for himself reducing the working hours. “I have been thinking to minimise my working hours and give little extra time for my personal interests,” Joshi promises.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Similarly, at the back of his mind he has been slowly making rough sketch of retirement and succession planning. He wants to groom somebody capable so that he can handover his responsibilities. However, he does not plan to completely abandon his company and profession.</p>',
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			'created' => '2013-03-16',
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			'description' => 'Trishakti Joshi, CEO of Elite Networks, likes to keep himself ahead of the market which he wants to conquer with new technologies and every service that come attached to it. The believer in work, passion and dedication finds success in every satisfying moment he has found in the pursuit of his professional goals.',
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			'title' => 'The Rise, Fall And Rise Of Malhotra',
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			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><span style="text-align: justify;">By Gaurav Aryal</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="text-align: justify;"><img align="left" alt="" height="211" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_malhotra.jpg" style="margin:0 10px 0 0;" width="350" />Every journey is a reward. No matter how painful a journey may become, it takes one to a destination where one really wants to be. Deepak Malhotra has had a journey with more bitterness than anything else. Executive Chairman of International Marketing Services Pvt Ltd (IMS), Malhotra’s journey as an entrepreneur has been full of upheavals.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	He has tried his luck in numerous business ventures. Though most of them did not perform well, Malhotra is now on a safe haven of business. &nbsp;He thinks he is half the way towards achieving success although some of the sectors like housing where he has invested are not doing well. For Malhotra, success comes along with recognition, public relation and active involvement in work. IMS is the authorised distributor of Samsung mobiles for Nepal. IMS has its sister concerns that import, market and sell mobile phones and provide after-sales services.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Along with IMS, Malhotra is part of numerous businesses mostly in partnership such as Silver Valley Developers Pvt Ltd, a housing development company and Ebisu Jewelleries, a jewellery showroom at Durbar Marg. He also imports SWC branded watches. All these companies are under an umbrella corporate house – the IMS Group. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra was in his school days when he started understanding the nitty-gritty of doing business. His father owned a hotel named Mansarovar when there were less than a dozen hotels in Nepal. Malhotra says that he started looking after some of the responsibilities in the hotel when he was still a school kid.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	It was in 1979 when Malhotra began a business of his own. He started off with importing watches. Malhotra, who has an avid interest in travelling, was on a tour to Hong Kong when the idea of trading clicked. He claims he did not borrow a single penny from his parents to start off his trading venture. Malhotra, however, recalls borrowing Rs 50,000 from his friends as the seed money for his initiative. He studied the market and the profit prospects and made a sole decision.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	It was just the beginning for him. Soon, he diversified his business and started importing products other than watches such as motor parts, salt, gold etc. Although it as his own brainchild, Malhotra believes, he drew subtle inspirations from his father to enter the corporate world.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra ventured into numerous sectors in the years that followed his trading initiative. It was around the mid 1990s when he produced three Nepali feature films. His first movie was Chahana, and the second was Sauta. He further invested in two other cinemas, Sannani and Ragat, along with a partner. He recalls, “None of those movies did good business. The movie market had not flourished in Nepal back then. And, I also realised that movie making is not my forte.”&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Then came the carpets. As carpet export was burgeoning, Malhotra was attracted to the lucrative business of wool carding and exporting carpets. However this too was short-lived. Then he began importing salt from India and selling it in the Nepali market under the brand name of Himali Noon. Malhotra claims that this initiative of his was able to break the monopoly of the state-owned Salt Trading Corporation (STC). “My entry as a new salt trader had created competition in the market. The consumers benefited from the reduced price of salt,” he recalls. Then the government introduced a vicious plan to drive away the private player to give the monopoly over salt trading back to the STC.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In 1998, Malhotra turned his hands to the paging business. There were five companies offering pager services, but Malhotra’s DTI Paging had an edge over them as it provided its services throughout the country. But it seems he had entered the paging business at the wrong time. Mobile telephony had entered the country a year in advance - in 1997 – and the idea of paging soon proved obsolete. This was another setback in his business career.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra saw a huge prospect in what had killed his paging business – the mobile phones. And soon, &nbsp;he started importing handsets. He recalls those years when, unlike today, the import of mobile was not open. During those days, one had to acquire a license from the Ministry of Communication to import mobile phone sets. Mlahotra got this license and started importing handsets manufactured by brands like Nokia, Panasonic, Motorola and Samsung. In 2001, IMS was appointed the authorised distributor of Samsung mobiles for Nepal. Since then, it has been importing and selling Samsung mobiles in Nepal. With the giant leap of Samsung brand worldwide, this brand has regained its number one position in Nepal too, according to Malhotra. With the growing popularity of the Samsung brand, Malhotra’s has a steady business. He has taken a positive turn, after facing one failure after another.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Though the Samsung watches were discontinued and renamed as SWC Watches, his company is trading in this Korean watch brand even today. Meanwhile, with the boom of the housing industry in 2008, Malhotra invested in the housing sector as well. Silver City Apartments is under construction under his builder Silver Valley Developers. However the housing sector too is not doing well at the moment.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra believes that most of his past business ventures failed because he went after his whims and tied up with the wrong partners. However, he thinks most of his past ventures failed because of external factors rather than any weakness in his managerial skills. “The trading business that I initiated is doing well even today,” he says, “All those incidents taught me that it is useless to venture into a new area without properly understanding it.” So, he suggests others not to start any project without understanding its fundamentals. He also prescribes to do those things which can be kept in a tight grip and not try to do everything at once. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra is happy with what he has today. He is determined to continue the mobile phone trading. Along with it, he is planning to step into new sectors where the entire country sees prospects –tourism, hydropower and agriculture. He believes these are the best three sectors that can push Nepal towards development. However, he expects the government to create basic infrastructures so that the private sector can do the rest.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	What would he be doing had he not entered business? “Probably, I would be in politics,” he says jokingly, recalling his days at &nbsp;Shanker Dev Campus where he did some student politics. “If I failed in politics, I would continue my father’s business,” he is quick to add. He &nbsp;now indeed has plans to invest in the hotel industry too. Malhotra says he is an independent citizen and thinks that a businessperson should not be involved in active politics.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	No matter what life brought to him, Malhotra believes he never left the policy of truth. At the times of difficulty, he says he received the support from his close friends and family members. “They always have trust and belief in me,” he appreciates them.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The only regret he has in his life is his inability to recognise the pretence of Rasendra Bhattarai. Malhotra says he wasted his time and resources believing in Bhattarai, who proved to be nothing but a hoax at the end.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra believes that management is the most important element in running a business house. So, he has dedicated all his management, distribution and marketing tasks to the management team while he looks after the financial matters and monitors as well as guides the team.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	He plans to hand over some of his responsibilities to his son who is soon returning after completing his studies in the United Kingdom. However, &nbsp;he wants to remain an active part of the business before he retires at 70. “As of now, the decision making &nbsp;is centralised in me. But I will be soon giving the decision making authority to my son,” he shares his plans. There are around 200 employees working under Malhotra at present. To cheer up the employees, his company has provisions of declaring the employee of the month and also the employee of the year. He says those who win these titles get attractive incentives. The company also organises various motivational programmes throughout the year, every year.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra is a sort of workaholic. He spends his weekdays working while he loves to spend his Saturdays with his family. However, he prefers completing his pending works on Saturday. Malhotra likes to keep himself socially active. He is also the senior Vice President of Club Fifty where cohorts in their 50s take part in various philanthropic activities. The club organises free health camps in the villages and distributes aids like wheelchairs to the physically challenged people.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="" height="252" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_malhotra(1).jpg" width="300" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong style="font-size: 14px; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Personal side</strong></p>
<p>
	•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>&nbsp;Loves travelling</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Prefers going on a vacation at least once a year</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Works from home until 1 pm&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Socially active and likes to attend parties</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Loves Sports</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Played for an A-Division football Club – Sundhara</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Advisor to Manang Marshyangdi Club and Patron of Boys Union Club</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Can’t keep anything secret</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Loves latest and trendy gadgets and uses Samsung Galaxy SIII</p>',
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			'description' => 'Everything that begins eventually comes to an end. This is true about success or failure as well. Deepak Malhotra dared to fight against the failures that came to him. Though the journey he has walked in his life was not a fun filled journey, it has definitely been a thrilling voyage.',
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			'title' => 'Tourism Entrepreneur Shakya’s Album Launched',
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			'summary' => 'November 27: Tourism entrepreneur Karna Shakya’s music album “Ma Nagarik Kasari Banu” was launched in Kathmandu on Sunday.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:13px">November 27: Tourism entrepreneur Karna Shakya&rsquo;s music album &ldquo;Ma Nagarik Kasari Banu&rdquo; was launched in Kathmandu on Sunday, November 26. Legendary lyricist Ratna Shamsher Thapa launched the album composed by Shakya and sung by Karna Das amid a function.</span></p>

<p>Thapa said that Shakya has added another identity as a lyricist in his list and the songs will make general people aware and alert about their duties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Music critic Prakash Sayami mentioned that the songs of Shakya include the theme of citizens&rsquo; duties. Das said that Shakya&rsquo;s album delivers a message on how to become a responsible citizen.</p>

<p>Shakya said that though it is easy to suggest people on how one should be, we lack the sense of correcting ourselves. So, the songs will motivate people to be self conscious about such issues.&nbsp;</p>
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			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Om Rajbhandary, Executive Chairman of Brihat Group and Chairman of Comfort Housing is a long-familiar name in Nepali real estate sector. Many may find it hard to believe that one of the most prominent developers and the pioneer of community housing in Nepal actually started his career as Medical Representative. Rajbhandary, a promoter of planned urbanization has conquered a lot in the real estate sector, and has a lot more up his sleeve.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Rajbhandary, a real estate expert, developer and builder and pioneer of community living in Nepal doesn&rsquo;t like to be known only as a businessman. &ldquo;I am not just working for my business, I am working for the betterment of entire real estate sector of Nepal,&rdquo; says Rajbhandary. Rajbhandary, over the years, has made enormous contribution for the professional management of the sector. Brihat Group has been publishing a newsletter for the last six years to educate and aware the people about the sector and about its market. Rajbhandary was the first person to work as a Real Estate Faculty Member of Ace Institute of Management and in Apex College. He has taught Real Estate, an optional subject to MBA and BBA students in these colleges.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Rajbhandary has been promoting real estate, infrastructure and urbanization through presentations in various national and international programmes. He is also the Visiting Speaker of Thai Real Estate School of Business, and is regarded as a key speaker in Asia-Pacific region. He was also the first to introduce Real Estate Marketing Agent Course in Nepal in 2009 to generate certified real estate marketing agents. At present, Brihat Group has produced more than a hundred such agents. &nbsp;He has played a major role in many fairs and expos, and has been the coordinator of various real estate exhibitions. Rajbhandary has also addressed the issue of the sector in the government, and is always coordinating with government authorities and international agencies like IFC and IMF for improving the sector.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>The Genesis</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Surprisingly, Rajbhandary started his career as a Medical Representative for a company called Winthrop in the year 1984. Soon, he was promoted to District Sales Manager. He left the job in 1992, when he was further promoted and had to go to India. &ldquo;I always wanted to work in my own country and become an entrepreneur. So I left the job after nine years,&rdquo; said Rajbhandary. His experience in Winthrob taught him corporate culture, and he also learnt a lot about administration. Back in his head , he had plans of doing his own business. In the same year, he, with five other partners, started CE Constructions. The company then started dealing with construction business, successfully carrying out government and private construction projects.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The first project of CE Constructions was the installation of transmission line in Lumbini. Other major projects accomplished by the company in the following decade include Gokarna Golf Resort, Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), Sagarmatha Chaudhary Eye Hospital in Lahan, Siddhartha Children and Women Hospital in Butwal, Buddha Maya Garden Hotel at Lumbini and extended portion of B and B Hospital among others.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;After a decade of its inception, CE Constructions was a popular name in Nepali market. Around the same time, Rajbhandary came up with the concept of community housing, which was a relatively new concept in Nepal back then. In the year 2001, he started the construction of Comfort Housing with the concept of community living. &ldquo;It was started with the concept of providing customers with stand-alone housing units with property ownership, infrastructure and amenities,&rdquo; explained Rajbhandary. But like any new idea, his idea of community living wasn&rsquo;t readily accepted in the market. It took some time for the market to get used to the new concept.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	There were 76 houses in his first Comfort Housing Community Living project at Sitapaila, and it took him two years to sell all the houses. Within the two years&rsquo; time, the concept gradually picked up, and his second such project at Budhanilkantha was completely booked in two days, and sold within six months. &ldquo;This proved that the market has slowly accepted the concept of community living. We were encouraged by this, and constructed even more such housings,&rdquo; says Rajbhandary. &nbsp;The popularity and credibility of the housing grew so much that the next Comfort Housing project at Ichhangu had to be sold with lottery system. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Going Beyond</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to Rajbhandary, he is committed to enhance the quality of life of Nepalis. &ldquo;For this, we had to go beyond Kathmandu. So we searched for good locations, and constructed our fourth Comfort Housing in Dharan,&rdquo; says he. At the same time, Rajbhandary again started something new, the idea of Vertical Community Living or apartments. Then he constructed The Comfort Housing (TCH) Tower-2 at Lazimpat which was ready by year 2006. It also was a huge success as all the apartments were sold out in a single day. In 2007, TCH Tower-3 was ready. &ldquo;There were 41 apartments, and for that we received 350 applications. That too was sold with lottery system,&rdquo; says he. For the sale of his next two ventures TCH Community Living at Thaiba and TCH Tower-4 at Sitapaila, potential buyers were informed three months in prior. &nbsp;The demand was so high that these two properties also had to be sold on lottery basis.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As Comfort Housing only concentrated on community living houses and apartments, Rajbhandary thought of constructing other housing structures like senior housing, rental housing, environment friendly housing and low cost housing among others. &ldquo;To move on further with this, I started Brihat Investments Pvt Ltd in the year 2008,&rdquo; says he. According to him, Brihat Investments was started to promote real estate investment, entrepreneurship and marketing. Under the company, he constructed first environment-friendly community living with the theme of eco-urbanization at Ramkot. These houses have eco-friendly features like UV protected windows, reduced use of wood, rain water conservation, solar street lights and proper disposal of household wastes among others. There are 76 units in the community, and 30 units are handed over and 18 units are already occupied. Brihat Group now has four companies under it, Brihat Investments Pvt Ltd, Brihat Developers and Builders Pvt Ltd, Swayambhu Hotels and Apartments Pvt Ltd and Pioneer Developers and Builders Pvt Ltd.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Rajbhandary was born in 2019 BS in Yangal of Kathmandu to Late Bishnu Bahadur Rajbhandary and Narayan Devi Rajbhandary. Growing up, he was very close with his grandfather Bhairab Bahadur Rajbhandary. He is the youngest among two sisters and a brother. He did his schooling from Laboratory School till grade 8, and did his SLC from Viswa Niketan School. He did his Intermediate and Bachelor degree in science from Amrit Science Campus.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Present and Future</strong></span></div>
<div>
	After the recession in housing sector about four years back, there have been some issues in lending and project financing. According to Rajbhandary, Nepal still has deficit of housing, but owing to the increased price of land, huge housing projects are not a possibility for now. &ldquo;To cope with this problem, we have come up with the idea of cluster housing. There are only houses in cluster housing without other infrastructures and community facilities,&rdquo; explains Rajbhandary. He is launching three such projects in Kathmandu within 2014.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In the future, Rajbhandary wants to develop the core city area of Kathmandu as a safe shelter to reduce the risk of earthquakes. He also wants to transform the area with better management in terms of transportation, sanitation and ventilation. Rajbhandary is also in favour of conserving our cultural heritages. &nbsp;He also wants to develop new towns to adjust with the growing population, and has dreams of bringing a public limited company for housing sector. &ldquo;I want planned urbanization to foster, not only in Kathmandu but all over Nepal,&rdquo; says the ambitious builder.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Personal Side</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Rajbhandary married Purnima Rajbhandary in the year 2050 BS. &ldquo;My wife has an enormous contribution towards my success. We are very compatible with each other, and enjoy a very friendly and happy relation,&rdquo; says he. &nbsp;She is an MBA graduate, also the CEO of Brihat Investments. The couple is blessed with a son Brihat, and under his name, the entire group is established. He is doing his engineering in Canada, and Rajbhandary wants his son to support his business with newer technologies, and take it to newer heights. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He says he is a very helpful person with a light heart, and is popular among his friends, family and acquaintances. He considers leadership and eloquence among his strengths, and advocates independence and freedom of decision making. &ldquo;I believe in god, and respect my ancestors. I pay respect to the both every morning before I have my breakfast,&rdquo; says the faithful man. Besides his work, he is busy socializing. He loves travelling, listening to music and loves gadgets. Rajbhandary doesn&rsquo;t want to splurge on cars, and drives a Kia Sportage and Ford Classic.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Afterword</strong></span></div>
<div>
	A strong believer of entrepreneurship, Rajbhandary is contented with the fact that he has contributed to the nation through his constructions and employment. &ldquo;As our country is in political transition, the society has expectations form business leaders like us. We should be responsible towards the society,&rdquo; says he. According to him, knowledge is not a private property, and all should transform knowledge for the better good of society and country. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Involvements</strong></span></div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Founding Chairman and Promoter, CE Constructions&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Director, Ace School</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Board Member, Industrial Promotion Board, Department of Industries&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Board Member, Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Management Board</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Executive Committee Member, FNCCI</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Coordinator, Urban Development Forum, FNCCI</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Third Vice President, Nepal Land and Housing Developers&rsquo; Association&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>National Team Member, Habitat for Humanity International&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Member, Canada Nepal Business Executive Committee&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lifetime Special Member, Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce of Industry (CACCI)</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Executive Committee Member, SAARC Chambers of Commerce and Industry (SCCI)</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Administrative Director/General Secretary, Hospice Nepal</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Senior Vice President/Fund Raising Committee Coordinator, Nepal Ambulance Service</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chairperson-Vocational Service Project, Rotary Club of Kasthamandap</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2014-03-24',
			'modified' => '2014-03-25',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Om Rajbhandary, Executive Chairman of Brihat Group and Chairman of Comfort Housing is a long-familiar name in Nepali real estate sector. Many may find it hard to believe that one of the most prominent developers and the pioneer of community housing in Nepal actually started his career as Medical Representative. Rajbhandary, a promoter of planned urbanization has conquered a lot in the real estate sector, and has a lot more up his sleeve.',
			'sortorder' => '2610',
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	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2643',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Twist Of Time',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Binayak Shah, the President of European Economic Chamber Nepal, Vice President of Summit Group of Hotels and Resorts and Managing Director of Airport Hotel, had started his career from the young age of 17. Though deterred from business as a youth, he ultimately ended up where he was supposed to: in a mega scale business of hospitality and World Expos. Shah, who likes to call himself a development oriented businessman, says that making money is not his sheer aspiration. &ldquo;I feel that I have to help my country through my business, only then it becomes fruitful,&rdquo; says Shah.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah started off as a journalist and used to work for Gorkhapatra and Radio Nepal. &ldquo;I used to do reporting and proof reading for Gorkhapatra, and did news monitoring for Radio Nepal. That&rsquo;s where I believe I started my career,&rdquo; recalls Shah.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah says he was always oriented towards business, since a very young age. His father never held a job; he was involved in trade and commercial agriculture and did jute and other plantations on a big scale. &nbsp;Unfortunately, a flood in Koshi once swept away all their land and plantation, sending his father deep in debt. His father was deeply shocked by the event, lost a lot of money and stopped doing business. His father also advised him to get a government job and keep away from business.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shah was born in 1953 in Durbar Marg of Kathmandu to Late Devendra Bahadur Shah and Gauri Shah. Shah was the eldest of three sisters and a brother. His house was in the same place where Hotel Annapurna is today. &nbsp;&ldquo;I was born and brought up there till the age of ten. We had to sell our property owing to pressure from the Royal Palace back then as there were plans of establishing the hotel,&rdquo; recalls Shah. Then the family moved to ancestral house in Gyaneshwor, and Shah still resides in the same place today.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah did his schooling from Shanti Vidya Griha. He says he was admitted directly in Grade 5 as he used to take home tuitions prior to joining school. He completed his SLC from there, and did his IA from Mahendra Ratna College. He did his graduation from Trichandra College, and finished his Masters in Economic from TU. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Initiation</strong></span></div>
<div>
	After completing his studies, Shah opted for government job. He joined the then Trade Promotion Centre and worked there for 16 years. He served there in various positions including Department Head and In-charge of International Marketing. During his tenure, he promoted Nepal and Nepali products like carpets, garments and handicrafts in Western European countries. He worked with various international development agencies like GTZ, International Trade Centre and others to promote Nepali products in Europe. &nbsp;&ldquo;I participated in numerous international trade fairs and exhibitions back then,&rdquo; says Shah. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As a Thakuri, job in army or police was another prospect for him, but life had other plans for him. Thanks to his job in Trade Promotion centre, his orientation towards business grew even stronger. &ldquo;Government jobs didn&rsquo;t suit me well, there were lot of political interferences, still I held on for some time,&rdquo; says he.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	During his 16 years government job, he made a lot of contacts and relations with international business community. Then he left the job in 1992, and with his initiation, Nepal German Chamber of Commerce and Industries was formed. Shah was the first CEO of the Chamber and he fostered the trade between Nepal and Germany during his tenure. &ldquo;I formed Business Advisory Service program which was a result of cooperation between German Development Bank and Nepal German Chamber. The program helped numerous SMEs in upgrading their capacities in terms of export,&rdquo; says Shah. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Later Years</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shah&rsquo;s involvement in Trade Promotion Centre and Nepal German Chamber of Commerce and Industry made him ready to do business on his own. &ldquo;I had assisted numerous businesses as Business Development Consultant. Later I thought that it was time for me to start something of my own,&rdquo; says Shah. &nbsp; In the year 2000, he jumped into business and became a full time business person. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah then started organizing mega-scale international fairs, events and exhibitions that promote Nepal and Nepali products. He specializes in constructing Nepali pavilions with life-size replicas of Nepali temples and structures illustrating art and architecture of Nepal in World Expositions around the globe. World Exposition is a huge public exhibition that is organized around the world by Bureau of international Exposition (BIE), Paris, of which Nepal is also a member. A total of 167 countries are member of BIE.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="center" width="100">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Nepal Pavillion at Expo 2010 Shanghai, designed, built and operated by IEG" src="/userfiles/images/prs2%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 550px; height: 368px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#DDDDDD">
				<div align="center">
					Nepal Pavillion at Expo 2010 Shanghai, designed, built and operated by IEG</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Present Times</strong></span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;Shah participates in the World Expos through his company Implementing Export Group (IEG), where he is also the Director of International Marketing and Promotion. Shah has constructed various themed Nepali pavilions in World Expos in Germany, China, Japan, Australia, South Korea and other countries. &nbsp;His pavilions have been viewed by millions of people worldwide. &ldquo;The participation in World Expos massively supports tourism, trade and goodwill of Nepal. We represent entire Nepal in a small scale in these Expos,&rdquo; says Shah. The next World Expo is going to be held in Milan in 2015 with the theme &lsquo;Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life&rsquo;, and Shah is currently busy preparing for it.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;The Expos do a lot of promotion of Nepal and supports Nepal in numerous ways,&rdquo; says he. Shah, who recently turned 60, says that participating in these Expos required him to stay overseas for a long time. &ldquo;Since travelling very frequently doesn&rsquo;t suit me, I started looking after Airport Hotel as Managing Director,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Personal Side</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shah married Shanta Shah in 1979, and the couple has a son and a daughter Bishan and Ojaswi. Shah says he is busy on all days, and doesn&rsquo;t usually take leave even on Saturdays. &ldquo;When I am free, I get restless. I have to be working all the time and I like to keep myself occupied all the time. Free time makes you worry, and I try to avoid that,&rdquo; says a workaholic Shah. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah gets up at 5:30 in the morning and is always at his office at Airport Hotel at 8:30. He holds a meeting everyday among his staffs. &ldquo;There are various departments, and all have to be coordinated for the smooth operation of Hotel. I coordinate between all the departments through the meeting every day,&rdquo; explains Shah. &nbsp;According to him, maintaining good personal relation with the staffs is the key to make them more productive and motivate them. In the day, he looks after the tasks of Summit Group of Hotels and Resorts. Shah&rsquo;s evenings are spent in socializing and get-togethers and parties. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah used to play cricket when he was young, and also was the captain of his team in University. He still finds time to watch cricket on TV, and is a fan of Nepali cricket team. He also loves photography and travelling. &ldquo;My business has allowed me to travel a lot. I have travelled Europe extensively, and many other countries around the world,&rdquo; says he. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="center" width="100">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Shah with his family" src="/userfiles/images/prs1%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 550px; height: 368px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#DDDDDD">
				<div align="center">
					Shah with his family</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Word of Advice</strong></span></div>
<div>
	&ldquo;I am a self made man; I am where I am only because of me. I have no regrets, and I am happy,&rdquo; says the contented man. In his words, time is the most crucial thing in one&rsquo;s life, and it should never be wasted. &ldquo;Time is the most important thing, it won&rsquo;t wait for you and you won&rsquo;t get it back. If you act on time, you can achieve a lot, if you miss it, it won&rsquo;t come back for you,&rdquo; says Shah. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah believes that Nepal has come have a long way in a few years, but still a lot needs to be done. &nbsp;&ldquo;All entrepreneurs and businessmen should think for the country and make long term plans. No one gets rich overnight,&rdquo; says he. &nbsp;According to Shah, Nepal&rsquo;s true potential is in numerous sectors, we Nepalis just have to be sincere towards our work. &ldquo;Nepal cannot compete with India and China in manufacturing, but it is not the same scenario in herbs, tourism and hydropower. We should be able to capitalize our resources,&rdquo; says Shah. Shah also believes that if we can commercialize agro-forestry, then we can feed the entire world. &nbsp;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2014-02-20',
			'modified' => '2014-02-21',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Binayak Shah, the President of European Economic Chamber Nepal, Vice President of Summit Group of Hotels and Resorts and Managing Director of Airport Hotel, had started his career from the young age of 17. Though deterred from business as a youth, he ultimately ended up where he was supposed to:',
			'sortorder' => '2484',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2311',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Liberal Feminist',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<div>
		<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		After years of working in education sector and in areas of women empowerment and entrepreneurship development, Sharma has recently entered into politics. Sharma, who likes to call herself a social entrepreneur, is also a candidate for the Constituent Assembly polls under Proportional Representation electoral system from Madhesi People&#39;s Rights Forum in the recent CA Elections. &ldquo;Politics will be my major focus from now onwards. I will bring forth the issues of women, youth and employment through politics,&rdquo; says Sharma.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Sharma has been working in the education sector since last 15 years, and believes that education is the most fundamental need. She has played the role of a pioneer in introducing Tourism Studies at the academic level in Nepal by starting Nepal College of Travel and Tourism Management in 1996. &ldquo;I was inspired to open the college as tourism is the top most potential that Nepal has. I started the college to take tourism and education hand in hand. This is the first college to provide formal tourism education in Nepal,&rdquo; says she. According to her, this is the only college in South Asia that offers Bachelor level courses&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		in Tourism. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		The college provides academic courses like Bachelor in Travel and Tourism Management, Bachelor in Hotel management and Masters in Travel and Tourism Management. &ldquo;My intention for starting the college was to merge education with tourism and help in providing employment through it. As Travel and Tourism Management is a professional course, the employment rate is very high, at around 98 per cent,&rdquo; informed Sharma. She is also the Founder Director of Kaasthamandap Vidhalaya.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
	<strong style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Chhaya Sharma" src="/userfiles/images/prsnlt1%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 250px; height: 328px;" /></strong>
	<div>
		Sharma was born in Dillibazar of Kathmandu to Late Rohini Prasad Pant and Janaki Devi. &nbsp;She says she enjoyed a childhood that was very happy and well provided for. &ldquo;I grew up with my elder brother and little sister. We were taught from our childhood to care for others, and for those who are less fortunate,&rdquo; recalls Sharma. &nbsp;She did her schooling from Saint Mary&rsquo;s School. Sharma says she was brought up in a very disciplined environment, both at home and at school. &nbsp;She believes all her traits and characters developed from her education and upbringing.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Sharma still remembers not having any definite career goals as a young girl. &ldquo;As I grew up in well to do family, I didn&rsquo;t gave much thought to career when I was young, but still I had the feeling that I should somehow contribute to the society,&rdquo; says she. After school, she did her Intermediates from Ratna Rajya Laxmi Girls College, and later went to Delhi to study Interior Designing. After completing the course, she returned to Kathmandu. At that time, Interior Designing was quite a new thing. She tried a few jobs, but didn&rsquo;t continue it as she didn&rsquo;t see much prospect in it back then.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&ldquo;I again pursued my education, and did my Masters in Sociology from Patan Multiple Campus,&rdquo; shares Sharma. She has also received numerous professional trainings including Conflict Transformation Across Cultures from SIT Graduate Institute Vermont, USA and Social Healing and Leadership in Peace building. It was the same time when Nepal was suffering from armed conflict, and the training helped to give her life a new direction.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Philosophies</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		As an enterprising and creative woman, Sharma strongly believes that economic empowerment is the key to uplift women. &ldquo;I believe in self employment and creativity. Through many associations, I have assisted numerous women empower themselves through skill development, trainings and through micro-credit projects,&rdquo; says Sharma.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Sharma has played an instrumental role in conflict management in the then war-torn areas like Kailali and Rukum. She got involved with organizations like Women Entrepreneur&rsquo;s Association and Karuna Centre. &nbsp;Also, her major involvement was in area of women empowerment through entrepreneurship development and employment generation. After the conflict ended, she was engaged in peace building process in communities. She has conducted numerous researches on Micro Enterprise Development in many remote areas of Nepal. &nbsp;Sharma is also the Board Member Institute for Conflict Management, Peace and Development (ICPD) and a Life Member of Human Rights Association of Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Along with advocating for equal rights for women, Sharma also believes that responsibilities should be equally divided between male and female. &ldquo;Though the structure of our society is patriarchal, but it&rsquo;s gradually changing. We should open our arms to change, but should not let go of our culture and values,&rdquo; says Sharma. &nbsp;However, she strictly disapproves of women working only in the households. &ldquo;Women can contribute economically, and they should look after their family as well,&rdquo; says she. She also believes in economic evaluation of women&rsquo;s household work.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Chhaya Sharma" src="/userfiles/images/prsntlt2%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 250px; height: 347px;" />Personal Side</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Sharma is married to Pranesh Sharma, and says her relation with her husband is based on respect and friendship. &ldquo;We are very compatible with each other, and share everything, no matter how small or big. I think every relation should be based on friendship for it to last forever,&rdquo; says she. A mother of a son and a daughter- Pranav and Pallavi, Sharma says that she is blessed with a very happy and close-knit family.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Sharma starts her day with a cup of tea with her husband. She believes in keeping herself fit, and goes to gym every day. &nbsp;Her days are spent in meetings, in managing her college and in various organizations. Refusing to do any work on Saturdays, she relaxes on weekends and watches TV and reads biographies of famous personalities. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>The Road Ahead</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Sharma has recently entered into politics, and plans to make it her major focus in the days to come. &ldquo;I was always interested in politics, but I wanted to have adequate resources, skill and knowledge first. Now I think I am capable of contributing through politics,&rdquo; shares Sharma. Sharma recalls advocating and lobbying with the government for women empowerment through FWEAN. That&rsquo;s when she figured out that there were many difference in policy making level, and more women were needed there. &ldquo;All the decisions are made at the upper level, and it need more voice from women. That level could only be reached through politics. That&rsquo;s another reason why I am in politics now,&rdquo; says she. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Given the present situation of women in Nepal, Sharma thinks that they need some priority, so that they can have a level playing field. She advocates for reservation for women until they are equally placed. &nbsp;&ldquo;As women lack numerous opportunities in our country, they need some push for a certain time, until they can face the competition with men&rdquo;, says she. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		According to Sharma, women entrepreneurs need to believe in themselves first, and should move ahead with a strong and positive attitude. &ldquo;Follow three Ds, determination, dedication and finally the devotion for a cause. Success will surely come your way,&rdquo; advises Sharma.</div>
</div>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-22',
			'modified' => '2013-12-30',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Chhaya Sharma, Chairperson of Women’s Committee-Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Founder/Director of Nepal College of Travel and Tourism Management says that education is the major driving force for development of society, community and country as a whole. “When people are educated, they become aware of their rights and will fight for it,” says Sharma who is also the Immediate Past President of Federation of Women Entrepreneurs’ Association of Nepal (FWEAN).',
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			'id' => '2181',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Fighting Spirit',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Just like every lock has its key, all the problems come with a solution,&rdquo; says Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, MD, Panchakanya Group, one of the leading manufacturers of construction materials in Nepal. Shrestha has managed the Group for almost three decades, and is still directing it towards new avenues. Shrestha says that his new ventures will be in areas of hydropower and agriculture. &ldquo;As our base is manufacturing, we will continue focusing on industries and manufacturing. Besides, hydropower and agriculture will be our next area,&rdquo; he says. According to him, Panchakanya Group is a household name in Nepal, and enjoys a good reputation. &ldquo;We have nationwide dealership network and we are known as quality manufacturers. We never compromise in the quality of our products. What we are is all because of the trust of our customers,&rdquo; says Shrestha.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, MD, Panchakanya Group" src="/userfiles/images/prsn2%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 300px; height: 410px;" />Origin of Group</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group started as Panchakanya Rice Mill in 2028 BS, named after five Hindu goddesses Durga, Saraswati, Laxmi, Radha and Annapurna. The next major venture was Panchakanya Iron Industries in Kotihawa (Bhairahawa) of Rupandehi district. There wasn&rsquo;t much industrial development in western Nepal back then. So the company also opened two industries that manufactured pipe and steel in Bhairahawa in around 2040 BS. Today, Panchakanya Group is renowned as one of the pioneers in manufacturing sector and there are around a dozen industries under the group, and has generated thousands of employment opportunities.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shrestha joined the Group in the year 1985 after completing his studies. &nbsp;When he first joined, he used to handle all the aspects of business, from managing the finances to correspondence. This was also because he was a student of commerce, and also because the Group was not what it is today. &ldquo;I started in a small way, and I am happy that I have played my part in changing the business to what it is today,&rdquo; says Shrestha. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>The Turning Point</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Before going to college, Shrestha says he didn&rsquo;t always think of being a business man or joining his family business. &ldquo;I wanted to study science and become an engineer. So I applied to Amrit Science Campus. But it was very hard to get admission in those days, so I wasn&rsquo;t selected.&rdquo; One day, a friend of his father told him that if he becomes a successful businessman, he will get many engineers to work for him. His words changed his mind, and then went to Darjeeling to study B Com.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	After his graduation, he didn&rsquo;t want to go abroad for his further studies. Also, his father wanted him to study here as it would also help him in building relations. So he joined TU and did MBA. Shrestha was the student of first MBA batch of TU. &ldquo;I proudly say that I completed my Masters from Nepal. Whenever I am abroad and people ask me where I studied, I proudly tell them the fact,&rdquo; says Shrestha. By doing so, he believes he has also conveyed a message that the educational system of Nepal is at par. &nbsp;After finishing his studies, he joined the family business and has been handling it since then.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shrestha was born in Illam in 2016 to Prem Bahadur Shrestha and Neel Kumari Shrestha. He says he was very active and restless since his childhood. He used to take part in every sport possible, and was very athletic.&rdquo;I wasn&rsquo;t an excellent student, but rather an above average one,&rdquo; recalls Shrestha. He studied in a local school in Fikkal till grade four, and did the rest of his schooling from Victoria Boys School in Kharsang of &nbsp;Arunachal Pradesh in India. He completed his graduation in Commerce from North Point College in Darjeeling.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shrestha gives all the credit for the current status of the Group and his success to his father Prem Bahadur Shrestha. His father was the one to initate the business as the founder. &ldquo;My father taught me everything about business. He passed his business ethics on to me and taught me how to be successful in business. Ours is a family business, and it will continue for generations to come,&rdquo; says Shrestha.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shrestha says his father laid a very strong foundation, and his generation has added bricks to that foundation. Shrestha, under his management, has made the Group evolve and brought it where it is today. &ldquo;We are happy about what we have done. But if the country was in a better condition, we could have done much more. Even in this adverse time, we are trying to grow,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, MD, Panchakanya Group" src="/userfiles/images/prsn1%20(Copy).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 412px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Personal Side</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shrestha loves sports, and is very keen golfer and plays every other day. He says he is a very competitive person in every aspect and strives for victory. The same reflects in his business and also in golf. &ldquo;I cannot be second, I am a fighter and I have to win,&rdquo; says he. According to him, sport is not only good for health, but also makes you better in every aspect. &ldquo;Sports teach you to accept defeat. It has taught me that if you lose, it doesn&rsquo;t mean you are a loser, it just means you have to try harder,&rdquo; says Shrestha. He says that people usually don&rsquo;t realize how close they are to success. &nbsp;According to him, defeats should be analyzed, and worked upon again.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Despite his very busy schedule, Shrestha almost always manages to go wherever he is invited. &ldquo;Wherever people invite me, I go there and show my presence. That is in my nature. I have dinner in my family only once a week, so I have breakfast in my home every day,&rdquo; says he. Sports and social engagements are what keep Shrestha busy. Shrestha travels extensively, and goes for vacation once a year with his family. Shrestha loves to travel with his wife Usha and sons Udeep and Ashik. &nbsp;He also likes to travel to remote areas Nepal and go trekking with his family. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Philosophies</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shrestha strongly believes that every person can contribute in his own way to develop the nation. &ldquo;I am a responsible citizen, and I feel I have to pay back for what the country has given me. &nbsp;If every Nepali thinks this way, Nepal will be changed in no time. We all can make a difference,&rdquo; says Shrestha. &nbsp;&ldquo;Nepal is not as poor as people generally conceive it to be. I don&rsquo;t think ours is a poor country, only the mindset of the people is poor,&rdquo; says he.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Shrestha, it is unfortunate that Nepal has many problems, but still Nepalis have achieved a lot. He believes that Nepal can be developed and prosperous only if every Nepali acts for it. &ldquo;Every Nepali should think that he should contribute his part, and start thinking collectively. &nbsp;There is no other way, and no one other than Nepalis will develop Nepal,&rdquo; says Shrestha.</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-11-28',
			'modified' => '2013-12-16',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => '“Just like every lock has its key, all the problems come with a solution,” says Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, MD, Panchakanya Group, one of the leading manufacturers of construction materials in Nepal. Shrestha has managed the Group for almost three decades, and is still directing it towards new avenues.',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2064',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'An Unintentional Journey',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong>--By Sagar Ghimire</strong></div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Jayaram Lamichhane, President of Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN), has many identities associated with him. A teacher turned businessman, Lamichhance, has recently jumped into the fray of politics. Unlike many successful personalities, Lamichhane was a rolling stone, who did not have a thorough planning and a specific career goal to meet in the days to come.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		With the passage of time, he tried to fit himself in different roles, either merely to make his living, an ambition to earn huge amount money or sheer interest to serve the nation. Whatever he met on the way, he accepted it as a career with making sincere and hard efforts to make it happen.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		The ambition to earn money has its roots in his early childhood. The deprivation he experienced during his childhood left an indelible imprint in his mind, always compelling him to think about accumulating wealth. However, he says, he never compromised with his ethics and integrity to make money. Born to Late Jibnath Lamichhane and Late Dewaki Lamichhane in a middle-class family in Makwanpur, he had to endure the grief of his father&rsquo;s demise barely at the age of two. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Multiple identities</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Recently, he has been recommended as a Nepali Congress (NC) candidate for the upcoming Constituent Assembly polls from Makwanpur Constituency-2. He joined the party last month amid a function in Kathmandu, where the party president Sushil Koirala welcomed him by issuing the general membership of the NC.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&ldquo;I joined this democratic party as I want to serve the nation now through politics,&rdquo; shares Lamichhane. He is in the contract business for more than 25 years. During this period, his company has not only constructed hundreds of bridges, roads and buildings, but also worked as a sub-contractor for the construction projects as far as in India, Japan, Cambodia and Qatar.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		He is now leading more than 17,000 contractors of the country as a President of FCAN. Apart from that, he is also a Board Member of Nepal Purwardhar Bikash Company Limited (NPBCL), Nepal&rsquo;s first public limited company building a national toll highway of Asian Highway Standards. The company is in the process of building the Kathmandu-Kulekhani-Hetauda Tunnel Highway (KKHT), a dream project with the 4P initiative (people, public and private partnership).&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Teaching in transition</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		After completing his School Leaving Certificate degree from a local school in the Chitlang, Makwanpur, he decided to teach in a school at Kulekhani to make a living instead of going to college. It was while teaching in the school he decided to appear privately in Intermediate degree exams. He was happy for getting a teaching job as he did not need to worry about bread and butter. Yet, he was looking further for ways to make more money. &ldquo;It was very difficult for me to manage everything with mere Rs 275 per month. So, I was looking for other alternatives,&rdquo; he shares.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Turning Point</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Once, Lamichhane was returning home from Martung, Kulekhani for his holiday. Incidentally, he met one of his relatives Ram Prasad Lamichhane on the way, who happened to work for Mittal Construction Pvt Ltd in a Devighaat Hydropower project. Lamichhane inquired about job possibility in the company. The relative informed him that the company was looking for someone who could look after the project accounts, and had to be stationed in Dhunche in Rasuwa.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Agreeing to work, he went to Kathmandu the next day for the job in the Company. The company offered him Rs 1000 per month for the job. &nbsp;Later, he went to the project site to take up the job of maintaining financial account of the project. However, he did not limit himself to book keeping. &ldquo;Eventually, I learned other aspects like engineering, survey works as well as other aspects of road construction,&rdquo; he recalls. &nbsp;After the completion of that project, he was provided with the overall responsibility of another hydropower project as an in-charge. Impressed with his works, the company later provided him the responsibilities in numerous other projects.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&ldquo;While working for these projects, I had gained a lot of experience and also had an insight of the construction business.&rdquo; he shares. Life was about to open a new door for him, and he was struck with an idea to open his own construction company. &ldquo;When I shared my interest to come up with my own company with the Managing Director Manohari Lal Mittal, he was very affirmative about the idea and encouraged me to pursue what I dreamt of,&rdquo; he says and adds, &ldquo;he did not only encourage with his words but also provided me with a seed fund of Rs 50,000.&rdquo;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		With this capital, he registered his own company Swochhanda Constuction Pvt Ltd in 1989. It did not take him much to speed up the business after establishing his own venture. &nbsp;After the launch of his own company, he never looked back. The first project his company undertook was an irrigation project in Parsa worth Rs 300,000. Till date, he has completed many projects worth billions of rupees, most of them as a sub-contractor for international companies like Japan&rsquo;s Obayashi Corporation and Chinese CWE Company. He says he has been able to win hearts of these international companies, thereby earning accreditation for his company as one of the &lsquo;best&rsquo; in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Personal Nature</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Youngest among five sisters and brothers, Lamichhane did not get a privilege to go to college owing to the poor economic condition. However, he did not let his interest of studying die. Though he had dropped school while he was in grade 8, he rejoined it later realizing that he should continue his study at any cost.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		An introvert during his childhood, his family friends and relatives mistakenly thought him to be arrogant. &nbsp;Today, Lamichhane has much changed and is quite an outspoken person. &ldquo;I was determined to achieve whatever I strived for, and that included my personal aspects as well,&rdquo; he says. &nbsp;Since he did not grow up in a well-off family, he rarely had time to hang out with his friends. &ldquo;I realised from my early childhood that I had to manage the finances myself, and I always felt that I had to stand on my own feet. Owing to my financial problems, I never get a chance and time to truly enjoy my childhood,&rdquo; says Lamichhane.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>&ldquo;Nobody to guide&rdquo;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Behind every successful person, there is somebody whose support becomes instrumental for him. Family, teacher or a mentor, among others, are usually there to push a person forward towards his life goals. However, it was not the case for Lamichhane. &ldquo;I was not lucky enough to have such an opportunity. &nbsp;Whatever I met with in my directionless journey, I had to utilize and adopt it on my own as a career,&rdquo; says Lamichhane.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sustaining Formula</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Lamichhane says that wherever he stands today, it is because of his honesty that he maintained throughout all the situations. &ldquo;Once I even refused a huge project offered by the Obayashi Corporation because I knew I could not deliver the work on their stipulated deadline,&rdquo; he shares, and adds, &ldquo;after I was reluctant to undertake the project, they insisted me to work with them, encouraging me to take the project anyway. They assured me that they will support me in everything to get the project done on time.&rdquo;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		He says that he did not shy away from revealing own weaknesses. &ldquo;The businessmen in Nepal tend to conceal their pitfalls, but I have always tried to be honest,&rdquo; says Lamichhane. He respects the value of labour very much. &nbsp;&ldquo;Be it in a single grain that I eat or a single cup of tea that I sip, there is a value of labour attached with it,&rdquo; he notes.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		He gives the labourers very big credit behind his success in business. &ldquo;For me, I come only after the labourers, who always put their efforts and hard work for the success of any project,&rdquo; he says.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Bad Bidding</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		As a businessman who has spent almost three decades in the construction business, Lamichhane strongly criticizes the tender bidding process of Nepal. The contractors are often accused of employing muscle power and goons for getting the contract in their hands. However, he denies it as a problem. The overall problem emanates from the flawed tender bidding process and the related law, he claims. &ldquo;The tender bidding process neither bodes well to the contractor nor to the beneficiaries. The contractors have to compromise on the quality of the construction as the lowest bidder is awarded with the project,&rdquo; he argues. &nbsp;Frustrated with the lengthy, complicated and flawed process of the tender bidding of the government projects, he underlines the need of overhaul in the bidding process. &ldquo;Else the country and people will have to suffer from the substandard delivery of the projects,&rdquo; he warns.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Hobbies and Family&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Humming songs alone, watching comedy shows and spending times with family are his hobbies. When overloaded and stressed with work, he meditates, and loves to do so in secluded and tranquil location of Dakshinkali. &ldquo;To get rid from the hustle bustle of the city, I sneak to Dakshinkali alone for 2/3 hours to meditate, sometimes even at 10 in the night,&rdquo; he reveals.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		He has three children who are in school. &nbsp;As he is not able to give much time to his family on weekdays, he manages a day in a week for them. &ldquo;My children understand me and are happy with their dad&rsquo;s works,&rdquo; he shares. &nbsp;Lately, travelling and enjoying the natural beauty has become his pastime. He has been to 56 districts of Nepal and also to more than 25 countries. &nbsp;Out of all the countries he has been to, he loves Japan the best while he never gets tired of going to Kulekhani and Daman in Nepal.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Entrepreneurship Essence &nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Years of Unwavering walks have landed Lamichhane in his current position. He didn&rsquo;t have any concrete plans when he started. He, however, advises the aspiring entrepreneurs to think ahead in future and weigh the profitability of the business they want. &ldquo;Never compromise in quality in what you do, and always maintain honesty, regardless of the circumstance. Stick to the deadlines, and always delivered the promised quality. You should be accountable for these two aspects,&rdquo; he cautions. &nbsp;For him, success is seen as what grows after sowing in the barren land. He advises to new generation: &ldquo;Always sow better seeds so that the coming generation would always remember you while reaping and rejoicing the benefits of it.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-29',
			'modified' => '2013-10-29',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Jayaram Lamichhane, President of Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN), has many identities associated with him. A teacher turned businessman, Lamichhance, has recently jumped into the fray of politics. Unlike many successful personalities, Lamichhane was a rolling stone, who did not have a thorough planning and a specific career goal to meet in the days to come.',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1965',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Survival Story',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong><img alt="Anup B Malla" src="/userfiles/images/malla%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 420px;" /></strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Anup B Malla, Chairman of Nepal Kangri Carpet Industry (P) Ltd and President of Nepal Carpet Exporters&rsquo; Association is one of the oldest players in the carpet business of Nepal. Malla has dedicated three decades of his life for the promotion of carpet export from Nepal. Malla, who is also the Chairperson of FNCCI&rsquo;s Export Promotion Committee, says he has survived through the hardest times in the carpet business.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In his starting days, Malla didn&rsquo;t have dreams of being in business. As a student of science, he had plans of becoming an engineer. To pursue his dream, he went to Pune to study engineering, but unfortunately had to return back within three months. &ldquo;My mother was diagnosed with liver cancer. The news came to me as a shock, and I had to return to look after the family as I was the only son,&rdquo; recollects Malla.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	After his return, his life took a different turn. As carpet business was booming in those days, his father opened a carpet factory for him, and he got involved in the business from the year 1984. Prior to this, Malla hadn&rsquo;t taken any responsibilities for his family, and it was quite tough for him in the start. &ldquo;It was hard for me, but I had to do it for my family. The factory I started from was quite a small one, with 22 looms and around 90 employees,&rdquo; remembers Malla.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Rise of Business</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Soon, Malla started learning about the business, and saw tremendous prospects in it. The industry was in a primitive stage back then, and all the processes of manufacturing were done manually. &nbsp;He supplied the carpets to local exporters who then exported them to countries like Germany, Holland, France and England among others. He wanted to export directly to Europe, and started to get completely involved in his business.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In 1986, Malla met with an official from Eastern Kayam OCM, a London based carpet exporter. He received orders from the company and stared directly exporting the carpets. At that time, he was exporting around 200-300 square metres of carpet a month. The carpets he exported were branded by the company as Kangri Carpet, and then he also renamed his company as Nepal Kangri Carpet Industry in 1991. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Though he was satisfied from his exports, Malla wanted to expand his business. His big break came in the year 1989 when he went to participate in Germany&rsquo;s biggest carpet and floor covering fare, Domotex. It was Malla&rsquo;s first time abroad, and first time in an aeroplane. When was in the Fare, he realized that the demand for Nepali carpets was tremendous in the European market. He had taken with him a few photographs of his products, and two small carpets for demonstration. He was very well received in the Fare, and the two carpets that he had taken sold as hot cakes.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He received numerous enquiries about his products and production capacity. To his surprise, he received an order for producing 2700 square metres of carpet, which was worth 200,000 US Dollars at that time.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Happy with the order, he returned back and increased the capacity of his industry. In the year 1993, his company was among the top ten carpet exporters. Malla then regularly participated in Domotex, and had many customers. When the business was on peak, his industry exported 125,000 square metres of carpet in a year. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="Anup B Malla" src="/userfiles/images/malla1%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 300px; height: 544px;" />Downfall and Survival</strong></span></div>
<div>
	What goes up must come down, and same proved to be true for the Nepali carpet business. Around the year 1995, the demand for Nepali carpets started to decline. According to Malla, this was chiefly because Nepali manufacturers compromised in the quality of the carpets. Also, Indian imitation carpets were flooding the European market. There were also the issues of child labour and toxic dyes used in carpets. All of these contributed the downfall of Nepali carpet industry. To worsen the situation, the country was hit by the armed conflict, power crisis and strikes. &ldquo;Around the year 1993/94, the carpet business went down, and hasn&rsquo;t gained the momentum till today. The exports are going down every year,&rdquo; says Malla.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Owing to the decline in exports, many companies shut down and there were no new players in the market. Ordinary carpets were no more in demand, and the importers wanted new designs, and very high quality products. &ldquo;. It was the time for research and development, and tie to employ new advanced technologies. The situation called for a drastic change in the carpet manufacturing sector. It was survival of the fittest,&rdquo; recalls Malla. &nbsp;Determined to continue with his business, Malla paid more attention to the demands. The market now has demands for better quality products, with new designs and new colours and new trend.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malla tried his best to change with the changing times, and survived when it very tough. At present, Kangri Carpet Industry exports around ten to twelve thousand square metres of carpet a year. Last year, his company exported to 10,000 square metres of carpet. &ldquo;The capacity of our industry is much more than this, but it&rsquo;s hard to predict the market these days, so we produce in moderation,&rdquo; says Malla.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malla believes himself to be a survivor who made it through the toughest of times.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Malla was born in Sinamangal of Kathmandu in 2022 BS to Govinda Bahadur Malla and Malla Keshar Kumari Malla. Malla says he grew up in a very protective and possessive family as he was born after six sisters. He went to Bhanubhakta Memorial School for his primary education and passed his SLC from Demonstration Multipurpose School (DMPS).&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malla married Suchita Malla in the year 2049 BS. His mother has passed away just a year ago, and was pressurized by the family for marriage. As all of his sisters were married, and there was no female member in the family, He had to make the decision very quickly. &nbsp;&ldquo;Around that time, I saw a girl at Thapathali Campus. I was instantly attracted, and it was love at first sight,&rdquo; recalls Malla. He couldn&rsquo;t find the courage to talk to her, but wrote a letter to her proposing for marriage. They started talking on phone, and got to know each other better. Everything went fine and they married about six months later. &ldquo;Looking back, I feel I made a very good decision. I am a very happily married man today,&rdquo; says Malla. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="Anup B Malla" src="/userfiles/images/malla2%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 438px;" />Personal Side and Philosophies</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Malla gets up at 6 every morning and exercises for an hour. He has been doing Pranayam and Yoga for the last ten years. Tennis and swimming are his hobbies, and also like music and singing. He was the vocalist of a rock band when he was young. Lately, he is attracted by classical music. Malla loves to have free time to spend with his family, and believes in living life to the fullest. &ldquo;Enjoying and living life is the major thing for me. I don&rsquo;t run after money because it is sheer necessity. In that sense, I may not be very ambitious,&rdquo; shares Malla.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;Malla usually spends his Fridays with friends and family. GG Machan at Jhamsikhel is his favourite place to hang out. He is a frequent traveller, and has been to almost al of Europe, many states of USA, China, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia and many other countries. According to Malla, many perceive him as an arrogant and tough person. &ldquo;Those who are newly acquainted with me feel that way about me. In fact, I am a very soft hearted and easy going person,&rdquo; says he. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malla believes in hard work, and says one has to know pain and hardship to enjoy happiness in life. &ldquo;I have faced many problems in my life and suffered a lot at an early age. That&rsquo;s why I can fully enjoy and cherish my success. I am very happy and satisfied with my life,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Future</strong></span></div>
<div>
	If the business environment becomes friendlier, Malla says that he may be involved in manufacturing such commodities that can be locally consumed and exported as well. As export has always been his expertise, Malla says Nepal should realize its export potentials. &ldquo;Nepal is gifted with a wide variety of climate, temperature and ecosystem. We have many products with comparative advantage. We should be able to turn these into products with competitive advantage,&rdquo; opines Malla. &nbsp;He also believes that more such products should be sought apart from the 19 items promoted by the government.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	To be successful, one should be involved in those occupations that make us happy, says Malla. &ldquo;If we turn our passion into our occupation, then success will surely follow. Life paves way for us, we just have to be alert and follow,&rdquo; says Malla.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-08',
			'modified' => '2013-10-09',
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			'description' => 'Anup B Malla, Chairman of Nepal Kangri Carpet Industry (P) Ltd and President of Nepal Carpet Exporters’ Association is one of the oldest players in the carpet business of Nepal.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1677',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Visionary Vanguard',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pradeep Jung Pandey, MD and Chairman of Lomus Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd and Vice President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry is a familiar name in Nepali business sector. But Pandey didn&rsquo;t always have thoughts of becoming a businessperson and wanted to join the army as a young man. A simple twist of fate turned him into business, and today, Pandey has many companies and industries under him and is one of the most successful Nepali business personalities.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Lomus Pharmaceuticals has recently become the first company to export medicines from Nepal, and has exported medicines worth around 25,000 USD to Nigeria. The company will soon start exporting to Liberia. &ldquo;Even at a time when the industrial environment is not so good, we have been able to export medicines for the first time in Nepal. If the conditions become better, we can export even more,&rdquo; says Pandey. According to him, there is huge possibility of drug export from Nepal, and Lomus is the proof of it. Lomus contributes to 3.5 per cent of total drug requirement of Nepal. If it runs with full capacity, it can contribute up to ten percent, says Pandey.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Lomus is a company that started it journey three decades ago, and is one of the topmost pharmaceutical companies of Nepal. The company was ranked number one in terms of value and unit in the year 2000 by IMS Health Switzerland. The company manufactures 270 different medicines, including psychiatric, diabetic, fertility drugs, hormonal and many others. The company&rsquo;s manufacturing plant is in Gothatar, a 72,000 sq feet state of the art facility.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Business Philosophy&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Pandey says that he doesn&rsquo;t want to be involved in many businesses at once. &ldquo;I start new venture only after the earlier one is successful and sustained,&rdquo; says he. After Lomus started to do well, Pandey established Cosmos Cement Industries in Janakpur 12 years ago. &ldquo;The condition was not favourable back then, but still I made it survive. Two years ago, I set up Eastern Cosmos Cement Industry in Biratnagar,&rdquo; informed Pandey. Both the industries manufacture 400 MT of cement per day now. Also, he started manufacturing clinkers from Janakpur that is enough for both the companies.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says he faced a lot of problems in manufacturing sector, like power outage, labour problems, and government policies among others. &ldquo;The government wasn&rsquo;t also very supportive. So I looked for some other sectors that are unaffected by labour problems,&rdquo; says He. That&rsquo;s when he started Shikhar Insurance Company Ltd, for some financial security. Pandey is also the Chairman of Citizens Bank International Ltd and Mountain Energy Pvt Ltd, a hydropower company. The company has produced five megawatts of energy and it is already connected to the national grid. His another venture, Lomus Herbineria P Ltd manufactures herbal medicines. &ldquo;Nepal has immense potential in manufacturing herbal medicines, that&rsquo;s why I started the company,&rdquo; explains Pandey. The company manufactures herbal medicines for liver, cough syrups, blood purifying medicines, shilajit tablets among others.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says he works only in the sectors where he has expertise, and believes all should do this for success. &ldquo;A country can prosper and get renowned through only one brand or one product, like many other countries in the world,&rdquo; says Pandey. He wants his medicines to do the same for Nepal. &ldquo;Nepal can&rsquo;t compete with the world in manufacturing automobiles or other similar products, but we can do that through Herbal medicine. I will focus on that in the future,&rdquo; says he. According to him, herbal medicines can do many things that allopathic medicines cannot, and has comparative advantage. A company should manufacture a unique product, make the company sustain and then should look after branding as it is the key to success of the manufactured product, says Pandey.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Pradeep Jung Pandey,Vice President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry " src="/userfiles/images/pjp1.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 349px;" />Early Life&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Born to Purna Jung Pandey and Dev Kumari Pandey in Chhetrapati of Kathmandu in 1950, Pandey was basically brought up by his grandfather in a joint family. His father passed away when Pandey was only five years old, so he says he doesn&rsquo;t have much memories of him. &ldquo;My childhood was very simple. There was no TV or entertainment medium of any such sort. I spent my childhood playing with my friends in the streets,&rdquo; recalls Pandey. According to Pandey, he was always an above average student, and used to study quite hard. &ldquo;I have never failed in any examinations since I was a child,&rdquo; says Pandey.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He did his schooling from JP School and completed his SLC from there. He did his graduation from Public Commerce Campus. As his grandfather had fought in World War II, Pandey initially had thoughts of joining the army. His family inclination was also towards the army owing to the respect and social status. But unfortunately for him, his eyesight wasn&rsquo;t fit for being in the army, and he didn&rsquo;t apply. Today, Pandey thinks of it has a fortunate coincidence. He believes he has served his country more as an industrialist than he could have done as an army man. &ldquo;Helping a country economically is the best you can do for your country,&rdquo; says Pandey.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Start&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	After he completed his M Com from TU in the year 1972, he became interested in financial matters and thought of doing business. Instead of trading business, he chose manufacturing. &ldquo;As medicines are one of the most critical things for Nepal, I thought of manufacturing it and opened Lomus Pharmaceuticals,&rdquo; recalls Pandey. Royal Drugs was the only company manufacturing drugs back then. That&rsquo;s when he thought that private companies can also do the same. &ldquo;If you start a general manufacturing company, you will have many competitors. But pharmaceutical is a technical sector, so there is relatively less competition. This was another reason for me to choose the sector,&rdquo; explains he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Personal Side&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Married to Urmila Pandey in 1975, Pandey is father of three sons, Prabal, Pratap and Prajwal. His elder son Prabal is also the MD of Easter Cosmos Cement Industry and also looks after manufacturing at Lomus. Pandey says he is quite religious and spiritual, and believes that we should preserve our tradition and culture. &ldquo;We should follow our own culture as it is our true identity. We should be honest towards our profession, nation and tradition as well,&rdquo; says Pandey. According to him, a successful entrepreneur should also pay attention towards religion and culture.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He starts his day by going for a morning walk at 6, and does some exercise. He is always at his office earlier than his staffs. He says that an entrepreneur should work more than his staffs to sustain his business. In his free time, he is involved in writing articles related to economics. He has also written a few songs, and wants to guide the society towards a positive direction through his work. Pandey is quite an easy going person, and says he receives phone calls from everyone, even from the unknown numbers. &ldquo;It is very easy to get in touch with me,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey loves to travel to new places and learn new culture and lifestyle. He says travelling recharges you and fills you with new energy to go on. He is also interested in economic systems of various countries, and has extensively travelled Nepal and India. He has also been to US and many countries of Europe. Pandey only takes vegetarian food three days a week and fasts two days a week. He reserves his Saturdays for his family and relatives, and doesn&rsquo;t get involved in business activities unless it&rsquo;s very urgent.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says he isn&rsquo;t very conscious about brands, and lives a simple life. He owns a Toyota Rav 4 and Nissan Datsun. Pandey carries an iPhone 5 and Samsung S4. He uses gadgets for the facilities they provide, and says one should be familiar with technology for making his time more productive.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says there are more opportunities than challenges in Nepal. He believes that one should not be over ambitious and know his limits to be successful. &ldquo;Satisfaction is a major thing for running a successful business. One should be an expert in his field and success will surely follow,&rdquo; says Pandey. Pandey firmly believes that dedication, honesty, hard work and a positive mindset are essential for success. &ldquo;Honesty always pays in the long run,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says he believes in fair competition and coexistence in business. In the future, he wants to diversify his businesses and manufacture better quality products. He also has plans of making his medicine brands renowned in Nepal and even in the international sector. &ldquo;Instead of diverting your focus at many things, one should concentrate on improving the quality of what he already owns,&rdquo; says Pandey.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>',
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			'description' => 'Pradeep Jung Pandey, MD and Chairman of Lomus Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd and Vice President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry is a familiar name in Nepali business sector.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1440',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'Passion For Perfection',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">--By Sujan Tiwari</span></strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Padma Shree Group&rsquo;s current focus is on development works, and since 2010, has started importing heavy equipments from Liebherr, a Swiss company. The company recently has started importing road construction and finishing heavy equipments from Auman, a Swiss company. &ldquo;As Nepal has enormous potential in hydropower, and most of the projects are facing problem with tunnelling, we are now looking forward also to import tunnelling equipments from Sandvik, a Swedish company,&rdquo; says Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya is also shifting his focus to power sector, renewable energy and waste management. His company is doing the study and research on the subject, and hopefully will have some new projects very soon. &ldquo;I want to support the development works in the country by offering best possible equipments, services and projects,&rdquo; says Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Rohini Thapaliya, Executive Director of Padma Shree Group" evolution="" of="" src="http://newbusinessage.com/userfiles/images/prsnlt1.jpg" strong="" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></strong></div>
<div>
	<strong>Evolution of Group</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">What is now known as Padma Shree Group started as Shree Padma Saw Mill in the year 1963, initiated by Thapaliya&rsquo;s father Late Badri Prasad Thapaliya in Simra. The company then used to supply timber to Nepal and India, and also supplied railway sleepers to India. Thapaliya joined the company, worked in the saw mill at the beginning, helped his father and a few years later started the furniture company. The company&rsquo;s name changed to Shree Padma Saw Mill and Furniture Factory Pvt Ltd, and it expanded to Kathmandu as well. What followed is a huge business, as the group now has a lot of big brands under it.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	Gradually, the company started manufacturing high quality furniture. The company did the furnishing of Singha Durbar, many 5-Star hotels and also the royal palace. The furniture company was honoured in the year 2000 by the then King Birendra for the services offered. &ldquo;That was the first instance of a company receiving this sort of honour,&rdquo; recalls Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In the year 1988, Thapaliya opened Altech Pvt Ltd that dealt with aluminium doors and windows and building materials. Shortly after, he established Padma Shree Pvt Ltd, a trading company for the purpose of representing of various international brands. &ldquo;During the nationwide movement of 1990, many companies suffered owing to political unrest, labour problems and strikes. Then we thought that we should not focus only on one business, and should diversify,&rdquo; says Thapaliya. The Group is the outcome of that diversification.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In the year 1991, Mazda Motor Corporation of Japan was looking for a representative in Nepal, and Thapaliya&rsquo;s company was among four other contenders. &ldquo;Our proposal was the most practical, so they selected our company as their partner,&rdquo; says Thapaliya. From the year 1993, the company started importing Mazda vehicles from Japan. Mazda is one of the flagship imports of the Group today, known for its power, style and performance. In the year 2000, the company started importing power tools from Bosch Germany, one of the biggest tools manufacturers in the world. In 2005, the Group also imported generators from Deutz, Aggretech and MTU, all Germany-based companies to help the nation deal with the power outage.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Thapaliya, Padma Shree Group is renowned in the market for the products it represents. &ldquo;Whatever products we represent, they are the best in the world. I always go after quality products which are well known and well tested. Though it may be slightly expensive, ultimately, it provides long term benefit,&rdquo; says he.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Early Life&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya was born in Lazimpat of Kathmandu in 1952 to Late Badri Prasad Thapaliya and Padma Thapaliya. He studied in Saint Xavier&rsquo;s School till grade four, and then joined Demonstration School, which later changed to Laboratory School. After his SLC, he joined ISc course and had dreams of becoming an engineer. He wanted to go to Russia to study engineering, but had to give up his dream to help his father in the company. &ldquo;Yet I don&rsquo;t have any regrets now, because I am doing well in my business,&rdquo; says Thapaliya.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Rohini Thapaliya, Executive Director of Padma Shree Group" evolution="" of="" src="http://newbusinessage.com//userfiles/images/prsnlt3.jpg" strong="" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 275px; height: 404px;" />Personal Side</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya says he is normally much occupied with his business, and takes leave only on Saturdays.&rdquo; As generators are one of our major products, it has to be running 24/7. So there could be complaints coming in any time, so I am busy almost all the time,&rdquo; says Thapaliya. Still, if possible, he wants to be free on Saturdays. &ldquo;I spend time with my family and I try to avoid any business activities on Saturdays. I dedicate my time to my family, and also after office, I spend time with my family,&rdquo; shares Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	On a more personal side, Thapaliya is quite a reserved person, and takes time to open up and build new relations. &ldquo;Once I build a relation, I continue it for long. I believe all the relations should be long lasting,&rdquo; says Thapaliya. According to him, it takes very long to build a relation, but it can be spoilt in no time. &ldquo;I want to maintain relations for ever, all the relation, both personal and professional ones. I seek perfection in everything I do,&rdquo; shares Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya enjoys playing tennis and squash, and goes to health club at least five days a week. Quite a religious man, Thapaliya has been visiting Pashupatinath everyday for the last 40 years. Thapaliya travels frequently for business and for vacations. He has been to Japan, China, Singapore, Germany, UK, Switzerland and other countries. He drives Mazda 3, and will soon be driving Mazda CX-5, a new crossover. Thapaliya says he uses gadgets and technology as required, and owns iPhone, MacBook Pro and an iPad. On grooming, he says he wants to look decent and presentable at all times.</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Rohini Thapaliya, Executive Director of Padma Shree Group" evolution="" of="" src="http://newbusinessage.com/userfiles/images/prsnnlt4.jpg" strong="" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 275px; height: 344px;" /></strong></div>
<div>
	<strong>Family</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Married to Deepa Thapaliya in 2037 BS, Thapaliya says it was a love affair turned into arranged marriage. He clearly remembers meeting her for the first time. &ldquo;We met for the first time in a wedding. We knew each other, got close and later arranged the marriage,&rdquo; recalls Thapaliya. Deepa holds a degree in Law, and is also the Director of the Group. &ldquo;She is very supportive and encouraging, and helps me in all my endeavours,&rdquo; he adds.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The couple is blessed with a son and a daughter, Shubhashish Thapaliya and Shreeyukta Thapaliya Pandey. Thapaliya has two granddaughters from his daughter. His son holds an Engineering Degree in Energy and Power, and is working in a company in Singapore. He wants his son to return and continue the family legacy.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Philosophies&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Thapaliya, failures are inevitable, but what matters is how you deal with failures. &ldquo;When you fail, realize that it was not your piece of cake and move on. When one door closes, another one is always open, do not look at the closed door, and move towards the one that has been open for you,&rdquo; says he. Thapaliya believes life is very precious, and says that tomorrow is indefinite. &ldquo;One should not spend time in regrets, and move on towards better things,&rdquo; advises he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya says he firmly believes in team work, sincerest of efforts and accountability. &ldquo;To be successful, dedication and sincerity are the ones needed the most. It will do you good in the long run,&rdquo; says he. Thapaliya says that there is no shortcut to experience; still it doesn&rsquo;t mean one has to go through all the hassle. &ldquo;We have a lot of exposure now, and we can cut short the time needed to be experienced. We all should try to see things from a wide perspective, and do something for the society and the country,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Concluding Remarks&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya believes that god has given Nepal all that is needed, and it&rsquo;s our turn now to make it a real heaven. &ldquo;I wish to see a peaceful, prosperous and developed Nepal, and I am doing my part for it,&rdquo; he says. Though he admits that the business environment is not very good now, he says everyone should try to make the best out of this situation.&rdquo; If you want rainbow trout, then you need fresh and running water. Looking at the situation of the country, unfortunately, all we have is muddy waters now. But I expect to have fresh and running water very soon,&rdquo; says Thapaliya</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>',
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			'description' => 'Rohini Thapaliya, Executive Director of Padma Shree Group, didn’t always have thoughts of owning and running a business house. As a youngster, he wanted to be an engineer and thought of going to Russia for pursuing the degree. But life had other plans for him..',
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			'id' => '1060',
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			'title' => 'A Tenacious Trader',
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			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Sujan Tiwari</strong></p>
<p>
	Akhil Kumar Chapagain, Chairman of Akhil Trading Concern Pvt Ltd always had thoughts of being a businessman since he was a child. Even though he was born in a family whose profession was agriculture, he had deviations towards business. &nbsp; His family background was no motivation for him to start a business, so for some time he thought of holding a job, as he had no other career aims. “Besides my career, my ambition was to become a national level player and I fulfilled that. I was a national athlete from Koshi zone,” says Chapagain. But despite his success in sports, he wasn’t interested in making it his career. In the back of his head, he always thought of owning a business. Fortunately, he was able to realize his childhood dream immediately after graduating.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Akhil Kumar Chapagain’s new ventures will be in the sector of tourism and agriculture, which are quite new for him. After 29 years of running a successful trading business, Chapagain now has plans of opening a resort in Dhulikhel. “While abroad on business delegations, I have always tried to sell something from Nepal. As Nepal has such immense potential in tourism, I thought of opening a resort. I will accomplish this within the next two or three years,” says Chapagain. He also has plans of starting his own farming business.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	For the last two years, Chapagain’s major focus has been on opening own retail outlets for his products. “The outlets reduce the hassle of appointing wholesalers and retailer. The customers can buy the products at a cheaper price so I am focusing on such outlets,” informed Chapagain. Till date, he has opened retail outlets for his brands Suvari, Istikbal, Rodimood and Colin’s.</p>
<p>
	Chapagain says he believes in doing fair business, and wants to be long-run player. “After all these years in business, I have made a name for myself and my company. I have a reputation to maintain. So I always do fair business,” says he. According to him, having moral courage to face the society is very important for him, and making profit comes only after that. He believes he has contributed to the society through his fair business, and is happy about that. “As I am associated with numerous trade associations, I encourage all to play fair game. It always pays off in the end,” says Chapagain.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Early Life&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
	Born in Bhojpur, Dingla in 1957 to Thama Nath Chapagain and Pushpa Kumari Chapagain, Chapagain says he was mischievous and aggressive since his childhood. With eight siblings, he grew up in quite a big family. He spent most of childhood and school days in Biratnagar. According to Chapagain, he was very athletic and loved sports, and had a lot of friend. “I still miss those days when I used to play with my friends in a garden near my school. We climbed trees, swam in the pool and had a really good time,” said he. After moving to Kathmandu, he joined Min Bhawan Campus for higher education, and later graduated from Trichandra College. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Initiation</strong></p>
<p>
	Chapagain had started his business journey by opening Akhil Trading Concern as a private trading firm in the year 1984. To start with, he imported wrist watches and cosmetics from Switzerland. Sadly, his first attempt didn’t pay back well and he suffered loss in both the products. “At that time, many companies were importing watches through illegal channels. I imported the watches through legal channels by paying all the taxes, which may have increased their prices. So it didn’t go well,” recollects Chapagain. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	After receiving his first blow, he thought of changing his approach, and focused on the products that would suit the need of the people here, and were quite inexpensive. After much thought, he imported dry fruits from Singapore, and it did a satisfactory business. This helped him to cover his earlier loss, and most importantly, gave him the courage. Filled with new hope, he imported refrigerators from China, and it too went well. “Later, I discontinued importing Chinese as the quality was inferior, and I started importing FMCG from European countries,” says Chapagain. Today, majority of his imports are from Europe.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="Akhil Kumar Chapagain, Chairman of Akhil Trading Concern Pvt Ltd " src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personlaity_June2013_tenacious_trader_akhil_kumar(1).jpg" /></p>
<p>
	<strong>Evolution of Business</strong></p>
<p>
	Chapagain was in Germany once, searching for some business opportunities. Walking on the streets, his eyes fell on a store with a brand named Fakir. He found out that it was a household appliance brand, and intuitively wanted to import and sell its products in Nepal. After his return to Nepal, he made correspondence asking the company for dealership. Back then, Akhil Trading Concern wasn’t a big name as it is today, so he had little hopes that his request would be accepted. “I had informed them about my actual status, and they knew that mine wasn’t a very big company. I wasn’t very hopeful for a favourable response,” says he.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The representatives of the company came to Nepal and had talks with him. They also met with people from other companies here, most of them at a higher position than his. Sometime later, the company offered him the exclusive dealership despite the size of his company. This dealership gave him his first big break. “Years later, I asked the company men why they selected me over other companies. They said that they were impressed with my honesty as I had told them about my status without any exaggeration,” says Chapagain. The dealership did a good business for him and he focused on more European products.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Present Times</strong></p>
<p>
	Currently, Chapagain imports more than a dozen big brands from Europe, Australia, Thailand and Hong Kong. Some of these brands are Suvari, Rodimood, Colin’s, Istikbal and Khao Shong. Most if his imports are from Turkey, as he says Turkish products are of European standard, and are affordable as well. He says he imports only the best products with superior quality. According to him, his import Khao Shong is the number two coffee brand in Nepal and Arabella is number one in pasta. The products include FMCG, textiles, furniture, appliances and apparels among others. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	“Honestly speaking, I wanted to do business because I dint want to work for anyone, and wanted to be my own master. I preferred it over doing a job for some company,” says Chapagain. He started his business with an investment of 300,000 rupees, and imported one or two products. Today, he runs a successful trading business and has more than a dozen products in his list. According to him, the business is doing really good, and is growing year after year. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	On success, Chapagain shares that he is satisfied with what he has accomplished. “To keep a trading firm running in Nepal all these years is a success in itself as it’s a very risky business,” says he. He strongly disagrees with those who say trading is easier business than manufacturing. According to him, trading is in no sense an easy business, and has its own threats and challenges. “Traders have to face problems like grey market, counterfeit goods and other traders’ monopoly over brands. We also have a huge responsibility towards the customers,” says Chapagain. He has no plans of foraying into manufacturing, and is contented with what he is doing and what he has achieved. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Family</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="Akhil's Family" height="392" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personlaity_June2013_tenacious_trader_akhil_kumar_family.jpg" width="450" /></p>
<p>
	Chapagain married Gyanu Chapagain at the age of 29. Their fathers were old friends, and the marriage was fixed even before he was aware of it. They went to the same school and knew each other, but he never thought he would marry her. Very shy around girls, Chapagain vividly remembers the first time they met with the purpose. “I was quite a rebel, so I didn’t want to go with my father’s decisions. But when she reached marriageable age, we got together quite well and we both agreed to marry,” says he. &nbsp;Gyanu is a housewife and maintains all aspects of his personal life. According to Chapagain, she maintains the family bond and looks after all the family matters as he is too busy for them. The couple is blessed with two sons Arpit and Arjit. His elder son Arpit has recently joined the company as the Managing Director.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Personal Side</strong></p>
<p>
	Very health conscious and athletic, Chapagain exercises a lot. He jogs 5 kilometers every day, and has been doing it for the last 25 years. He is a frequent blood donor and has donated blood 26 times. Travelling and trekking are his hobbies, and is abroad for about five months a year. He has travelled Asia and Europe extensively. He spends most of his free time with his family and acquaintances in outings and get-togethers. Chapagain enjoys all sorts of foods, and is a social drinker. He enjoys good wine, and imports them too.</p>
<p>
	Chapagain says he is very conscious of his clothing, and wears brands like Pierre Cardin, Louis Philippe, Van Heusen and of course, Suvari. “I like to groom myself, and use some cosmetic products as well. &nbsp;I always want to look presentable,” says Chapagain. He is passionate about gadgets, and owns iPhone 4S and a Sony Vaio. Samsung Galaxy S4 and iPhone 5 are on his wish list. Chapagain currently drives Nissan Super Saloon.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Epilogue</strong></p>
<p>
	Chapagain believes that all the diplomatic missions and offices in foreign countries should promote Nepal. “All such offices should have a booth to inform about Nepal and our products as it helps in promotion and publicity of Nepal. The rest of the world needs to know about Nepal and what Nepal has to offer,” says he. He has personally promoted Nepal during his business delegations and visits.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	He believes that all should stop blaming the government for the problems, and take responsibility squarely on their shoulders. “There is too much negativity around us. Everyone from all walks of life should move ahead with a positive and constructive mindset,” says Chapagain.&nbsp;</p>
<div>
	 </div>
<div>
	 </div>',
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			'description' => 'Akhil Kumar Chapagain, Chairman of Akhil Trading Concern Pvt Ltd always had thoughts of being a businessman since he was a child. Even though he was born in a family whose profession was agriculture, he had deviations towards business.',
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			'title' => 'From Led Zeppelin To Yoga Vasistha',
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			'content' => '<p>
	<strong style="font-size: 12px;">By Sujan Tiwari</strong></p>
<p>
	Shashi Ram Bhandary, CEO of Kathmandu Housing and Leasing Company and Nirvana Country Club Health and Golf Resort in Dharan vividly remembers his first summer job while studying in the US. Working in the kitchen of the Marriott Hotel, he had a tough time cutting onions for a few hours, with tears in his eyes. That was when he was noticed by a Manager in the hotel and taught him how to cut onions without hurting the eyes, by soaking the onions in water for some time before cutting them. He told Bhandary that there were two ways to do anything, the right way and the wrong way. “This was the lesson I learnt for life, that things should be done the right way, and it didn’t just apply to onions,” says Bhandary.</p>
<p>
	When he was in Nepal for a vacation once, he went to &nbsp;the coffee shop in Annapurna Hotel and he wasn’t satisfied with the service there. So he left a note saying ‘the service wasn’t up to par’. &nbsp;To his surprise, he was called the very next day by the hotel and was offered a job. He didn’t want to join at first as he was on a vacation, but finally accepted the offer. “I took the job as a challenge. I was hired as Assistant Food and Beverage Manager. I worked there for two years,” recollects Bhandary. But he wasn’t going to be satisfied with a job in a hotel; he had other plans in the back of his head.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Once he went trekking to Upper Manang and realized the shortage of food and supplies there. That was the moment that decided his life. He came up with an ambitious plan of designing a hotel that was self sustained, with its own food and energy production. “I dreamt of a hotel that was dependent upon only a few products from outside. I thought of producing vegetables, rearing cows for dairy products and manure for energy and fertilizers,” says Bhandary. He wanted to experiment with the idea, the idea of a self sustainable hotel. Nirvana Country Club is the result of the same model. It has its own farm, a dairy and has the largest bio-gas plant in eastern Nepal. About 30 per cent of the required energy is produced by the Resort itself. It also produces dairy products like cream and butter, organic herbs and vegetables.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	But Nirvana Country Club was nothing like it is today when Bhandary first acquired the property back in 2000. When he bought the property, he says it was in complete ruins, with land, some structures and a pasture that is now the golf course of Nirvana. &nbsp;To start with, Bhandary brought some consultants from India. After their survey, he was advised not to start the project as the consultants didn’t find &nbsp;the land feasible. “The property was in a very bad condition, it didn’t meet the needed threshold. Also, there were not enough flights to Dharan back then. But I had a gut feeling, and I took the challenge against all odds. Today I am so glad that I took the challenge despite the adversities,” says Bhandary proudly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	He started by literally sweeping the place clean. He renovated the structures, built the walls and developed the golf course. At present, Nirvana Country Club has a dairy with 50 cows, a 19\8 hole golf course, multi-cuisine restaurant, swimming pool, offers tennis and squash, provides yoga and meditation among other services. Also, there are 20 well furnished air conditioned bungalows with living, dining, kitchen and three bedrooms each. “In the last 12 years, I have entirely transformed the place from what it initially was. It is a complete turnaround,” says Bhandary.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Early Life</strong></p>
<p>
	Born in Kamaladi, Kathmandu in 1962 to Suna Bhandary and Late Banshi Ram Bhandary, he had five elder sisters before him. Bhandary says he was one of the first Nepali students to go to Lincoln School. He remembers cycling all around the valley with his friends, most of &nbsp;whom were from other countries. “I enjoyed a childhood without any worries as my family was quite well off. Everything was provided for us. I was lucky to be born in a big joint family with a good reputation and background. Bhandarys of Kamaldi were known by all in Kathmandu,” says Bhandary. Bhandary studied in Lincoln School from Kindergarten to 8th grade, and did his SLC from Anandakuti School. After that, he went to US for his further studies, he joined Gaithersburg High School in Maryland and graduated from high school there. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	After completing high school, he started working for Marriott Hotel as a summer job, as all the students in the US worked in summers. “I actually didn’t need to work for money, but I followed the American tradition. I was living with relatives at that time. I wanted to be independent, so I moved out and started to work,” remembers Bhandary. He says he worked right from the bottom, doing dishes and &nbsp;other forms of lowly work. Later, he became a supervisor and finally a manager in Marriott Hawaii. He worked for Marriott for seven years and later did his graduation in Hotel Management from US.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Has was sent to US by his family to study medicine, but he loved dealing with people and loved service business. After his first summer job, he ended up studying hotel management. He didn’t reveal this to his family at first and so had to earn his own money. Bhandary believes this decision made him independent as he started working. “I didn’t have any specific aim, but I wanted to fly planes as a child, and I still want to,” says Bhandary.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Family</strong></p>
<p>
	Bhandary married with Kalpana Bhandary at the age of 21. Once when he was in Pokhara, he caught the eyes of Kalpana on a boat, and says he was instantly attracted to her. He went home and told his mother about the girl he saw, and their family arranged the rest. They met and got along well, and eventually got married. “My marriage was the biggest turning point in my life. I felt more responsible after I got married,” says Bhandary. Kalpana Bhandary is now the MD of Nirvana Country Club. According to Bhandary, he really wanted to be together with his spouse, and he kept her together, even at work. The couple has been blessed with two sons Rishikesh and Raghu.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>The Personal Side</strong></p>
<p>
	As a youngster, Bhandary grew up listening to rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and The Who. Now, he says he wants to spend time quietly.Inside, Bhandary says he is a very spiritual person, and loves to read, especially books &nbsp;about spiritual development. “Lately, I want to uncover the spiritual side of my own self. I want to know what my purpose in the world is, and I try to figure it out through meditation. I really want to be at peace,” he says. Bhandary is also a disciple of Shankaracharya. As he was brought up in a religious family, he liked to listen to prabachans religious-philosophical discourse as a child. “I found the words of wise men interesting from the beginning. After I read Yoga Vasistha, it completely turned around my life. It taught me that everything that exists is an illusion, and everything else is the working of mind. I was so influenced by it and entered into spirituality. Then, I started to look at life from a spiritual point of view, says Bhandary.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Pastime</strong></p>
<p>
	Bhandary &nbsp;has been an avid animal lover since his childhood, and owns eight Tibetan mastiffs and one Alsatian, has a few barking deers in his farm and keeps his Japanese Spitz Casper with him wherever he goes. He drinks very rarely, as he says it disturbs the spiritual balance. Whenever free, Bhandary likes to cook and equally enjoys eating, and loves Khichadi, his all time favourite food. He lives mostly in Dharan, and travels frequently. His hobbies include playing golf, going for long drives and travelling. He says he is outside the country at least once a month, and has been to US, India, Europe, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and other countries.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Bhandary believes one needs to be determined and has to possess a will-do attitude to succeed. “One has to be commanding and friendly at the same time, has to have a balance of both. Also, we should be able to bring out the good in people,” he says. Bhandary says he is content with his life, as has no regrets. “I am living the life I wanted, married the women I wanted, &nbsp;I have done something for the country and am blessed with good children. There is nothing more &nbsp;I could have wanted,” says Bhandary. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	According to Bhandary, things should always be done the right way and it will &nbsp;be done as there won’t be many obstacles. “Determination and good intentions are needed, it can really help you progress. &nbsp;It is not that hard to start a business and succeed in Nepal. No one needs to leave the country in pursuit of success. Things can be done right here, we just have to figure out the right way,” says he. For the future, Bhandary has plans of making Nirvana Country Club completely self sustainable and wants to open a Golf Academy. And if things favour him, he wants to learn to fly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="Shashi Ram Bhandary, Personlity, From Led Zeppelin to Yoga Vasistha " height="546" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_may2013_sashi_ram.jpg" width="450" /></p>',
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			'title' => 'A Driven Calling',
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	 </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Kumud Kumar Dugar, A driven calling, April 2013" height="421" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_april_2013_kumud_kumar(1).jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 0 10px;" width="300" />Kumud Dugar predicts 2013 and 2014 to be the most decisive years for his Group. Numerous projects and products are in the pipeline, making these two years full of equal challenges and opportunities for him, and the Group. “These two years will decide the future of KL Dugar Group. If all goes well, the Group’s turnover will increase three folds within this time,” says Dugar.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar has been taking care of the Group since 1991, right after he completed his graduation. More specifically, he looks after the Food Grain Business of KL Dugar Group that includes eight different industries. Dugar had joined the Group as the Director, but recalls working as a cashier. “I kept track of where the money comes from and where it goes. It was very essential for me to know about the exact finances of the Group,” says Dugar.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	From the moment he joined, he had a dream of professionally managing the group, although at that time he didn’t know what professional management exactly was. To start with, he ordered a customized accounts package from Kolkata, customised for his Group. He brought in new technologies, computerized the systems and set up numerous industries and took the Group where it is today. He says he was driven by a thirst to work and move ahead, with a strong passion of do something novel.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Early Life</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Born in 1967 in Biratnagar to Krishan Lal Dugar and Jatan Devi Dugar, Dugar’s mind was set to business right from childhood. Most of his childhood was spent in Kolkata as he was there for about 18 years, from kindergarten to graduation. He was in Nepal only for vacations then. Dugar was involved with Dugar Group long before it separated into three groups in 1990. He used to work in the liaison office of the Group in Kolkata since he was in Grade 9. &nbsp;After graduating from St Xavier’s College in Kolkata, he thought of starting a business in India. In the process, he bought a granite mine and a solvent plant in Hyderabad, but wasn’t able to go on with that business. Due to the separation of Dugar Group, he felt he was needed in the newly formed KL Dugar Group, so he returned to Nepal.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	As soon as he joined KL Dugar Group, he set up a vanaspati factory in Biratnagar. As the Group was newly formed, he felt immensely challenged and pressurized. Driven to prove himself, he says he set up the factory from scratch in just six months. “No one could have done this back then. I set up Swastik Oil Industries at a cost of 22 million rupees. It still is the largest oil industry of the country,” says Dugar with pride. This was his first venture as the MD of the Group, and a lot more industries were about to follow. During his stay in Biratnagar, he set up numerous industries. Saurabh Oil Mill, Vikas Flour Mill, Gyan Food Products, Pratibha Rice Mill and Gyan Herbals Pvt Ltd are among a few of them. Dugar shifted to Kathmandu in the year 1995. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar considers the separation to be a major turning point in his life. He first took it as a challenge, but later he figured it out that it was beneficial for him, as it gave him his individuality and helped him grow more. Rather than import export business, he focussed on local materials and set up locally based industries. “I always wanted to do something for the country. Today, I think I have contributed by branding the local products,” says Dugar. At present, the food products of the Group are exported to numerous countries worldwide.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	As a child, Dugar was not so mischievous, but rather disciplined, a quiet one. He says he was not very good in school and always was mediocre student, but very good in accounts. “I was very interested in accountancy, and was also very good at it,” recalls Dugar. He also possessed leadership in his school but remember being shy around girls.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Personal Side</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar was married with Namita Dugar in 1991, and the marriage was an arranged one. It was immediately after the formation of his Group, and business was his top priority then. &nbsp;As a result, his personal life was somehow out of balance. He says he went for his honeymoon after three years of his marriage. “Back then, I felt much challenged, and was very busy. I could not give time to my family and children. I didn’t take any holidays either,” says he. But later, when all his businesses went well, he was able to balance both the professional and personal aspects of his life.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar likes to takes immediate decisions and doesn’t want to linger on issues. &nbsp;He says he can’t stay idle for even an hour. He remembers him being bored once on a three-day vacation with his family. He says he is very industrious, and is always thinking about his business. He firmly believes in teamwork and says that the system should work, not a person. Regarding his finances, he maintains that the accounts should be updated till the present moment, and not yesterday. Dugar believes in doing fair business, and strictly follows his business ethics.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Not at all a party goer, Dugar likes to spend his evenings with his family after a stressful day. He likes to watch TV and spend most of his free time at home, with his children. “I feel more responsible towards my family and children because I couldn’t give much attention to them when I started business. Now I can afford time for them, and I feel I have to make up for the lost time,” says he. Dugar is the proud father of son Saurabh and daughters Bhavika and Drishika. A scrupulous follower of traditions, Dugar strictly abstains from alcohol, tobacco and non-vegetarian food. He loves Indian vegetarian food and is not very fond of trying new dishes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Hobbies</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar loves to travel, especially to modern cities in the world. He loves branded stuffs and loves to shop. He has been to Dubai, US and many countries in Europe. His other interests are music and dancing. He loves to listen to Hindi songs, and watches movies once in a while. He says he is quiet brand conscious. “I am very obsessed with being dressed properly. All my outfits are stitched in Mumbai. I am also very fond of clothes,” says Dugar. He also loves branded watches, and carries the latest gadgets though he is not too fond of them. He believes he has to be familiar with technology as it helps in the business too.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Way Ahead</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	According to Dugar, KL Dugar’s future ventures will be in sectors of hydropower and construction. The Groups’ largest project United Cements is all set to start by the end of this year. KL Residency will be handed over in 2013 and Nepal Hydro Developers Pvt Ltd will also commence in 2013. &nbsp;In addition, more than 30 products related to home appliances, automobiles and others are in the pipe line. Dugar says that he has to work even harder now, as the recent times are even more competitive.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Nepali entrepreneurs are as capable as any others in the world. “We are doing our best even when faced by worst of situations. We have load shedding and political problem; still Nepali entrepreneurs are doing their job. We can do even more if the government is more supportive,” says he. Dugar wants to be number one in whatever he does, and is always striving for excellence. “Dhara oil and Gyan flour are one of my best products. I want to remain number one, and want my legacy to go with the products,” says Dugar. According to him, his greatest asset is the trust that his customers have put in him and the Group.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar believes that three things are very crucial for the success of any business. One has to be loyal and committed towards his business, have knowledge the business, and most importantly, one should be very critical of finances. &nbsp;He says he gives equal importance to one thousand rupees and one million. Moreover, he thinks one should have faith in his staffs and should have frequent interactions as they have more knowledge than the boss. “A good suggestion from them can change your entire perspective and help the business,” says Dugar.&nbsp;</p>',
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			'description' => 'For Kumud Kumar Dugar, MD, KL Dugar Group, failures are as important as success as he believes they keep you striving for success. He says that people need to fail to succeed. “Failures should be analyzed, and then they serve as a lesson. More importantly, one has to learn to be responsible for their failures. Blaming others for your failures is never going to help,” says Dugar.',
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	 </p>
<p>
	<img alt="Sumit Kedia, Personality, March 2013" height="432" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/march2013_personality_sumit.jpg" width="450" /></p>
<p>
	Sumit Kedia, the Executive Director of Kedia Group and the Director of Sita Ram Gokul Milks Ktm Ltd, vividly remembers the time when his company was deep in debt and was on the verge of being sold out. “Those were the most stressful times of my life. The Bank had no trust upon us, and the entire Group was about to be blacklisted,” recalls Kedia. It all happened immediately after he joined the company after completing his studies.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Making first moves</strong></p>
<p>
	New to the business and the entire business scenario of Nepal back then, Kedia says he was overwhelmed by the situation at first. Gradually, he with the help of the Group was able to convince the banks to give some leverage to the company. One of the banks agreed to swap the loan and with some arrangement, he was able to pay off the entire loan after some time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	On the management part, he made the backward linkage strong by directly interacting with the farmers and thus, creating an economic interdependence. This, in turn, improved the quality and quantity of the raw material. “I personally met the farmers; I went to cow sheds and educated them. As a result, we received better quality raw material and enjoyed more security than our competitors,” explains Kedia. He also introduced new technology and updated the equipments used in the factory. This significantly enhanced the efficiency and the cost of production went down as well.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Carving a niche</strong></p>
<p>
	All of Kedia’s efforts have finally paid off. Today, Sita Ram Gokul Milks, a sister concern of Kedia Group is nation’s leading dairy processor and distributor, with production capacity of more than 2.86 million gallons of milk per year. The company has completed the journey of 17 years, and operates through a highly advanced technological plant with latest machineries producing milk and dairy products like milk, ghee and butter. The company is all set to produce flavoured milk and paneer within the next month. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia firmly believes that responsibility with accountability is the mantra to success. “Nothing can be achieved alone, but a responsible and accountable team working for a common goal can achieve almost anything,” says Kedia. Kedia has been taking care of Sita Ram Gokul Milks for the last 10 years.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Memory lane</strong></p>
<p>
	Born to Bishwa Nath Kedia and Krishna Devi Kedia in Birgunj in 1976, Kedia did his entire schooling and higher education in India. During his school years, he was a hostel student in Darjeeling and Mussoorie. He completed his high school in Delhi and graduated from DAV College in Chandigadh, and completed his post graduation in MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management of Pune.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	As a child, most of his time was spent in hostel. “I used to come home only for holidays, so found it hard to adjust with my family. I was more comfortable with my friends than with my family,” recalls Kedia. He was home only for a few months in a year and also was oblivious of the development of the family group, Kedia Group.</p>
<p>
	After completing his education, he returned home and all of a sudden he was in family atmosphere that he wasn’t much used to, and also was into business abruptly. “I really found it hard to manage the three major parts of my life, my friends circle, my family and my business. &nbsp;But today, I have balanced all three aspects of my life,” says Kedia. &nbsp;As he became more involved with family and business, his friends circle shrunk. Today, Kedia says family and business are his top priority.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Married for 10 years with Ritu Kedia, Kedia is a father of a son and a daughter, Rachit Kedia and Shristi Kedia. His marriage was an arranged one and he didn’t even know her wife very well before marriage. “We were given just half an hour to discuss and decide. Within that short time, I fell in love with her eyes, and I immediately said yes. I’m happy I made the right decision,” shared Kedia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Social involvement</strong></p>
<p>
	Kedia is involved with Round Table Nepal, an international fraternity with both business and family gatherings. “In this fraternity, there are people from business community and also their families. This has given me friends for life, with same wavelength. We go on various outings and picnics through the fraternity,” says Kedia. &nbsp;He usually spends his evenings and weekends with the friends of the fraternity, but still feels there is nothing like childhood friends. &nbsp;Kedia is also the First Vice President of Nepal Dairy Association and has been the Director of National Dairy Development Board for two tenures.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Finding inner peace</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;As a student, Kedia loved to play basketball and was also in the college team. “I’d still love to play now, but my business doesn’t really allow me to do that anymore. However, after a stressful day, I like to give some time only to myself,” says he. He is a member of health club in Radisson hotel, loves swimming sauna and steam, and does cardio exercises. Kedia says he isn’t much into books, watches movies at times, doesn’t really care about gadgets. “I’m a simple person with simple desires; I want to lead a simple and modest life. I don’t believe in showing off and pretence. Kedia travels for work and leisure, but thinks he needs to take more vacations “I need to improve this part of my life. I don’t take many vacations. I’m trying to do it this year, may be ill go to Switzerland this year with my family,” says Kedia. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Changed dream</strong></p>
<p>
	Growing up, Kedia had dreams of being in hospitality and tourism business. He dreamt of owning a hotel as a graduate student and he even applied to study Hotel Management in Switzerland after graduating, but says it didn’t work out. Life had other plans for him. “As a member of a huge joint family, family’s dreams and decision always meant more than that of a member. Family’s decision mattered more to me, and I was needed in the group. So, I gave up my dream for my family,” shared Kedia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Experience speaks</strong></p>
<p>
	Introvert by nature, Kedia says he is a shy guy. Once he was invited as a chief guest at a co-operative’s AGM. He had to give a speech in public, but he became very nervous and he completely blacked out. “I don’t even remember what I said there. With time, I improved my public speaking skills and I have no problem with that today,” says Kedia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia sees Vinod Chaudhary is his idol, and says his struggle and success has always been an inspiration to him. &nbsp;Kedia had family relations with Chaudhary, and personally knew him as he is also a member of Young Entrepreneur Forum (YEF) under Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI). He also sees Shankar Lal Kedia, his uncle as idol within his family.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia opines that capital should stay within the country, regardless of the challenges faced by businessmen and entrepreneurs. According to him, rather than criticising the government and society, one should maintain a positive mentality and enhance the economy with a combined team spirit. He also feels that the spirit of ‘us’ is needed for development of a family, an organisation and an entire nation.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Foreseeable future</strong></p>
<p>
	As for his future plans, Kedia is not in investment mode now, as he feels there is no stability in the country. He thinks at such a point, it’s wise to retain what he has. New ventures may be started only after the problem of labour and load shedding are over. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia says he loves his profession, and work is his worship. He feels that he needs to do something for the company till he retires. “I work together with all my staffs, all my team, not just my personal growth, but also for their growth, I like to see through the perspective of ‘us’ rather than ‘me’. I like to create a win-win situation for all,” says Kedia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia says that if all goes well, he may also be involved in the hospitality business. “After all, fulfilments of inner desires give you true satisfaction. It was always my dream to be in the sector. Let’s see what future has in store,” Kedia is optimistic.</p>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Sumit Kedia with Family" height="378" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/march2013_personality_sumit_with_family.jpg" width="514" /></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-03-23',
			'modified' => '2013-04-17',
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			'description' => 'Life always has equal share of success and failure, one should never forget his roots when he is on top of success and one shouldn’t let the fire inside him die out when faced by failure, says Sumit Kedia a young business person, rephrasing what he learnt from his uncle Shankar Lal Kedia.',
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			'id' => '881',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Quest For Bliss',
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			'content' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img align="right" alt="Trishakti Joshi" height="338" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_trisakti_feb2013.jpg" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="318" /><strong>By Gaurav Aryal</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Trishakti Joshi, CEO of Elite Networks was raised at a time when sons in the family were pressed to be either a doctor or an engineer. Being a part of the family with a daughter and two sons, Joshi was set to be a doctor as his elder brother had chosen the path to engineering. But the life of his had something else in its details.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	He was convinced and determined to be a doctor in his schooldays. So, he also took up Biology as one of the optional subjects in school. But as soon as he came out of his school passing his School Leaving Certificate (SLC), he watched lives of doctors from close. Then the fire in him that wanted to be a medical doctor extinguished. Joshi explains, “I was always a kind of person who wants and tries to do something new. I did not find that profession interesting. New experiments and trying out new things were missing out there. Though there is scope for research and development, it is not simply possible in the initial phase.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>The Chosen Dream</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Deciding to quit the doctoral profession he thought of shifting to architectural engineering. But unfortunately, only Intermediate in Engineering was taught in Nepal. So, one had to go abroad to complete the further studies. So, he joined ISC in Patan Campus but entering the Physics faculty was not so easy for a boy who came through a biology background. &nbsp;He managed through it and joined BSc in Trichandra College. Though he was keen to go to the US for further studies, he recalls his father, who had lived in the US for a long time, did not want Joshi to go there for his undergraduate studies.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the meantime the wave of new technology and especially the computers had struck Nepal. Along with his studies, he also joined MIPS at Bagbazar and learned the ABCD of computers there. The curiosity for the technology and a strong background in Science made him land as a job holder in the Mercantile Office Systems. There he used to repair computers. He worked for five years for Mercantile. Having worked for a long time with machines, he then craved working with people.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	With a dream to do something new and more satisfying he came up with an idea to offer computer networking services to offices. It was already an old thing in the international market but it was pretty new for Nepal. Then he established Elite Networks, partnering with a friend, the company which he is currently looking after.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Making Leaps</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi cashed in on the relationship he made in his previous job to find his clients. So, the networking responsibilities of the then Grindlays Bank or today’s Standard Chartered Bank were taken up by his company in its initial days. Joshi accredits the bank for the success of his company. As of now the entire IT of the bank is managed by Elite Networks. His company worked for the American Library, looked after IT aspects of Hillary Clinton’s Nepal visit and also sold computers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the due course, his company also work abroad too. Joshi’s company took up all the responsibilities of setting up networking for UNDP’s Bhutan Office. As of now, he has been introducing and maintaining the new initiatives his company makes. Around 1996 he also initiated the project to network two offices. And Joshi claims that his company was the first in Nepal to introduce wireless networking.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi’s venture that began with networking business also tried out sms banking, and now concentrates more on providing complete IT solutions to its clients. It not only provides tools and technology but also provides the entire services related with it. Since 2009, he started selling Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and all the services associated with it such as installation and maintenance among others. Joshi claims that his company has over 50 per cent market share in the ATM sales and caters to around 65 banks and financial institutions. His company also installs and manages ATM lounges. Once, Joshi also provided consulting services for his clients about the IT. Apart from these, his company in partnership has established and operated a data centre at Thapathali targeting financial institutions and corporate houses.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Elite Networks that began with two people, has now reached to a team of 60. Moving away from selling hardware, he plans to concentrate more on the complete solution packages and also venture into software development. Joshi sees a huge market prospects not only in Nepal but also globally in apps development for smart-phones and tablet computing.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Had he not been in the current business, Joshi thinks he would have become either doctor or taking some job somewhere in the field of IT.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="padding:10px; background:#f4f3e6; margin-bottom:5px;">
	<p>
		<strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-size: 16px;">Personal Side</span></strong></p>
	<ul>
		<li>
			Likes attending social events and professional gatherings</li>
		<li>
			Enjoys drinking without letting alcohol taking him over</li>
		<li>
			Loves cooking on weekends</li>
		<li>
			Loves using gadgets more for his works than for entertainment</li>
		<li>
			Prefers quality over brand names but gives value to brand values</li>
		<li>
			Likes photography</li>
		<li>
			Loves playing golf</li>
		<li>
			Socially active as a member of Toastmasters Club, Executive Member of CAN and Executive Member of Nepal Golf Association</li>
	</ul>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	 </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi says, “For me trying and doing new things is like an addiction. I visit abroad to understand and find out emerging technologies and identify new technologies that can be useful in Nepal.” Joshi localises those technologies to best suit the need of the Nepali market before introducing to Nepal.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Working style</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	While making any decisions, Joshi goes after his instincts, local market knowledge and trend in the international market. Similarly, he says that he readies himself before the market readies itself while introducing any new products and services. Joshi is already ready on his part before the clearing houses are ready to be operational in Nepali market- his new target place to offer services and solutions. Joshi recalls such times when he has been ahead of time and market, and instances where he had to drop the entire idea. He exemplifies such a situation in sms banking, where other companies in the market are doing well currently.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Every day, Joshi gets up at around 5:30 in the morning. Then, he goes to the club for exercises and fitness for one and a half hour. At around 8:30, he leaves for office and reaches there within half an hour. As he has to keep in touch with companies in Singapore, he utilises the time before his employees arrive for corresponding with those companies. “When my team arrives at office by 9:30, I am ready for them and by 10, when banks open, I am ready for clients too,” he describes. He usually ends the day at 6 pm.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Management approach</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi looks after the management of his company Elite Networks while his partner Pramod Kunwar looks after all the technical aspects. He reveals that the entire accounting services have been outsourced to another company since day one.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi believes, “As easy it is to establish a company, it is equally difficult to sustain it. It may look effortless to grow but it is equally tough to maintain that growth.” &nbsp;Joshi’s company around six years ago thought of getting an ISO certificate but dropped the idea because of the lengthy documentation process. But, he slightly modified the procedures and applied all the quality measures on the functioning of the company.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	When it comes to the human resource management, he has not left any stone unturned to keep his employees happy and motivated. He says that performance based incentives and regular motivational packages are offered to the human resources to keep their high spirits going higher.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Defining Success</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	For different people, success comes at different shapes and sizes. For Joshi, it comes in the form of satisfaction and joy. He recalls his initial days when he used to be filled with joy on closing a deal. “Everything does not remain the same forever. I am constantly in search of what next. If the newness is missing, pleasure diminishes,” he explains, “More than money, I enjoy the process of making money.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi suggests sincerity and dedication to the work is must for both satisfaction and achieving success. “You have to believe on what you do and you have to be passionate about it. When one enjoys work, money does not become the first priority and success will automatically follow. Money is its by-product,” says he.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>The Personal Space</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	When it comes to bridging the professional and personal life, Joshi likes them to remain at a distance. He does not mix the two. He says that unless it is an emergency, he neither takes official work to home nor receives any work related phone calls from home. Saturdays are the days when he likes spending time with his family and giving chances to his hobbies and interests. When he gets free time, he adores going little adventurous. He loves hiking, trekking, cycling and roaming around in the nature. Joshi has also recently developed new hobbies – photography and golf. He plans to give more time to his interests and his desires that were sidelined on the process of pursuing bigger professional dreams.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	It has been more than two decades since he first started working. So, he desires to give some extra time for himself reducing the working hours. “I have been thinking to minimise my working hours and give little extra time for my personal interests,” Joshi promises.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Similarly, at the back of his mind he has been slowly making rough sketch of retirement and succession planning. He wants to groom somebody capable so that he can handover his responsibilities. However, he does not plan to completely abandon his company and profession.</p>',
			'published' => true,
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			'description' => 'Trishakti Joshi, CEO of Elite Networks, likes to keep himself ahead of the market which he wants to conquer with new technologies and every service that come attached to it. The believer in work, passion and dedication finds success in every satisfying moment he has found in the pursuit of his professional goals.',
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			'id' => '814',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'The Rise, Fall And Rise Of Malhotra',
			'sub_title' => '',
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			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><span style="text-align: justify;">By Gaurav Aryal</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="text-align: justify;"><img align="left" alt="" height="211" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_malhotra.jpg" style="margin:0 10px 0 0;" width="350" />Every journey is a reward. No matter how painful a journey may become, it takes one to a destination where one really wants to be. Deepak Malhotra has had a journey with more bitterness than anything else. Executive Chairman of International Marketing Services Pvt Ltd (IMS), Malhotra’s journey as an entrepreneur has been full of upheavals.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	He has tried his luck in numerous business ventures. Though most of them did not perform well, Malhotra is now on a safe haven of business. &nbsp;He thinks he is half the way towards achieving success although some of the sectors like housing where he has invested are not doing well. For Malhotra, success comes along with recognition, public relation and active involvement in work. IMS is the authorised distributor of Samsung mobiles for Nepal. IMS has its sister concerns that import, market and sell mobile phones and provide after-sales services.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Along with IMS, Malhotra is part of numerous businesses mostly in partnership such as Silver Valley Developers Pvt Ltd, a housing development company and Ebisu Jewelleries, a jewellery showroom at Durbar Marg. He also imports SWC branded watches. All these companies are under an umbrella corporate house – the IMS Group. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra was in his school days when he started understanding the nitty-gritty of doing business. His father owned a hotel named Mansarovar when there were less than a dozen hotels in Nepal. Malhotra says that he started looking after some of the responsibilities in the hotel when he was still a school kid.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	It was in 1979 when Malhotra began a business of his own. He started off with importing watches. Malhotra, who has an avid interest in travelling, was on a tour to Hong Kong when the idea of trading clicked. He claims he did not borrow a single penny from his parents to start off his trading venture. Malhotra, however, recalls borrowing Rs 50,000 from his friends as the seed money for his initiative. He studied the market and the profit prospects and made a sole decision.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	It was just the beginning for him. Soon, he diversified his business and started importing products other than watches such as motor parts, salt, gold etc. Although it as his own brainchild, Malhotra believes, he drew subtle inspirations from his father to enter the corporate world.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra ventured into numerous sectors in the years that followed his trading initiative. It was around the mid 1990s when he produced three Nepali feature films. His first movie was Chahana, and the second was Sauta. He further invested in two other cinemas, Sannani and Ragat, along with a partner. He recalls, “None of those movies did good business. The movie market had not flourished in Nepal back then. And, I also realised that movie making is not my forte.”&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Then came the carpets. As carpet export was burgeoning, Malhotra was attracted to the lucrative business of wool carding and exporting carpets. However this too was short-lived. Then he began importing salt from India and selling it in the Nepali market under the brand name of Himali Noon. Malhotra claims that this initiative of his was able to break the monopoly of the state-owned Salt Trading Corporation (STC). “My entry as a new salt trader had created competition in the market. The consumers benefited from the reduced price of salt,” he recalls. Then the government introduced a vicious plan to drive away the private player to give the monopoly over salt trading back to the STC.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In 1998, Malhotra turned his hands to the paging business. There were five companies offering pager services, but Malhotra’s DTI Paging had an edge over them as it provided its services throughout the country. But it seems he had entered the paging business at the wrong time. Mobile telephony had entered the country a year in advance - in 1997 – and the idea of paging soon proved obsolete. This was another setback in his business career.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra saw a huge prospect in what had killed his paging business – the mobile phones. And soon, &nbsp;he started importing handsets. He recalls those years when, unlike today, the import of mobile was not open. During those days, one had to acquire a license from the Ministry of Communication to import mobile phone sets. Mlahotra got this license and started importing handsets manufactured by brands like Nokia, Panasonic, Motorola and Samsung. In 2001, IMS was appointed the authorised distributor of Samsung mobiles for Nepal. Since then, it has been importing and selling Samsung mobiles in Nepal. With the giant leap of Samsung brand worldwide, this brand has regained its number one position in Nepal too, according to Malhotra. With the growing popularity of the Samsung brand, Malhotra’s has a steady business. He has taken a positive turn, after facing one failure after another.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Though the Samsung watches were discontinued and renamed as SWC Watches, his company is trading in this Korean watch brand even today. Meanwhile, with the boom of the housing industry in 2008, Malhotra invested in the housing sector as well. Silver City Apartments is under construction under his builder Silver Valley Developers. However the housing sector too is not doing well at the moment.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra believes that most of his past business ventures failed because he went after his whims and tied up with the wrong partners. However, he thinks most of his past ventures failed because of external factors rather than any weakness in his managerial skills. “The trading business that I initiated is doing well even today,” he says, “All those incidents taught me that it is useless to venture into a new area without properly understanding it.” So, he suggests others not to start any project without understanding its fundamentals. He also prescribes to do those things which can be kept in a tight grip and not try to do everything at once. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra is happy with what he has today. He is determined to continue the mobile phone trading. Along with it, he is planning to step into new sectors where the entire country sees prospects –tourism, hydropower and agriculture. He believes these are the best three sectors that can push Nepal towards development. However, he expects the government to create basic infrastructures so that the private sector can do the rest.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	What would he be doing had he not entered business? “Probably, I would be in politics,” he says jokingly, recalling his days at &nbsp;Shanker Dev Campus where he did some student politics. “If I failed in politics, I would continue my father’s business,” he is quick to add. He &nbsp;now indeed has plans to invest in the hotel industry too. Malhotra says he is an independent citizen and thinks that a businessperson should not be involved in active politics.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	No matter what life brought to him, Malhotra believes he never left the policy of truth. At the times of difficulty, he says he received the support from his close friends and family members. “They always have trust and belief in me,” he appreciates them.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The only regret he has in his life is his inability to recognise the pretence of Rasendra Bhattarai. Malhotra says he wasted his time and resources believing in Bhattarai, who proved to be nothing but a hoax at the end.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra believes that management is the most important element in running a business house. So, he has dedicated all his management, distribution and marketing tasks to the management team while he looks after the financial matters and monitors as well as guides the team.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	He plans to hand over some of his responsibilities to his son who is soon returning after completing his studies in the United Kingdom. However, &nbsp;he wants to remain an active part of the business before he retires at 70. “As of now, the decision making &nbsp;is centralised in me. But I will be soon giving the decision making authority to my son,” he shares his plans. There are around 200 employees working under Malhotra at present. To cheer up the employees, his company has provisions of declaring the employee of the month and also the employee of the year. He says those who win these titles get attractive incentives. The company also organises various motivational programmes throughout the year, every year.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra is a sort of workaholic. He spends his weekdays working while he loves to spend his Saturdays with his family. However, he prefers completing his pending works on Saturday. Malhotra likes to keep himself socially active. He is also the senior Vice President of Club Fifty where cohorts in their 50s take part in various philanthropic activities. The club organises free health camps in the villages and distributes aids like wheelchairs to the physically challenged people.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="" height="252" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_malhotra(1).jpg" width="300" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong style="font-size: 14px; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Personal side</strong></p>
<p>
	•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>&nbsp;Loves travelling</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Prefers going on a vacation at least once a year</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Works from home until 1 pm&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Socially active and likes to attend parties</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Loves Sports</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Played for an A-Division football Club – Sundhara</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Advisor to Manang Marshyangdi Club and Patron of Boys Union Club</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Can’t keep anything secret</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Loves latest and trendy gadgets and uses Samsung Galaxy SIII</p>',
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			'description' => 'Everything that begins eventually comes to an end. This is true about success or failure as well. Deepak Malhotra dared to fight against the failures that came to him. Though the journey he has walked in his life was not a fun filled journey, it has definitely been a thrilling voyage.',
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			'title' => 'Tourism Entrepreneur Shakya’s Album Launched',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'November 27: Tourism entrepreneur Karna Shakya’s music album “Ma Nagarik Kasari Banu” was launched in Kathmandu on Sunday.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:13px">November 27: Tourism entrepreneur Karna Shakya&rsquo;s music album &ldquo;Ma Nagarik Kasari Banu&rdquo; was launched in Kathmandu on Sunday, November 26. Legendary lyricist Ratna Shamsher Thapa launched the album composed by Shakya and sung by Karna Das amid a function.</span></p>

<p>Thapa said that Shakya has added another identity as a lyricist in his list and the songs will make general people aware and alert about their duties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Music critic Prakash Sayami mentioned that the songs of Shakya include the theme of citizens&rsquo; duties. Das said that Shakya&rsquo;s album delivers a message on how to become a responsible citizen.</p>

<p>Shakya said that though it is easy to suggest people on how one should be, we lack the sense of correcting ourselves. So, the songs will motivate people to be self conscious about such issues.&nbsp;</p>
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			'created' => '2017-11-27',
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			'title' => 'A Visionary Developer',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Om Rajbhandary, Executive Chairman of Brihat Group and Chairman of Comfort Housing is a long-familiar name in Nepali real estate sector. Many may find it hard to believe that one of the most prominent developers and the pioneer of community housing in Nepal actually started his career as Medical Representative. Rajbhandary, a promoter of planned urbanization has conquered a lot in the real estate sector, and has a lot more up his sleeve.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Rajbhandary, a real estate expert, developer and builder and pioneer of community living in Nepal doesn&rsquo;t like to be known only as a businessman. &ldquo;I am not just working for my business, I am working for the betterment of entire real estate sector of Nepal,&rdquo; says Rajbhandary. Rajbhandary, over the years, has made enormous contribution for the professional management of the sector. Brihat Group has been publishing a newsletter for the last six years to educate and aware the people about the sector and about its market. Rajbhandary was the first person to work as a Real Estate Faculty Member of Ace Institute of Management and in Apex College. He has taught Real Estate, an optional subject to MBA and BBA students in these colleges.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Rajbhandary has been promoting real estate, infrastructure and urbanization through presentations in various national and international programmes. He is also the Visiting Speaker of Thai Real Estate School of Business, and is regarded as a key speaker in Asia-Pacific region. He was also the first to introduce Real Estate Marketing Agent Course in Nepal in 2009 to generate certified real estate marketing agents. At present, Brihat Group has produced more than a hundred such agents. &nbsp;He has played a major role in many fairs and expos, and has been the coordinator of various real estate exhibitions. Rajbhandary has also addressed the issue of the sector in the government, and is always coordinating with government authorities and international agencies like IFC and IMF for improving the sector.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>The Genesis</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Surprisingly, Rajbhandary started his career as a Medical Representative for a company called Winthrop in the year 1984. Soon, he was promoted to District Sales Manager. He left the job in 1992, when he was further promoted and had to go to India. &ldquo;I always wanted to work in my own country and become an entrepreneur. So I left the job after nine years,&rdquo; said Rajbhandary. His experience in Winthrob taught him corporate culture, and he also learnt a lot about administration. Back in his head , he had plans of doing his own business. In the same year, he, with five other partners, started CE Constructions. The company then started dealing with construction business, successfully carrying out government and private construction projects.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The first project of CE Constructions was the installation of transmission line in Lumbini. Other major projects accomplished by the company in the following decade include Gokarna Golf Resort, Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), Sagarmatha Chaudhary Eye Hospital in Lahan, Siddhartha Children and Women Hospital in Butwal, Buddha Maya Garden Hotel at Lumbini and extended portion of B and B Hospital among others.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;After a decade of its inception, CE Constructions was a popular name in Nepali market. Around the same time, Rajbhandary came up with the concept of community housing, which was a relatively new concept in Nepal back then. In the year 2001, he started the construction of Comfort Housing with the concept of community living. &ldquo;It was started with the concept of providing customers with stand-alone housing units with property ownership, infrastructure and amenities,&rdquo; explained Rajbhandary. But like any new idea, his idea of community living wasn&rsquo;t readily accepted in the market. It took some time for the market to get used to the new concept.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	There were 76 houses in his first Comfort Housing Community Living project at Sitapaila, and it took him two years to sell all the houses. Within the two years&rsquo; time, the concept gradually picked up, and his second such project at Budhanilkantha was completely booked in two days, and sold within six months. &ldquo;This proved that the market has slowly accepted the concept of community living. We were encouraged by this, and constructed even more such housings,&rdquo; says Rajbhandary. &nbsp;The popularity and credibility of the housing grew so much that the next Comfort Housing project at Ichhangu had to be sold with lottery system. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Going Beyond</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to Rajbhandary, he is committed to enhance the quality of life of Nepalis. &ldquo;For this, we had to go beyond Kathmandu. So we searched for good locations, and constructed our fourth Comfort Housing in Dharan,&rdquo; says he. At the same time, Rajbhandary again started something new, the idea of Vertical Community Living or apartments. Then he constructed The Comfort Housing (TCH) Tower-2 at Lazimpat which was ready by year 2006. It also was a huge success as all the apartments were sold out in a single day. In 2007, TCH Tower-3 was ready. &ldquo;There were 41 apartments, and for that we received 350 applications. That too was sold with lottery system,&rdquo; says he. For the sale of his next two ventures TCH Community Living at Thaiba and TCH Tower-4 at Sitapaila, potential buyers were informed three months in prior. &nbsp;The demand was so high that these two properties also had to be sold on lottery basis.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As Comfort Housing only concentrated on community living houses and apartments, Rajbhandary thought of constructing other housing structures like senior housing, rental housing, environment friendly housing and low cost housing among others. &ldquo;To move on further with this, I started Brihat Investments Pvt Ltd in the year 2008,&rdquo; says he. According to him, Brihat Investments was started to promote real estate investment, entrepreneurship and marketing. Under the company, he constructed first environment-friendly community living with the theme of eco-urbanization at Ramkot. These houses have eco-friendly features like UV protected windows, reduced use of wood, rain water conservation, solar street lights and proper disposal of household wastes among others. There are 76 units in the community, and 30 units are handed over and 18 units are already occupied. Brihat Group now has four companies under it, Brihat Investments Pvt Ltd, Brihat Developers and Builders Pvt Ltd, Swayambhu Hotels and Apartments Pvt Ltd and Pioneer Developers and Builders Pvt Ltd.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Rajbhandary was born in 2019 BS in Yangal of Kathmandu to Late Bishnu Bahadur Rajbhandary and Narayan Devi Rajbhandary. Growing up, he was very close with his grandfather Bhairab Bahadur Rajbhandary. He is the youngest among two sisters and a brother. He did his schooling from Laboratory School till grade 8, and did his SLC from Viswa Niketan School. He did his Intermediate and Bachelor degree in science from Amrit Science Campus.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Present and Future</strong></span></div>
<div>
	After the recession in housing sector about four years back, there have been some issues in lending and project financing. According to Rajbhandary, Nepal still has deficit of housing, but owing to the increased price of land, huge housing projects are not a possibility for now. &ldquo;To cope with this problem, we have come up with the idea of cluster housing. There are only houses in cluster housing without other infrastructures and community facilities,&rdquo; explains Rajbhandary. He is launching three such projects in Kathmandu within 2014.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In the future, Rajbhandary wants to develop the core city area of Kathmandu as a safe shelter to reduce the risk of earthquakes. He also wants to transform the area with better management in terms of transportation, sanitation and ventilation. Rajbhandary is also in favour of conserving our cultural heritages. &nbsp;He also wants to develop new towns to adjust with the growing population, and has dreams of bringing a public limited company for housing sector. &ldquo;I want planned urbanization to foster, not only in Kathmandu but all over Nepal,&rdquo; says the ambitious builder.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Personal Side</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Rajbhandary married Purnima Rajbhandary in the year 2050 BS. &ldquo;My wife has an enormous contribution towards my success. We are very compatible with each other, and enjoy a very friendly and happy relation,&rdquo; says he. &nbsp;She is an MBA graduate, also the CEO of Brihat Investments. The couple is blessed with a son Brihat, and under his name, the entire group is established. He is doing his engineering in Canada, and Rajbhandary wants his son to support his business with newer technologies, and take it to newer heights. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He says he is a very helpful person with a light heart, and is popular among his friends, family and acquaintances. He considers leadership and eloquence among his strengths, and advocates independence and freedom of decision making. &ldquo;I believe in god, and respect my ancestors. I pay respect to the both every morning before I have my breakfast,&rdquo; says the faithful man. Besides his work, he is busy socializing. He loves travelling, listening to music and loves gadgets. Rajbhandary doesn&rsquo;t want to splurge on cars, and drives a Kia Sportage and Ford Classic.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Afterword</strong></span></div>
<div>
	A strong believer of entrepreneurship, Rajbhandary is contented with the fact that he has contributed to the nation through his constructions and employment. &ldquo;As our country is in political transition, the society has expectations form business leaders like us. We should be responsible towards the society,&rdquo; says he. According to him, knowledge is not a private property, and all should transform knowledge for the better good of society and country. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Involvements</strong></span></div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Founding Chairman and Promoter, CE Constructions&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Director, Ace School</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Board Member, Industrial Promotion Board, Department of Industries&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Board Member, Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Management Board</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Executive Committee Member, FNCCI</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Coordinator, Urban Development Forum, FNCCI</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Third Vice President, Nepal Land and Housing Developers&rsquo; Association&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>National Team Member, Habitat for Humanity International&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Member, Canada Nepal Business Executive Committee&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lifetime Special Member, Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce of Industry (CACCI)</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Executive Committee Member, SAARC Chambers of Commerce and Industry (SCCI)</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Administrative Director/General Secretary, Hospice Nepal</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Senior Vice President/Fund Raising Committee Coordinator, Nepal Ambulance Service</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chairperson-Vocational Service Project, Rotary Club of Kasthamandap</div>',
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			'title' => 'A Twist Of Time',
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			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Binayak Shah, the President of European Economic Chamber Nepal, Vice President of Summit Group of Hotels and Resorts and Managing Director of Airport Hotel, had started his career from the young age of 17. Though deterred from business as a youth, he ultimately ended up where he was supposed to: in a mega scale business of hospitality and World Expos. Shah, who likes to call himself a development oriented businessman, says that making money is not his sheer aspiration. &ldquo;I feel that I have to help my country through my business, only then it becomes fruitful,&rdquo; says Shah.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah started off as a journalist and used to work for Gorkhapatra and Radio Nepal. &ldquo;I used to do reporting and proof reading for Gorkhapatra, and did news monitoring for Radio Nepal. That&rsquo;s where I believe I started my career,&rdquo; recalls Shah.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah says he was always oriented towards business, since a very young age. His father never held a job; he was involved in trade and commercial agriculture and did jute and other plantations on a big scale. &nbsp;Unfortunately, a flood in Koshi once swept away all their land and plantation, sending his father deep in debt. His father was deeply shocked by the event, lost a lot of money and stopped doing business. His father also advised him to get a government job and keep away from business.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shah was born in 1953 in Durbar Marg of Kathmandu to Late Devendra Bahadur Shah and Gauri Shah. Shah was the eldest of three sisters and a brother. His house was in the same place where Hotel Annapurna is today. &nbsp;&ldquo;I was born and brought up there till the age of ten. We had to sell our property owing to pressure from the Royal Palace back then as there were plans of establishing the hotel,&rdquo; recalls Shah. Then the family moved to ancestral house in Gyaneshwor, and Shah still resides in the same place today.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah did his schooling from Shanti Vidya Griha. He says he was admitted directly in Grade 5 as he used to take home tuitions prior to joining school. He completed his SLC from there, and did his IA from Mahendra Ratna College. He did his graduation from Trichandra College, and finished his Masters in Economic from TU. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Initiation</strong></span></div>
<div>
	After completing his studies, Shah opted for government job. He joined the then Trade Promotion Centre and worked there for 16 years. He served there in various positions including Department Head and In-charge of International Marketing. During his tenure, he promoted Nepal and Nepali products like carpets, garments and handicrafts in Western European countries. He worked with various international development agencies like GTZ, International Trade Centre and others to promote Nepali products in Europe. &nbsp;&ldquo;I participated in numerous international trade fairs and exhibitions back then,&rdquo; says Shah. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As a Thakuri, job in army or police was another prospect for him, but life had other plans for him. Thanks to his job in Trade Promotion centre, his orientation towards business grew even stronger. &ldquo;Government jobs didn&rsquo;t suit me well, there were lot of political interferences, still I held on for some time,&rdquo; says he.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	During his 16 years government job, he made a lot of contacts and relations with international business community. Then he left the job in 1992, and with his initiation, Nepal German Chamber of Commerce and Industries was formed. Shah was the first CEO of the Chamber and he fostered the trade between Nepal and Germany during his tenure. &ldquo;I formed Business Advisory Service program which was a result of cooperation between German Development Bank and Nepal German Chamber. The program helped numerous SMEs in upgrading their capacities in terms of export,&rdquo; says Shah. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Later Years</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shah&rsquo;s involvement in Trade Promotion Centre and Nepal German Chamber of Commerce and Industry made him ready to do business on his own. &ldquo;I had assisted numerous businesses as Business Development Consultant. Later I thought that it was time for me to start something of my own,&rdquo; says Shah. &nbsp; In the year 2000, he jumped into business and became a full time business person. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah then started organizing mega-scale international fairs, events and exhibitions that promote Nepal and Nepali products. He specializes in constructing Nepali pavilions with life-size replicas of Nepali temples and structures illustrating art and architecture of Nepal in World Expositions around the globe. World Exposition is a huge public exhibition that is organized around the world by Bureau of international Exposition (BIE), Paris, of which Nepal is also a member. A total of 167 countries are member of BIE.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="center" width="100">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Nepal Pavillion at Expo 2010 Shanghai, designed, built and operated by IEG" src="/userfiles/images/prs2%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 550px; height: 368px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#DDDDDD">
				<div align="center">
					Nepal Pavillion at Expo 2010 Shanghai, designed, built and operated by IEG</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Present Times</strong></span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;Shah participates in the World Expos through his company Implementing Export Group (IEG), where he is also the Director of International Marketing and Promotion. Shah has constructed various themed Nepali pavilions in World Expos in Germany, China, Japan, Australia, South Korea and other countries. &nbsp;His pavilions have been viewed by millions of people worldwide. &ldquo;The participation in World Expos massively supports tourism, trade and goodwill of Nepal. We represent entire Nepal in a small scale in these Expos,&rdquo; says Shah. The next World Expo is going to be held in Milan in 2015 with the theme &lsquo;Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life&rsquo;, and Shah is currently busy preparing for it.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;The Expos do a lot of promotion of Nepal and supports Nepal in numerous ways,&rdquo; says he. Shah, who recently turned 60, says that participating in these Expos required him to stay overseas for a long time. &ldquo;Since travelling very frequently doesn&rsquo;t suit me, I started looking after Airport Hotel as Managing Director,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Personal Side</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shah married Shanta Shah in 1979, and the couple has a son and a daughter Bishan and Ojaswi. Shah says he is busy on all days, and doesn&rsquo;t usually take leave even on Saturdays. &ldquo;When I am free, I get restless. I have to be working all the time and I like to keep myself occupied all the time. Free time makes you worry, and I try to avoid that,&rdquo; says a workaholic Shah. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah gets up at 5:30 in the morning and is always at his office at Airport Hotel at 8:30. He holds a meeting everyday among his staffs. &ldquo;There are various departments, and all have to be coordinated for the smooth operation of Hotel. I coordinate between all the departments through the meeting every day,&rdquo; explains Shah. &nbsp;According to him, maintaining good personal relation with the staffs is the key to make them more productive and motivate them. In the day, he looks after the tasks of Summit Group of Hotels and Resorts. Shah&rsquo;s evenings are spent in socializing and get-togethers and parties. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah used to play cricket when he was young, and also was the captain of his team in University. He still finds time to watch cricket on TV, and is a fan of Nepali cricket team. He also loves photography and travelling. &ldquo;My business has allowed me to travel a lot. I have travelled Europe extensively, and many other countries around the world,&rdquo; says he. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="center" width="100">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Shah with his family" src="/userfiles/images/prs1%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 550px; height: 368px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#DDDDDD">
				<div align="center">
					Shah with his family</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Word of Advice</strong></span></div>
<div>
	&ldquo;I am a self made man; I am where I am only because of me. I have no regrets, and I am happy,&rdquo; says the contented man. In his words, time is the most crucial thing in one&rsquo;s life, and it should never be wasted. &ldquo;Time is the most important thing, it won&rsquo;t wait for you and you won&rsquo;t get it back. If you act on time, you can achieve a lot, if you miss it, it won&rsquo;t come back for you,&rdquo; says Shah. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah believes that Nepal has come have a long way in a few years, but still a lot needs to be done. &nbsp;&ldquo;All entrepreneurs and businessmen should think for the country and make long term plans. No one gets rich overnight,&rdquo; says he. &nbsp;According to Shah, Nepal&rsquo;s true potential is in numerous sectors, we Nepalis just have to be sincere towards our work. &ldquo;Nepal cannot compete with India and China in manufacturing, but it is not the same scenario in herbs, tourism and hydropower. We should be able to capitalize our resources,&rdquo; says Shah. Shah also believes that if we can commercialize agro-forestry, then we can feed the entire world. &nbsp;</div>',
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			'created' => '2014-02-20',
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			'description' => 'Binayak Shah, the President of European Economic Chamber Nepal, Vice President of Summit Group of Hotels and Resorts and Managing Director of Airport Hotel, had started his career from the young age of 17. Though deterred from business as a youth, he ultimately ended up where he was supposed to:',
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			'id' => '2311',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Liberal Feminist',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<div>
		<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		After years of working in education sector and in areas of women empowerment and entrepreneurship development, Sharma has recently entered into politics. Sharma, who likes to call herself a social entrepreneur, is also a candidate for the Constituent Assembly polls under Proportional Representation electoral system from Madhesi People&#39;s Rights Forum in the recent CA Elections. &ldquo;Politics will be my major focus from now onwards. I will bring forth the issues of women, youth and employment through politics,&rdquo; says Sharma.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Sharma has been working in the education sector since last 15 years, and believes that education is the most fundamental need. She has played the role of a pioneer in introducing Tourism Studies at the academic level in Nepal by starting Nepal College of Travel and Tourism Management in 1996. &ldquo;I was inspired to open the college as tourism is the top most potential that Nepal has. I started the college to take tourism and education hand in hand. This is the first college to provide formal tourism education in Nepal,&rdquo; says she. According to her, this is the only college in South Asia that offers Bachelor level courses&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		in Tourism. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		The college provides academic courses like Bachelor in Travel and Tourism Management, Bachelor in Hotel management and Masters in Travel and Tourism Management. &ldquo;My intention for starting the college was to merge education with tourism and help in providing employment through it. As Travel and Tourism Management is a professional course, the employment rate is very high, at around 98 per cent,&rdquo; informed Sharma. She is also the Founder Director of Kaasthamandap Vidhalaya.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
	<strong style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Chhaya Sharma" src="/userfiles/images/prsnlt1%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 250px; height: 328px;" /></strong>
	<div>
		Sharma was born in Dillibazar of Kathmandu to Late Rohini Prasad Pant and Janaki Devi. &nbsp;She says she enjoyed a childhood that was very happy and well provided for. &ldquo;I grew up with my elder brother and little sister. We were taught from our childhood to care for others, and for those who are less fortunate,&rdquo; recalls Sharma. &nbsp;She did her schooling from Saint Mary&rsquo;s School. Sharma says she was brought up in a very disciplined environment, both at home and at school. &nbsp;She believes all her traits and characters developed from her education and upbringing.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Sharma still remembers not having any definite career goals as a young girl. &ldquo;As I grew up in well to do family, I didn&rsquo;t gave much thought to career when I was young, but still I had the feeling that I should somehow contribute to the society,&rdquo; says she. After school, she did her Intermediates from Ratna Rajya Laxmi Girls College, and later went to Delhi to study Interior Designing. After completing the course, she returned to Kathmandu. At that time, Interior Designing was quite a new thing. She tried a few jobs, but didn&rsquo;t continue it as she didn&rsquo;t see much prospect in it back then.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&ldquo;I again pursued my education, and did my Masters in Sociology from Patan Multiple Campus,&rdquo; shares Sharma. She has also received numerous professional trainings including Conflict Transformation Across Cultures from SIT Graduate Institute Vermont, USA and Social Healing and Leadership in Peace building. It was the same time when Nepal was suffering from armed conflict, and the training helped to give her life a new direction.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Philosophies</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		As an enterprising and creative woman, Sharma strongly believes that economic empowerment is the key to uplift women. &ldquo;I believe in self employment and creativity. Through many associations, I have assisted numerous women empower themselves through skill development, trainings and through micro-credit projects,&rdquo; says Sharma.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Sharma has played an instrumental role in conflict management in the then war-torn areas like Kailali and Rukum. She got involved with organizations like Women Entrepreneur&rsquo;s Association and Karuna Centre. &nbsp;Also, her major involvement was in area of women empowerment through entrepreneurship development and employment generation. After the conflict ended, she was engaged in peace building process in communities. She has conducted numerous researches on Micro Enterprise Development in many remote areas of Nepal. &nbsp;Sharma is also the Board Member Institute for Conflict Management, Peace and Development (ICPD) and a Life Member of Human Rights Association of Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Along with advocating for equal rights for women, Sharma also believes that responsibilities should be equally divided between male and female. &ldquo;Though the structure of our society is patriarchal, but it&rsquo;s gradually changing. We should open our arms to change, but should not let go of our culture and values,&rdquo; says Sharma. &nbsp;However, she strictly disapproves of women working only in the households. &ldquo;Women can contribute economically, and they should look after their family as well,&rdquo; says she. She also believes in economic evaluation of women&rsquo;s household work.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Chhaya Sharma" src="/userfiles/images/prsntlt2%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 250px; height: 347px;" />Personal Side</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Sharma is married to Pranesh Sharma, and says her relation with her husband is based on respect and friendship. &ldquo;We are very compatible with each other, and share everything, no matter how small or big. I think every relation should be based on friendship for it to last forever,&rdquo; says she. A mother of a son and a daughter- Pranav and Pallavi, Sharma says that she is blessed with a very happy and close-knit family.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Sharma starts her day with a cup of tea with her husband. She believes in keeping herself fit, and goes to gym every day. &nbsp;Her days are spent in meetings, in managing her college and in various organizations. Refusing to do any work on Saturdays, she relaxes on weekends and watches TV and reads biographies of famous personalities. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>The Road Ahead</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Sharma has recently entered into politics, and plans to make it her major focus in the days to come. &ldquo;I was always interested in politics, but I wanted to have adequate resources, skill and knowledge first. Now I think I am capable of contributing through politics,&rdquo; shares Sharma. Sharma recalls advocating and lobbying with the government for women empowerment through FWEAN. That&rsquo;s when she figured out that there were many difference in policy making level, and more women were needed there. &ldquo;All the decisions are made at the upper level, and it need more voice from women. That level could only be reached through politics. That&rsquo;s another reason why I am in politics now,&rdquo; says she. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Given the present situation of women in Nepal, Sharma thinks that they need some priority, so that they can have a level playing field. She advocates for reservation for women until they are equally placed. &nbsp;&ldquo;As women lack numerous opportunities in our country, they need some push for a certain time, until they can face the competition with men&rdquo;, says she. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		According to Sharma, women entrepreneurs need to believe in themselves first, and should move ahead with a strong and positive attitude. &ldquo;Follow three Ds, determination, dedication and finally the devotion for a cause. Success will surely come your way,&rdquo; advises Sharma.</div>
</div>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-22',
			'modified' => '2013-12-30',
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			'description' => 'Chhaya Sharma, Chairperson of Women’s Committee-Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Founder/Director of Nepal College of Travel and Tourism Management says that education is the major driving force for development of society, community and country as a whole. “When people are educated, they become aware of their rights and will fight for it,” says Sharma who is also the Immediate Past President of Federation of Women Entrepreneurs’ Association of Nepal (FWEAN).',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2181',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Fighting Spirit',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Just like every lock has its key, all the problems come with a solution,&rdquo; says Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, MD, Panchakanya Group, one of the leading manufacturers of construction materials in Nepal. Shrestha has managed the Group for almost three decades, and is still directing it towards new avenues. Shrestha says that his new ventures will be in areas of hydropower and agriculture. &ldquo;As our base is manufacturing, we will continue focusing on industries and manufacturing. Besides, hydropower and agriculture will be our next area,&rdquo; he says. According to him, Panchakanya Group is a household name in Nepal, and enjoys a good reputation. &ldquo;We have nationwide dealership network and we are known as quality manufacturers. We never compromise in the quality of our products. What we are is all because of the trust of our customers,&rdquo; says Shrestha.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, MD, Panchakanya Group" src="/userfiles/images/prsn2%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 300px; height: 410px;" />Origin of Group</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group started as Panchakanya Rice Mill in 2028 BS, named after five Hindu goddesses Durga, Saraswati, Laxmi, Radha and Annapurna. The next major venture was Panchakanya Iron Industries in Kotihawa (Bhairahawa) of Rupandehi district. There wasn&rsquo;t much industrial development in western Nepal back then. So the company also opened two industries that manufactured pipe and steel in Bhairahawa in around 2040 BS. Today, Panchakanya Group is renowned as one of the pioneers in manufacturing sector and there are around a dozen industries under the group, and has generated thousands of employment opportunities.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shrestha joined the Group in the year 1985 after completing his studies. &nbsp;When he first joined, he used to handle all the aspects of business, from managing the finances to correspondence. This was also because he was a student of commerce, and also because the Group was not what it is today. &ldquo;I started in a small way, and I am happy that I have played my part in changing the business to what it is today,&rdquo; says Shrestha. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>The Turning Point</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Before going to college, Shrestha says he didn&rsquo;t always think of being a business man or joining his family business. &ldquo;I wanted to study science and become an engineer. So I applied to Amrit Science Campus. But it was very hard to get admission in those days, so I wasn&rsquo;t selected.&rdquo; One day, a friend of his father told him that if he becomes a successful businessman, he will get many engineers to work for him. His words changed his mind, and then went to Darjeeling to study B Com.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	After his graduation, he didn&rsquo;t want to go abroad for his further studies. Also, his father wanted him to study here as it would also help him in building relations. So he joined TU and did MBA. Shrestha was the student of first MBA batch of TU. &ldquo;I proudly say that I completed my Masters from Nepal. Whenever I am abroad and people ask me where I studied, I proudly tell them the fact,&rdquo; says Shrestha. By doing so, he believes he has also conveyed a message that the educational system of Nepal is at par. &nbsp;After finishing his studies, he joined the family business and has been handling it since then.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shrestha was born in Illam in 2016 to Prem Bahadur Shrestha and Neel Kumari Shrestha. He says he was very active and restless since his childhood. He used to take part in every sport possible, and was very athletic.&rdquo;I wasn&rsquo;t an excellent student, but rather an above average one,&rdquo; recalls Shrestha. He studied in a local school in Fikkal till grade four, and did the rest of his schooling from Victoria Boys School in Kharsang of &nbsp;Arunachal Pradesh in India. He completed his graduation in Commerce from North Point College in Darjeeling.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shrestha gives all the credit for the current status of the Group and his success to his father Prem Bahadur Shrestha. His father was the one to initate the business as the founder. &ldquo;My father taught me everything about business. He passed his business ethics on to me and taught me how to be successful in business. Ours is a family business, and it will continue for generations to come,&rdquo; says Shrestha.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shrestha says his father laid a very strong foundation, and his generation has added bricks to that foundation. Shrestha, under his management, has made the Group evolve and brought it where it is today. &ldquo;We are happy about what we have done. But if the country was in a better condition, we could have done much more. Even in this adverse time, we are trying to grow,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, MD, Panchakanya Group" src="/userfiles/images/prsn1%20(Copy).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 412px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Personal Side</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shrestha loves sports, and is very keen golfer and plays every other day. He says he is a very competitive person in every aspect and strives for victory. The same reflects in his business and also in golf. &ldquo;I cannot be second, I am a fighter and I have to win,&rdquo; says he. According to him, sport is not only good for health, but also makes you better in every aspect. &ldquo;Sports teach you to accept defeat. It has taught me that if you lose, it doesn&rsquo;t mean you are a loser, it just means you have to try harder,&rdquo; says Shrestha. He says that people usually don&rsquo;t realize how close they are to success. &nbsp;According to him, defeats should be analyzed, and worked upon again.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Despite his very busy schedule, Shrestha almost always manages to go wherever he is invited. &ldquo;Wherever people invite me, I go there and show my presence. That is in my nature. I have dinner in my family only once a week, so I have breakfast in my home every day,&rdquo; says he. Sports and social engagements are what keep Shrestha busy. Shrestha travels extensively, and goes for vacation once a year with his family. Shrestha loves to travel with his wife Usha and sons Udeep and Ashik. &nbsp;He also likes to travel to remote areas Nepal and go trekking with his family. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Philosophies</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shrestha strongly believes that every person can contribute in his own way to develop the nation. &ldquo;I am a responsible citizen, and I feel I have to pay back for what the country has given me. &nbsp;If every Nepali thinks this way, Nepal will be changed in no time. We all can make a difference,&rdquo; says Shrestha. &nbsp;&ldquo;Nepal is not as poor as people generally conceive it to be. I don&rsquo;t think ours is a poor country, only the mindset of the people is poor,&rdquo; says he.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Shrestha, it is unfortunate that Nepal has many problems, but still Nepalis have achieved a lot. He believes that Nepal can be developed and prosperous only if every Nepali acts for it. &ldquo;Every Nepali should think that he should contribute his part, and start thinking collectively. &nbsp;There is no other way, and no one other than Nepalis will develop Nepal,&rdquo; says Shrestha.</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-11-28',
			'modified' => '2013-12-16',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => '“Just like every lock has its key, all the problems come with a solution,” says Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, MD, Panchakanya Group, one of the leading manufacturers of construction materials in Nepal. Shrestha has managed the Group for almost three decades, and is still directing it towards new avenues.',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2064',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'An Unintentional Journey',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong>--By Sagar Ghimire</strong></div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Jayaram Lamichhane, President of Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN), has many identities associated with him. A teacher turned businessman, Lamichhance, has recently jumped into the fray of politics. Unlike many successful personalities, Lamichhane was a rolling stone, who did not have a thorough planning and a specific career goal to meet in the days to come.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		With the passage of time, he tried to fit himself in different roles, either merely to make his living, an ambition to earn huge amount money or sheer interest to serve the nation. Whatever he met on the way, he accepted it as a career with making sincere and hard efforts to make it happen.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		The ambition to earn money has its roots in his early childhood. The deprivation he experienced during his childhood left an indelible imprint in his mind, always compelling him to think about accumulating wealth. However, he says, he never compromised with his ethics and integrity to make money. Born to Late Jibnath Lamichhane and Late Dewaki Lamichhane in a middle-class family in Makwanpur, he had to endure the grief of his father&rsquo;s demise barely at the age of two. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Multiple identities</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Recently, he has been recommended as a Nepali Congress (NC) candidate for the upcoming Constituent Assembly polls from Makwanpur Constituency-2. He joined the party last month amid a function in Kathmandu, where the party president Sushil Koirala welcomed him by issuing the general membership of the NC.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&ldquo;I joined this democratic party as I want to serve the nation now through politics,&rdquo; shares Lamichhane. He is in the contract business for more than 25 years. During this period, his company has not only constructed hundreds of bridges, roads and buildings, but also worked as a sub-contractor for the construction projects as far as in India, Japan, Cambodia and Qatar.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		He is now leading more than 17,000 contractors of the country as a President of FCAN. Apart from that, he is also a Board Member of Nepal Purwardhar Bikash Company Limited (NPBCL), Nepal&rsquo;s first public limited company building a national toll highway of Asian Highway Standards. The company is in the process of building the Kathmandu-Kulekhani-Hetauda Tunnel Highway (KKHT), a dream project with the 4P initiative (people, public and private partnership).&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Teaching in transition</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		After completing his School Leaving Certificate degree from a local school in the Chitlang, Makwanpur, he decided to teach in a school at Kulekhani to make a living instead of going to college. It was while teaching in the school he decided to appear privately in Intermediate degree exams. He was happy for getting a teaching job as he did not need to worry about bread and butter. Yet, he was looking further for ways to make more money. &ldquo;It was very difficult for me to manage everything with mere Rs 275 per month. So, I was looking for other alternatives,&rdquo; he shares.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Turning Point</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Once, Lamichhane was returning home from Martung, Kulekhani for his holiday. Incidentally, he met one of his relatives Ram Prasad Lamichhane on the way, who happened to work for Mittal Construction Pvt Ltd in a Devighaat Hydropower project. Lamichhane inquired about job possibility in the company. The relative informed him that the company was looking for someone who could look after the project accounts, and had to be stationed in Dhunche in Rasuwa.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Agreeing to work, he went to Kathmandu the next day for the job in the Company. The company offered him Rs 1000 per month for the job. &nbsp;Later, he went to the project site to take up the job of maintaining financial account of the project. However, he did not limit himself to book keeping. &ldquo;Eventually, I learned other aspects like engineering, survey works as well as other aspects of road construction,&rdquo; he recalls. &nbsp;After the completion of that project, he was provided with the overall responsibility of another hydropower project as an in-charge. Impressed with his works, the company later provided him the responsibilities in numerous other projects.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&ldquo;While working for these projects, I had gained a lot of experience and also had an insight of the construction business.&rdquo; he shares. Life was about to open a new door for him, and he was struck with an idea to open his own construction company. &ldquo;When I shared my interest to come up with my own company with the Managing Director Manohari Lal Mittal, he was very affirmative about the idea and encouraged me to pursue what I dreamt of,&rdquo; he says and adds, &ldquo;he did not only encourage with his words but also provided me with a seed fund of Rs 50,000.&rdquo;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		With this capital, he registered his own company Swochhanda Constuction Pvt Ltd in 1989. It did not take him much to speed up the business after establishing his own venture. &nbsp;After the launch of his own company, he never looked back. The first project his company undertook was an irrigation project in Parsa worth Rs 300,000. Till date, he has completed many projects worth billions of rupees, most of them as a sub-contractor for international companies like Japan&rsquo;s Obayashi Corporation and Chinese CWE Company. He says he has been able to win hearts of these international companies, thereby earning accreditation for his company as one of the &lsquo;best&rsquo; in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Personal Nature</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Youngest among five sisters and brothers, Lamichhane did not get a privilege to go to college owing to the poor economic condition. However, he did not let his interest of studying die. Though he had dropped school while he was in grade 8, he rejoined it later realizing that he should continue his study at any cost.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		An introvert during his childhood, his family friends and relatives mistakenly thought him to be arrogant. &nbsp;Today, Lamichhane has much changed and is quite an outspoken person. &ldquo;I was determined to achieve whatever I strived for, and that included my personal aspects as well,&rdquo; he says. &nbsp;Since he did not grow up in a well-off family, he rarely had time to hang out with his friends. &ldquo;I realised from my early childhood that I had to manage the finances myself, and I always felt that I had to stand on my own feet. Owing to my financial problems, I never get a chance and time to truly enjoy my childhood,&rdquo; says Lamichhane.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>&ldquo;Nobody to guide&rdquo;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Behind every successful person, there is somebody whose support becomes instrumental for him. Family, teacher or a mentor, among others, are usually there to push a person forward towards his life goals. However, it was not the case for Lamichhane. &ldquo;I was not lucky enough to have such an opportunity. &nbsp;Whatever I met with in my directionless journey, I had to utilize and adopt it on my own as a career,&rdquo; says Lamichhane.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sustaining Formula</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Lamichhane says that wherever he stands today, it is because of his honesty that he maintained throughout all the situations. &ldquo;Once I even refused a huge project offered by the Obayashi Corporation because I knew I could not deliver the work on their stipulated deadline,&rdquo; he shares, and adds, &ldquo;after I was reluctant to undertake the project, they insisted me to work with them, encouraging me to take the project anyway. They assured me that they will support me in everything to get the project done on time.&rdquo;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		He says that he did not shy away from revealing own weaknesses. &ldquo;The businessmen in Nepal tend to conceal their pitfalls, but I have always tried to be honest,&rdquo; says Lamichhane. He respects the value of labour very much. &nbsp;&ldquo;Be it in a single grain that I eat or a single cup of tea that I sip, there is a value of labour attached with it,&rdquo; he notes.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		He gives the labourers very big credit behind his success in business. &ldquo;For me, I come only after the labourers, who always put their efforts and hard work for the success of any project,&rdquo; he says.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Bad Bidding</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		As a businessman who has spent almost three decades in the construction business, Lamichhane strongly criticizes the tender bidding process of Nepal. The contractors are often accused of employing muscle power and goons for getting the contract in their hands. However, he denies it as a problem. The overall problem emanates from the flawed tender bidding process and the related law, he claims. &ldquo;The tender bidding process neither bodes well to the contractor nor to the beneficiaries. The contractors have to compromise on the quality of the construction as the lowest bidder is awarded with the project,&rdquo; he argues. &nbsp;Frustrated with the lengthy, complicated and flawed process of the tender bidding of the government projects, he underlines the need of overhaul in the bidding process. &ldquo;Else the country and people will have to suffer from the substandard delivery of the projects,&rdquo; he warns.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Hobbies and Family&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Humming songs alone, watching comedy shows and spending times with family are his hobbies. When overloaded and stressed with work, he meditates, and loves to do so in secluded and tranquil location of Dakshinkali. &ldquo;To get rid from the hustle bustle of the city, I sneak to Dakshinkali alone for 2/3 hours to meditate, sometimes even at 10 in the night,&rdquo; he reveals.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		He has three children who are in school. &nbsp;As he is not able to give much time to his family on weekdays, he manages a day in a week for them. &ldquo;My children understand me and are happy with their dad&rsquo;s works,&rdquo; he shares. &nbsp;Lately, travelling and enjoying the natural beauty has become his pastime. He has been to 56 districts of Nepal and also to more than 25 countries. &nbsp;Out of all the countries he has been to, he loves Japan the best while he never gets tired of going to Kulekhani and Daman in Nepal.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Entrepreneurship Essence &nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Years of Unwavering walks have landed Lamichhane in his current position. He didn&rsquo;t have any concrete plans when he started. He, however, advises the aspiring entrepreneurs to think ahead in future and weigh the profitability of the business they want. &ldquo;Never compromise in quality in what you do, and always maintain honesty, regardless of the circumstance. Stick to the deadlines, and always delivered the promised quality. You should be accountable for these two aspects,&rdquo; he cautions. &nbsp;For him, success is seen as what grows after sowing in the barren land. He advises to new generation: &ldquo;Always sow better seeds so that the coming generation would always remember you while reaping and rejoicing the benefits of it.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-29',
			'modified' => '2013-10-29',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Jayaram Lamichhane, President of Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN), has many identities associated with him. A teacher turned businessman, Lamichhance, has recently jumped into the fray of politics. Unlike many successful personalities, Lamichhane was a rolling stone, who did not have a thorough planning and a specific career goal to meet in the days to come.',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1965',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Survival Story',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong><img alt="Anup B Malla" src="/userfiles/images/malla%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 420px;" /></strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Anup B Malla, Chairman of Nepal Kangri Carpet Industry (P) Ltd and President of Nepal Carpet Exporters&rsquo; Association is one of the oldest players in the carpet business of Nepal. Malla has dedicated three decades of his life for the promotion of carpet export from Nepal. Malla, who is also the Chairperson of FNCCI&rsquo;s Export Promotion Committee, says he has survived through the hardest times in the carpet business.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In his starting days, Malla didn&rsquo;t have dreams of being in business. As a student of science, he had plans of becoming an engineer. To pursue his dream, he went to Pune to study engineering, but unfortunately had to return back within three months. &ldquo;My mother was diagnosed with liver cancer. The news came to me as a shock, and I had to return to look after the family as I was the only son,&rdquo; recollects Malla.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	After his return, his life took a different turn. As carpet business was booming in those days, his father opened a carpet factory for him, and he got involved in the business from the year 1984. Prior to this, Malla hadn&rsquo;t taken any responsibilities for his family, and it was quite tough for him in the start. &ldquo;It was hard for me, but I had to do it for my family. The factory I started from was quite a small one, with 22 looms and around 90 employees,&rdquo; remembers Malla.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Rise of Business</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Soon, Malla started learning about the business, and saw tremendous prospects in it. The industry was in a primitive stage back then, and all the processes of manufacturing were done manually. &nbsp;He supplied the carpets to local exporters who then exported them to countries like Germany, Holland, France and England among others. He wanted to export directly to Europe, and started to get completely involved in his business.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In 1986, Malla met with an official from Eastern Kayam OCM, a London based carpet exporter. He received orders from the company and stared directly exporting the carpets. At that time, he was exporting around 200-300 square metres of carpet a month. The carpets he exported were branded by the company as Kangri Carpet, and then he also renamed his company as Nepal Kangri Carpet Industry in 1991. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Though he was satisfied from his exports, Malla wanted to expand his business. His big break came in the year 1989 when he went to participate in Germany&rsquo;s biggest carpet and floor covering fare, Domotex. It was Malla&rsquo;s first time abroad, and first time in an aeroplane. When was in the Fare, he realized that the demand for Nepali carpets was tremendous in the European market. He had taken with him a few photographs of his products, and two small carpets for demonstration. He was very well received in the Fare, and the two carpets that he had taken sold as hot cakes.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He received numerous enquiries about his products and production capacity. To his surprise, he received an order for producing 2700 square metres of carpet, which was worth 200,000 US Dollars at that time.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Happy with the order, he returned back and increased the capacity of his industry. In the year 1993, his company was among the top ten carpet exporters. Malla then regularly participated in Domotex, and had many customers. When the business was on peak, his industry exported 125,000 square metres of carpet in a year. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="Anup B Malla" src="/userfiles/images/malla1%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 300px; height: 544px;" />Downfall and Survival</strong></span></div>
<div>
	What goes up must come down, and same proved to be true for the Nepali carpet business. Around the year 1995, the demand for Nepali carpets started to decline. According to Malla, this was chiefly because Nepali manufacturers compromised in the quality of the carpets. Also, Indian imitation carpets were flooding the European market. There were also the issues of child labour and toxic dyes used in carpets. All of these contributed the downfall of Nepali carpet industry. To worsen the situation, the country was hit by the armed conflict, power crisis and strikes. &ldquo;Around the year 1993/94, the carpet business went down, and hasn&rsquo;t gained the momentum till today. The exports are going down every year,&rdquo; says Malla.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Owing to the decline in exports, many companies shut down and there were no new players in the market. Ordinary carpets were no more in demand, and the importers wanted new designs, and very high quality products. &ldquo;. It was the time for research and development, and tie to employ new advanced technologies. The situation called for a drastic change in the carpet manufacturing sector. It was survival of the fittest,&rdquo; recalls Malla. &nbsp;Determined to continue with his business, Malla paid more attention to the demands. The market now has demands for better quality products, with new designs and new colours and new trend.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malla tried his best to change with the changing times, and survived when it very tough. At present, Kangri Carpet Industry exports around ten to twelve thousand square metres of carpet a year. Last year, his company exported to 10,000 square metres of carpet. &ldquo;The capacity of our industry is much more than this, but it&rsquo;s hard to predict the market these days, so we produce in moderation,&rdquo; says Malla.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malla believes himself to be a survivor who made it through the toughest of times.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Malla was born in Sinamangal of Kathmandu in 2022 BS to Govinda Bahadur Malla and Malla Keshar Kumari Malla. Malla says he grew up in a very protective and possessive family as he was born after six sisters. He went to Bhanubhakta Memorial School for his primary education and passed his SLC from Demonstration Multipurpose School (DMPS).&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malla married Suchita Malla in the year 2049 BS. His mother has passed away just a year ago, and was pressurized by the family for marriage. As all of his sisters were married, and there was no female member in the family, He had to make the decision very quickly. &nbsp;&ldquo;Around that time, I saw a girl at Thapathali Campus. I was instantly attracted, and it was love at first sight,&rdquo; recalls Malla. He couldn&rsquo;t find the courage to talk to her, but wrote a letter to her proposing for marriage. They started talking on phone, and got to know each other better. Everything went fine and they married about six months later. &ldquo;Looking back, I feel I made a very good decision. I am a very happily married man today,&rdquo; says Malla. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="Anup B Malla" src="/userfiles/images/malla2%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 438px;" />Personal Side and Philosophies</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Malla gets up at 6 every morning and exercises for an hour. He has been doing Pranayam and Yoga for the last ten years. Tennis and swimming are his hobbies, and also like music and singing. He was the vocalist of a rock band when he was young. Lately, he is attracted by classical music. Malla loves to have free time to spend with his family, and believes in living life to the fullest. &ldquo;Enjoying and living life is the major thing for me. I don&rsquo;t run after money because it is sheer necessity. In that sense, I may not be very ambitious,&rdquo; shares Malla.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;Malla usually spends his Fridays with friends and family. GG Machan at Jhamsikhel is his favourite place to hang out. He is a frequent traveller, and has been to almost al of Europe, many states of USA, China, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia and many other countries. According to Malla, many perceive him as an arrogant and tough person. &ldquo;Those who are newly acquainted with me feel that way about me. In fact, I am a very soft hearted and easy going person,&rdquo; says he. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malla believes in hard work, and says one has to know pain and hardship to enjoy happiness in life. &ldquo;I have faced many problems in my life and suffered a lot at an early age. That&rsquo;s why I can fully enjoy and cherish my success. I am very happy and satisfied with my life,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Future</strong></span></div>
<div>
	If the business environment becomes friendlier, Malla says that he may be involved in manufacturing such commodities that can be locally consumed and exported as well. As export has always been his expertise, Malla says Nepal should realize its export potentials. &ldquo;Nepal is gifted with a wide variety of climate, temperature and ecosystem. We have many products with comparative advantage. We should be able to turn these into products with competitive advantage,&rdquo; opines Malla. &nbsp;He also believes that more such products should be sought apart from the 19 items promoted by the government.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	To be successful, one should be involved in those occupations that make us happy, says Malla. &ldquo;If we turn our passion into our occupation, then success will surely follow. Life paves way for us, we just have to be alert and follow,&rdquo; says Malla.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-08',
			'modified' => '2013-10-09',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Anup B Malla, Chairman of Nepal Kangri Carpet Industry (P) Ltd and President of Nepal Carpet Exporters’ Association is one of the oldest players in the carpet business of Nepal.',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1677',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Visionary Vanguard',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pradeep Jung Pandey, MD and Chairman of Lomus Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd and Vice President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry is a familiar name in Nepali business sector. But Pandey didn&rsquo;t always have thoughts of becoming a businessperson and wanted to join the army as a young man. A simple twist of fate turned him into business, and today, Pandey has many companies and industries under him and is one of the most successful Nepali business personalities.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Lomus Pharmaceuticals has recently become the first company to export medicines from Nepal, and has exported medicines worth around 25,000 USD to Nigeria. The company will soon start exporting to Liberia. &ldquo;Even at a time when the industrial environment is not so good, we have been able to export medicines for the first time in Nepal. If the conditions become better, we can export even more,&rdquo; says Pandey. According to him, there is huge possibility of drug export from Nepal, and Lomus is the proof of it. Lomus contributes to 3.5 per cent of total drug requirement of Nepal. If it runs with full capacity, it can contribute up to ten percent, says Pandey.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Lomus is a company that started it journey three decades ago, and is one of the topmost pharmaceutical companies of Nepal. The company was ranked number one in terms of value and unit in the year 2000 by IMS Health Switzerland. The company manufactures 270 different medicines, including psychiatric, diabetic, fertility drugs, hormonal and many others. The company&rsquo;s manufacturing plant is in Gothatar, a 72,000 sq feet state of the art facility.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Business Philosophy&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Pandey says that he doesn&rsquo;t want to be involved in many businesses at once. &ldquo;I start new venture only after the earlier one is successful and sustained,&rdquo; says he. After Lomus started to do well, Pandey established Cosmos Cement Industries in Janakpur 12 years ago. &ldquo;The condition was not favourable back then, but still I made it survive. Two years ago, I set up Eastern Cosmos Cement Industry in Biratnagar,&rdquo; informed Pandey. Both the industries manufacture 400 MT of cement per day now. Also, he started manufacturing clinkers from Janakpur that is enough for both the companies.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says he faced a lot of problems in manufacturing sector, like power outage, labour problems, and government policies among others. &ldquo;The government wasn&rsquo;t also very supportive. So I looked for some other sectors that are unaffected by labour problems,&rdquo; says He. That&rsquo;s when he started Shikhar Insurance Company Ltd, for some financial security. Pandey is also the Chairman of Citizens Bank International Ltd and Mountain Energy Pvt Ltd, a hydropower company. The company has produced five megawatts of energy and it is already connected to the national grid. His another venture, Lomus Herbineria P Ltd manufactures herbal medicines. &ldquo;Nepal has immense potential in manufacturing herbal medicines, that&rsquo;s why I started the company,&rdquo; explains Pandey. The company manufactures herbal medicines for liver, cough syrups, blood purifying medicines, shilajit tablets among others.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says he works only in the sectors where he has expertise, and believes all should do this for success. &ldquo;A country can prosper and get renowned through only one brand or one product, like many other countries in the world,&rdquo; says Pandey. He wants his medicines to do the same for Nepal. &ldquo;Nepal can&rsquo;t compete with the world in manufacturing automobiles or other similar products, but we can do that through Herbal medicine. I will focus on that in the future,&rdquo; says he. According to him, herbal medicines can do many things that allopathic medicines cannot, and has comparative advantage. A company should manufacture a unique product, make the company sustain and then should look after branding as it is the key to success of the manufactured product, says Pandey.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Pradeep Jung Pandey,Vice President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry " src="/userfiles/images/pjp1.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 349px;" />Early Life&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Born to Purna Jung Pandey and Dev Kumari Pandey in Chhetrapati of Kathmandu in 1950, Pandey was basically brought up by his grandfather in a joint family. His father passed away when Pandey was only five years old, so he says he doesn&rsquo;t have much memories of him. &ldquo;My childhood was very simple. There was no TV or entertainment medium of any such sort. I spent my childhood playing with my friends in the streets,&rdquo; recalls Pandey. According to Pandey, he was always an above average student, and used to study quite hard. &ldquo;I have never failed in any examinations since I was a child,&rdquo; says Pandey.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He did his schooling from JP School and completed his SLC from there. He did his graduation from Public Commerce Campus. As his grandfather had fought in World War II, Pandey initially had thoughts of joining the army. His family inclination was also towards the army owing to the respect and social status. But unfortunately for him, his eyesight wasn&rsquo;t fit for being in the army, and he didn&rsquo;t apply. Today, Pandey thinks of it has a fortunate coincidence. He believes he has served his country more as an industrialist than he could have done as an army man. &ldquo;Helping a country economically is the best you can do for your country,&rdquo; says Pandey.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Start&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	After he completed his M Com from TU in the year 1972, he became interested in financial matters and thought of doing business. Instead of trading business, he chose manufacturing. &ldquo;As medicines are one of the most critical things for Nepal, I thought of manufacturing it and opened Lomus Pharmaceuticals,&rdquo; recalls Pandey. Royal Drugs was the only company manufacturing drugs back then. That&rsquo;s when he thought that private companies can also do the same. &ldquo;If you start a general manufacturing company, you will have many competitors. But pharmaceutical is a technical sector, so there is relatively less competition. This was another reason for me to choose the sector,&rdquo; explains he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Personal Side&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Married to Urmila Pandey in 1975, Pandey is father of three sons, Prabal, Pratap and Prajwal. His elder son Prabal is also the MD of Easter Cosmos Cement Industry and also looks after manufacturing at Lomus. Pandey says he is quite religious and spiritual, and believes that we should preserve our tradition and culture. &ldquo;We should follow our own culture as it is our true identity. We should be honest towards our profession, nation and tradition as well,&rdquo; says Pandey. According to him, a successful entrepreneur should also pay attention towards religion and culture.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He starts his day by going for a morning walk at 6, and does some exercise. He is always at his office earlier than his staffs. He says that an entrepreneur should work more than his staffs to sustain his business. In his free time, he is involved in writing articles related to economics. He has also written a few songs, and wants to guide the society towards a positive direction through his work. Pandey is quite an easy going person, and says he receives phone calls from everyone, even from the unknown numbers. &ldquo;It is very easy to get in touch with me,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey loves to travel to new places and learn new culture and lifestyle. He says travelling recharges you and fills you with new energy to go on. He is also interested in economic systems of various countries, and has extensively travelled Nepal and India. He has also been to US and many countries of Europe. Pandey only takes vegetarian food three days a week and fasts two days a week. He reserves his Saturdays for his family and relatives, and doesn&rsquo;t get involved in business activities unless it&rsquo;s very urgent.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says he isn&rsquo;t very conscious about brands, and lives a simple life. He owns a Toyota Rav 4 and Nissan Datsun. Pandey carries an iPhone 5 and Samsung S4. He uses gadgets for the facilities they provide, and says one should be familiar with technology for making his time more productive.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says there are more opportunities than challenges in Nepal. He believes that one should not be over ambitious and know his limits to be successful. &ldquo;Satisfaction is a major thing for running a successful business. One should be an expert in his field and success will surely follow,&rdquo; says Pandey. Pandey firmly believes that dedication, honesty, hard work and a positive mindset are essential for success. &ldquo;Honesty always pays in the long run,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says he believes in fair competition and coexistence in business. In the future, he wants to diversify his businesses and manufacture better quality products. He also has plans of making his medicine brands renowned in Nepal and even in the international sector. &ldquo;Instead of diverting your focus at many things, one should concentrate on improving the quality of what he already owns,&rdquo; says Pandey.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>',
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			'created' => '2013-08-22',
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			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Pradeep Jung Pandey, MD and Chairman of Lomus Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd and Vice President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry is a familiar name in Nepali business sector.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1440',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'Passion For Perfection',
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			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">--By Sujan Tiwari</span></strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Padma Shree Group&rsquo;s current focus is on development works, and since 2010, has started importing heavy equipments from Liebherr, a Swiss company. The company recently has started importing road construction and finishing heavy equipments from Auman, a Swiss company. &ldquo;As Nepal has enormous potential in hydropower, and most of the projects are facing problem with tunnelling, we are now looking forward also to import tunnelling equipments from Sandvik, a Swedish company,&rdquo; says Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya is also shifting his focus to power sector, renewable energy and waste management. His company is doing the study and research on the subject, and hopefully will have some new projects very soon. &ldquo;I want to support the development works in the country by offering best possible equipments, services and projects,&rdquo; says Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Rohini Thapaliya, Executive Director of Padma Shree Group" evolution="" of="" src="http://newbusinessage.com/userfiles/images/prsnlt1.jpg" strong="" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></strong></div>
<div>
	<strong>Evolution of Group</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">What is now known as Padma Shree Group started as Shree Padma Saw Mill in the year 1963, initiated by Thapaliya&rsquo;s father Late Badri Prasad Thapaliya in Simra. The company then used to supply timber to Nepal and India, and also supplied railway sleepers to India. Thapaliya joined the company, worked in the saw mill at the beginning, helped his father and a few years later started the furniture company. The company&rsquo;s name changed to Shree Padma Saw Mill and Furniture Factory Pvt Ltd, and it expanded to Kathmandu as well. What followed is a huge business, as the group now has a lot of big brands under it.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	Gradually, the company started manufacturing high quality furniture. The company did the furnishing of Singha Durbar, many 5-Star hotels and also the royal palace. The furniture company was honoured in the year 2000 by the then King Birendra for the services offered. &ldquo;That was the first instance of a company receiving this sort of honour,&rdquo; recalls Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In the year 1988, Thapaliya opened Altech Pvt Ltd that dealt with aluminium doors and windows and building materials. Shortly after, he established Padma Shree Pvt Ltd, a trading company for the purpose of representing of various international brands. &ldquo;During the nationwide movement of 1990, many companies suffered owing to political unrest, labour problems and strikes. Then we thought that we should not focus only on one business, and should diversify,&rdquo; says Thapaliya. The Group is the outcome of that diversification.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In the year 1991, Mazda Motor Corporation of Japan was looking for a representative in Nepal, and Thapaliya&rsquo;s company was among four other contenders. &ldquo;Our proposal was the most practical, so they selected our company as their partner,&rdquo; says Thapaliya. From the year 1993, the company started importing Mazda vehicles from Japan. Mazda is one of the flagship imports of the Group today, known for its power, style and performance. In the year 2000, the company started importing power tools from Bosch Germany, one of the biggest tools manufacturers in the world. In 2005, the Group also imported generators from Deutz, Aggretech and MTU, all Germany-based companies to help the nation deal with the power outage.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Thapaliya, Padma Shree Group is renowned in the market for the products it represents. &ldquo;Whatever products we represent, they are the best in the world. I always go after quality products which are well known and well tested. Though it may be slightly expensive, ultimately, it provides long term benefit,&rdquo; says he.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Early Life&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya was born in Lazimpat of Kathmandu in 1952 to Late Badri Prasad Thapaliya and Padma Thapaliya. He studied in Saint Xavier&rsquo;s School till grade four, and then joined Demonstration School, which later changed to Laboratory School. After his SLC, he joined ISc course and had dreams of becoming an engineer. He wanted to go to Russia to study engineering, but had to give up his dream to help his father in the company. &ldquo;Yet I don&rsquo;t have any regrets now, because I am doing well in my business,&rdquo; says Thapaliya.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Rohini Thapaliya, Executive Director of Padma Shree Group" evolution="" of="" src="http://newbusinessage.com//userfiles/images/prsnlt3.jpg" strong="" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 275px; height: 404px;" />Personal Side</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya says he is normally much occupied with his business, and takes leave only on Saturdays.&rdquo; As generators are one of our major products, it has to be running 24/7. So there could be complaints coming in any time, so I am busy almost all the time,&rdquo; says Thapaliya. Still, if possible, he wants to be free on Saturdays. &ldquo;I spend time with my family and I try to avoid any business activities on Saturdays. I dedicate my time to my family, and also after office, I spend time with my family,&rdquo; shares Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	On a more personal side, Thapaliya is quite a reserved person, and takes time to open up and build new relations. &ldquo;Once I build a relation, I continue it for long. I believe all the relations should be long lasting,&rdquo; says Thapaliya. According to him, it takes very long to build a relation, but it can be spoilt in no time. &ldquo;I want to maintain relations for ever, all the relation, both personal and professional ones. I seek perfection in everything I do,&rdquo; shares Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya enjoys playing tennis and squash, and goes to health club at least five days a week. Quite a religious man, Thapaliya has been visiting Pashupatinath everyday for the last 40 years. Thapaliya travels frequently for business and for vacations. He has been to Japan, China, Singapore, Germany, UK, Switzerland and other countries. He drives Mazda 3, and will soon be driving Mazda CX-5, a new crossover. Thapaliya says he uses gadgets and technology as required, and owns iPhone, MacBook Pro and an iPad. On grooming, he says he wants to look decent and presentable at all times.</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Rohini Thapaliya, Executive Director of Padma Shree Group" evolution="" of="" src="http://newbusinessage.com/userfiles/images/prsnnlt4.jpg" strong="" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 275px; height: 344px;" /></strong></div>
<div>
	<strong>Family</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Married to Deepa Thapaliya in 2037 BS, Thapaliya says it was a love affair turned into arranged marriage. He clearly remembers meeting her for the first time. &ldquo;We met for the first time in a wedding. We knew each other, got close and later arranged the marriage,&rdquo; recalls Thapaliya. Deepa holds a degree in Law, and is also the Director of the Group. &ldquo;She is very supportive and encouraging, and helps me in all my endeavours,&rdquo; he adds.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The couple is blessed with a son and a daughter, Shubhashish Thapaliya and Shreeyukta Thapaliya Pandey. Thapaliya has two granddaughters from his daughter. His son holds an Engineering Degree in Energy and Power, and is working in a company in Singapore. He wants his son to return and continue the family legacy.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Philosophies&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Thapaliya, failures are inevitable, but what matters is how you deal with failures. &ldquo;When you fail, realize that it was not your piece of cake and move on. When one door closes, another one is always open, do not look at the closed door, and move towards the one that has been open for you,&rdquo; says he. Thapaliya believes life is very precious, and says that tomorrow is indefinite. &ldquo;One should not spend time in regrets, and move on towards better things,&rdquo; advises he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya says he firmly believes in team work, sincerest of efforts and accountability. &ldquo;To be successful, dedication and sincerity are the ones needed the most. It will do you good in the long run,&rdquo; says he. Thapaliya says that there is no shortcut to experience; still it doesn&rsquo;t mean one has to go through all the hassle. &ldquo;We have a lot of exposure now, and we can cut short the time needed to be experienced. We all should try to see things from a wide perspective, and do something for the society and the country,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Concluding Remarks&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya believes that god has given Nepal all that is needed, and it&rsquo;s our turn now to make it a real heaven. &ldquo;I wish to see a peaceful, prosperous and developed Nepal, and I am doing my part for it,&rdquo; he says. Though he admits that the business environment is not very good now, he says everyone should try to make the best out of this situation.&rdquo; If you want rainbow trout, then you need fresh and running water. Looking at the situation of the country, unfortunately, all we have is muddy waters now. But I expect to have fresh and running water very soon,&rdquo; says Thapaliya</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>',
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			'created' => '2013-07-19',
			'modified' => '2013-07-19',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Rohini Thapaliya, Executive Director of Padma Shree Group, didn’t always have thoughts of owning and running a business house. As a youngster, he wanted to be an engineer and thought of going to Russia for pursuing the degree. But life had other plans for him..',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1060',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Tenacious Trader',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Sujan Tiwari</strong></p>
<p>
	Akhil Kumar Chapagain, Chairman of Akhil Trading Concern Pvt Ltd always had thoughts of being a businessman since he was a child. Even though he was born in a family whose profession was agriculture, he had deviations towards business. &nbsp; His family background was no motivation for him to start a business, so for some time he thought of holding a job, as he had no other career aims. “Besides my career, my ambition was to become a national level player and I fulfilled that. I was a national athlete from Koshi zone,” says Chapagain. But despite his success in sports, he wasn’t interested in making it his career. In the back of his head, he always thought of owning a business. Fortunately, he was able to realize his childhood dream immediately after graduating.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Akhil Kumar Chapagain’s new ventures will be in the sector of tourism and agriculture, which are quite new for him. After 29 years of running a successful trading business, Chapagain now has plans of opening a resort in Dhulikhel. “While abroad on business delegations, I have always tried to sell something from Nepal. As Nepal has such immense potential in tourism, I thought of opening a resort. I will accomplish this within the next two or three years,” says Chapagain. He also has plans of starting his own farming business.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	For the last two years, Chapagain’s major focus has been on opening own retail outlets for his products. “The outlets reduce the hassle of appointing wholesalers and retailer. The customers can buy the products at a cheaper price so I am focusing on such outlets,” informed Chapagain. Till date, he has opened retail outlets for his brands Suvari, Istikbal, Rodimood and Colin’s.</p>
<p>
	Chapagain says he believes in doing fair business, and wants to be long-run player. “After all these years in business, I have made a name for myself and my company. I have a reputation to maintain. So I always do fair business,” says he. According to him, having moral courage to face the society is very important for him, and making profit comes only after that. He believes he has contributed to the society through his fair business, and is happy about that. “As I am associated with numerous trade associations, I encourage all to play fair game. It always pays off in the end,” says Chapagain.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Early Life&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
	Born in Bhojpur, Dingla in 1957 to Thama Nath Chapagain and Pushpa Kumari Chapagain, Chapagain says he was mischievous and aggressive since his childhood. With eight siblings, he grew up in quite a big family. He spent most of childhood and school days in Biratnagar. According to Chapagain, he was very athletic and loved sports, and had a lot of friend. “I still miss those days when I used to play with my friends in a garden near my school. We climbed trees, swam in the pool and had a really good time,” said he. After moving to Kathmandu, he joined Min Bhawan Campus for higher education, and later graduated from Trichandra College. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Initiation</strong></p>
<p>
	Chapagain had started his business journey by opening Akhil Trading Concern as a private trading firm in the year 1984. To start with, he imported wrist watches and cosmetics from Switzerland. Sadly, his first attempt didn’t pay back well and he suffered loss in both the products. “At that time, many companies were importing watches through illegal channels. I imported the watches through legal channels by paying all the taxes, which may have increased their prices. So it didn’t go well,” recollects Chapagain. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	After receiving his first blow, he thought of changing his approach, and focused on the products that would suit the need of the people here, and were quite inexpensive. After much thought, he imported dry fruits from Singapore, and it did a satisfactory business. This helped him to cover his earlier loss, and most importantly, gave him the courage. Filled with new hope, he imported refrigerators from China, and it too went well. “Later, I discontinued importing Chinese as the quality was inferior, and I started importing FMCG from European countries,” says Chapagain. Today, majority of his imports are from Europe.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="Akhil Kumar Chapagain, Chairman of Akhil Trading Concern Pvt Ltd " src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personlaity_June2013_tenacious_trader_akhil_kumar(1).jpg" /></p>
<p>
	<strong>Evolution of Business</strong></p>
<p>
	Chapagain was in Germany once, searching for some business opportunities. Walking on the streets, his eyes fell on a store with a brand named Fakir. He found out that it was a household appliance brand, and intuitively wanted to import and sell its products in Nepal. After his return to Nepal, he made correspondence asking the company for dealership. Back then, Akhil Trading Concern wasn’t a big name as it is today, so he had little hopes that his request would be accepted. “I had informed them about my actual status, and they knew that mine wasn’t a very big company. I wasn’t very hopeful for a favourable response,” says he.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The representatives of the company came to Nepal and had talks with him. They also met with people from other companies here, most of them at a higher position than his. Sometime later, the company offered him the exclusive dealership despite the size of his company. This dealership gave him his first big break. “Years later, I asked the company men why they selected me over other companies. They said that they were impressed with my honesty as I had told them about my status without any exaggeration,” says Chapagain. The dealership did a good business for him and he focused on more European products.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Present Times</strong></p>
<p>
	Currently, Chapagain imports more than a dozen big brands from Europe, Australia, Thailand and Hong Kong. Some of these brands are Suvari, Rodimood, Colin’s, Istikbal and Khao Shong. Most if his imports are from Turkey, as he says Turkish products are of European standard, and are affordable as well. He says he imports only the best products with superior quality. According to him, his import Khao Shong is the number two coffee brand in Nepal and Arabella is number one in pasta. The products include FMCG, textiles, furniture, appliances and apparels among others. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	“Honestly speaking, I wanted to do business because I dint want to work for anyone, and wanted to be my own master. I preferred it over doing a job for some company,” says Chapagain. He started his business with an investment of 300,000 rupees, and imported one or two products. Today, he runs a successful trading business and has more than a dozen products in his list. According to him, the business is doing really good, and is growing year after year. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	On success, Chapagain shares that he is satisfied with what he has accomplished. “To keep a trading firm running in Nepal all these years is a success in itself as it’s a very risky business,” says he. He strongly disagrees with those who say trading is easier business than manufacturing. According to him, trading is in no sense an easy business, and has its own threats and challenges. “Traders have to face problems like grey market, counterfeit goods and other traders’ monopoly over brands. We also have a huge responsibility towards the customers,” says Chapagain. He has no plans of foraying into manufacturing, and is contented with what he is doing and what he has achieved. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Family</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="Akhil's Family" height="392" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personlaity_June2013_tenacious_trader_akhil_kumar_family.jpg" width="450" /></p>
<p>
	Chapagain married Gyanu Chapagain at the age of 29. Their fathers were old friends, and the marriage was fixed even before he was aware of it. They went to the same school and knew each other, but he never thought he would marry her. Very shy around girls, Chapagain vividly remembers the first time they met with the purpose. “I was quite a rebel, so I didn’t want to go with my father’s decisions. But when she reached marriageable age, we got together quite well and we both agreed to marry,” says he. &nbsp;Gyanu is a housewife and maintains all aspects of his personal life. According to Chapagain, she maintains the family bond and looks after all the family matters as he is too busy for them. The couple is blessed with two sons Arpit and Arjit. His elder son Arpit has recently joined the company as the Managing Director.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Personal Side</strong></p>
<p>
	Very health conscious and athletic, Chapagain exercises a lot. He jogs 5 kilometers every day, and has been doing it for the last 25 years. He is a frequent blood donor and has donated blood 26 times. Travelling and trekking are his hobbies, and is abroad for about five months a year. He has travelled Asia and Europe extensively. He spends most of his free time with his family and acquaintances in outings and get-togethers. Chapagain enjoys all sorts of foods, and is a social drinker. He enjoys good wine, and imports them too.</p>
<p>
	Chapagain says he is very conscious of his clothing, and wears brands like Pierre Cardin, Louis Philippe, Van Heusen and of course, Suvari. “I like to groom myself, and use some cosmetic products as well. &nbsp;I always want to look presentable,” says Chapagain. He is passionate about gadgets, and owns iPhone 4S and a Sony Vaio. Samsung Galaxy S4 and iPhone 5 are on his wish list. Chapagain currently drives Nissan Super Saloon.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Epilogue</strong></p>
<p>
	Chapagain believes that all the diplomatic missions and offices in foreign countries should promote Nepal. “All such offices should have a booth to inform about Nepal and our products as it helps in promotion and publicity of Nepal. The rest of the world needs to know about Nepal and what Nepal has to offer,” says he. He has personally promoted Nepal during his business delegations and visits.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	He believes that all should stop blaming the government for the problems, and take responsibility squarely on their shoulders. “There is too much negativity around us. Everyone from all walks of life should move ahead with a positive and constructive mindset,” says Chapagain.&nbsp;</p>
<div>
	 </div>
<div>
	 </div>',
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			'description' => 'Akhil Kumar Chapagain, Chairman of Akhil Trading Concern Pvt Ltd always had thoughts of being a businessman since he was a child. Even though he was born in a family whose profession was agriculture, he had deviations towards business.',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '979',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'From Led Zeppelin To Yoga Vasistha',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong style="font-size: 12px;">By Sujan Tiwari</strong></p>
<p>
	Shashi Ram Bhandary, CEO of Kathmandu Housing and Leasing Company and Nirvana Country Club Health and Golf Resort in Dharan vividly remembers his first summer job while studying in the US. Working in the kitchen of the Marriott Hotel, he had a tough time cutting onions for a few hours, with tears in his eyes. That was when he was noticed by a Manager in the hotel and taught him how to cut onions without hurting the eyes, by soaking the onions in water for some time before cutting them. He told Bhandary that there were two ways to do anything, the right way and the wrong way. “This was the lesson I learnt for life, that things should be done the right way, and it didn’t just apply to onions,” says Bhandary.</p>
<p>
	When he was in Nepal for a vacation once, he went to &nbsp;the coffee shop in Annapurna Hotel and he wasn’t satisfied with the service there. So he left a note saying ‘the service wasn’t up to par’. &nbsp;To his surprise, he was called the very next day by the hotel and was offered a job. He didn’t want to join at first as he was on a vacation, but finally accepted the offer. “I took the job as a challenge. I was hired as Assistant Food and Beverage Manager. I worked there for two years,” recollects Bhandary. But he wasn’t going to be satisfied with a job in a hotel; he had other plans in the back of his head.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Once he went trekking to Upper Manang and realized the shortage of food and supplies there. That was the moment that decided his life. He came up with an ambitious plan of designing a hotel that was self sustained, with its own food and energy production. “I dreamt of a hotel that was dependent upon only a few products from outside. I thought of producing vegetables, rearing cows for dairy products and manure for energy and fertilizers,” says Bhandary. He wanted to experiment with the idea, the idea of a self sustainable hotel. Nirvana Country Club is the result of the same model. It has its own farm, a dairy and has the largest bio-gas plant in eastern Nepal. About 30 per cent of the required energy is produced by the Resort itself. It also produces dairy products like cream and butter, organic herbs and vegetables.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	But Nirvana Country Club was nothing like it is today when Bhandary first acquired the property back in 2000. When he bought the property, he says it was in complete ruins, with land, some structures and a pasture that is now the golf course of Nirvana. &nbsp;To start with, Bhandary brought some consultants from India. After their survey, he was advised not to start the project as the consultants didn’t find &nbsp;the land feasible. “The property was in a very bad condition, it didn’t meet the needed threshold. Also, there were not enough flights to Dharan back then. But I had a gut feeling, and I took the challenge against all odds. Today I am so glad that I took the challenge despite the adversities,” says Bhandary proudly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	He started by literally sweeping the place clean. He renovated the structures, built the walls and developed the golf course. At present, Nirvana Country Club has a dairy with 50 cows, a 19\8 hole golf course, multi-cuisine restaurant, swimming pool, offers tennis and squash, provides yoga and meditation among other services. Also, there are 20 well furnished air conditioned bungalows with living, dining, kitchen and three bedrooms each. “In the last 12 years, I have entirely transformed the place from what it initially was. It is a complete turnaround,” says Bhandary.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Early Life</strong></p>
<p>
	Born in Kamaladi, Kathmandu in 1962 to Suna Bhandary and Late Banshi Ram Bhandary, he had five elder sisters before him. Bhandary says he was one of the first Nepali students to go to Lincoln School. He remembers cycling all around the valley with his friends, most of &nbsp;whom were from other countries. “I enjoyed a childhood without any worries as my family was quite well off. Everything was provided for us. I was lucky to be born in a big joint family with a good reputation and background. Bhandarys of Kamaldi were known by all in Kathmandu,” says Bhandary. Bhandary studied in Lincoln School from Kindergarten to 8th grade, and did his SLC from Anandakuti School. After that, he went to US for his further studies, he joined Gaithersburg High School in Maryland and graduated from high school there. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	After completing high school, he started working for Marriott Hotel as a summer job, as all the students in the US worked in summers. “I actually didn’t need to work for money, but I followed the American tradition. I was living with relatives at that time. I wanted to be independent, so I moved out and started to work,” remembers Bhandary. He says he worked right from the bottom, doing dishes and &nbsp;other forms of lowly work. Later, he became a supervisor and finally a manager in Marriott Hawaii. He worked for Marriott for seven years and later did his graduation in Hotel Management from US.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Has was sent to US by his family to study medicine, but he loved dealing with people and loved service business. After his first summer job, he ended up studying hotel management. He didn’t reveal this to his family at first and so had to earn his own money. Bhandary believes this decision made him independent as he started working. “I didn’t have any specific aim, but I wanted to fly planes as a child, and I still want to,” says Bhandary.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Family</strong></p>
<p>
	Bhandary married with Kalpana Bhandary at the age of 21. Once when he was in Pokhara, he caught the eyes of Kalpana on a boat, and says he was instantly attracted to her. He went home and told his mother about the girl he saw, and their family arranged the rest. They met and got along well, and eventually got married. “My marriage was the biggest turning point in my life. I felt more responsible after I got married,” says Bhandary. Kalpana Bhandary is now the MD of Nirvana Country Club. According to Bhandary, he really wanted to be together with his spouse, and he kept her together, even at work. The couple has been blessed with two sons Rishikesh and Raghu.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>The Personal Side</strong></p>
<p>
	As a youngster, Bhandary grew up listening to rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and The Who. Now, he says he wants to spend time quietly.Inside, Bhandary says he is a very spiritual person, and loves to read, especially books &nbsp;about spiritual development. “Lately, I want to uncover the spiritual side of my own self. I want to know what my purpose in the world is, and I try to figure it out through meditation. I really want to be at peace,” he says. Bhandary is also a disciple of Shankaracharya. As he was brought up in a religious family, he liked to listen to prabachans religious-philosophical discourse as a child. “I found the words of wise men interesting from the beginning. After I read Yoga Vasistha, it completely turned around my life. It taught me that everything that exists is an illusion, and everything else is the working of mind. I was so influenced by it and entered into spirituality. Then, I started to look at life from a spiritual point of view, says Bhandary.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Pastime</strong></p>
<p>
	Bhandary &nbsp;has been an avid animal lover since his childhood, and owns eight Tibetan mastiffs and one Alsatian, has a few barking deers in his farm and keeps his Japanese Spitz Casper with him wherever he goes. He drinks very rarely, as he says it disturbs the spiritual balance. Whenever free, Bhandary likes to cook and equally enjoys eating, and loves Khichadi, his all time favourite food. He lives mostly in Dharan, and travels frequently. His hobbies include playing golf, going for long drives and travelling. He says he is outside the country at least once a month, and has been to US, India, Europe, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and other countries.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Bhandary believes one needs to be determined and has to possess a will-do attitude to succeed. “One has to be commanding and friendly at the same time, has to have a balance of both. Also, we should be able to bring out the good in people,” he says. Bhandary says he is content with his life, as has no regrets. “I am living the life I wanted, married the women I wanted, &nbsp;I have done something for the country and am blessed with good children. There is nothing more &nbsp;I could have wanted,” says Bhandary. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	According to Bhandary, things should always be done the right way and it will &nbsp;be done as there won’t be many obstacles. “Determination and good intentions are needed, it can really help you progress. &nbsp;It is not that hard to start a business and succeed in Nepal. No one needs to leave the country in pursuit of success. Things can be done right here, we just have to figure out the right way,” says he. For the future, Bhandary has plans of making Nirvana Country Club completely self sustainable and wants to open a Golf Academy. And if things favour him, he wants to learn to fly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="Shashi Ram Bhandary, Personlity, From Led Zeppelin to Yoga Vasistha " height="546" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_may2013_sashi_ram.jpg" width="450" /></p>',
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			'description' => 'Shashi Ram Bhandary wanted to experiment with the idea, the idea of a self sustainable hotel. Nirvana Country Club is the result of the same model. It has its own farm, a dairy and has the largest bio-gas plant in eastern Nepal. About 30 per cent of the required energy is produced by the Resort itself.',
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			'id' => '948',
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			'title' => 'A Driven Calling',
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			'content' => '<p>
	 </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Kumud Kumar Dugar, A driven calling, April 2013" height="421" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_april_2013_kumud_kumar(1).jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 0 10px;" width="300" />Kumud Dugar predicts 2013 and 2014 to be the most decisive years for his Group. Numerous projects and products are in the pipeline, making these two years full of equal challenges and opportunities for him, and the Group. “These two years will decide the future of KL Dugar Group. If all goes well, the Group’s turnover will increase three folds within this time,” says Dugar.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar has been taking care of the Group since 1991, right after he completed his graduation. More specifically, he looks after the Food Grain Business of KL Dugar Group that includes eight different industries. Dugar had joined the Group as the Director, but recalls working as a cashier. “I kept track of where the money comes from and where it goes. It was very essential for me to know about the exact finances of the Group,” says Dugar.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	From the moment he joined, he had a dream of professionally managing the group, although at that time he didn’t know what professional management exactly was. To start with, he ordered a customized accounts package from Kolkata, customised for his Group. He brought in new technologies, computerized the systems and set up numerous industries and took the Group where it is today. He says he was driven by a thirst to work and move ahead, with a strong passion of do something novel.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Early Life</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Born in 1967 in Biratnagar to Krishan Lal Dugar and Jatan Devi Dugar, Dugar’s mind was set to business right from childhood. Most of his childhood was spent in Kolkata as he was there for about 18 years, from kindergarten to graduation. He was in Nepal only for vacations then. Dugar was involved with Dugar Group long before it separated into three groups in 1990. He used to work in the liaison office of the Group in Kolkata since he was in Grade 9. &nbsp;After graduating from St Xavier’s College in Kolkata, he thought of starting a business in India. In the process, he bought a granite mine and a solvent plant in Hyderabad, but wasn’t able to go on with that business. Due to the separation of Dugar Group, he felt he was needed in the newly formed KL Dugar Group, so he returned to Nepal.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	As soon as he joined KL Dugar Group, he set up a vanaspati factory in Biratnagar. As the Group was newly formed, he felt immensely challenged and pressurized. Driven to prove himself, he says he set up the factory from scratch in just six months. “No one could have done this back then. I set up Swastik Oil Industries at a cost of 22 million rupees. It still is the largest oil industry of the country,” says Dugar with pride. This was his first venture as the MD of the Group, and a lot more industries were about to follow. During his stay in Biratnagar, he set up numerous industries. Saurabh Oil Mill, Vikas Flour Mill, Gyan Food Products, Pratibha Rice Mill and Gyan Herbals Pvt Ltd are among a few of them. Dugar shifted to Kathmandu in the year 1995. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar considers the separation to be a major turning point in his life. He first took it as a challenge, but later he figured it out that it was beneficial for him, as it gave him his individuality and helped him grow more. Rather than import export business, he focussed on local materials and set up locally based industries. “I always wanted to do something for the country. Today, I think I have contributed by branding the local products,” says Dugar. At present, the food products of the Group are exported to numerous countries worldwide.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	As a child, Dugar was not so mischievous, but rather disciplined, a quiet one. He says he was not very good in school and always was mediocre student, but very good in accounts. “I was very interested in accountancy, and was also very good at it,” recalls Dugar. He also possessed leadership in his school but remember being shy around girls.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Personal Side</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar was married with Namita Dugar in 1991, and the marriage was an arranged one. It was immediately after the formation of his Group, and business was his top priority then. &nbsp;As a result, his personal life was somehow out of balance. He says he went for his honeymoon after three years of his marriage. “Back then, I felt much challenged, and was very busy. I could not give time to my family and children. I didn’t take any holidays either,” says he. But later, when all his businesses went well, he was able to balance both the professional and personal aspects of his life.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar likes to takes immediate decisions and doesn’t want to linger on issues. &nbsp;He says he can’t stay idle for even an hour. He remembers him being bored once on a three-day vacation with his family. He says he is very industrious, and is always thinking about his business. He firmly believes in teamwork and says that the system should work, not a person. Regarding his finances, he maintains that the accounts should be updated till the present moment, and not yesterday. Dugar believes in doing fair business, and strictly follows his business ethics.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Not at all a party goer, Dugar likes to spend his evenings with his family after a stressful day. He likes to watch TV and spend most of his free time at home, with his children. “I feel more responsible towards my family and children because I couldn’t give much attention to them when I started business. Now I can afford time for them, and I feel I have to make up for the lost time,” says he. Dugar is the proud father of son Saurabh and daughters Bhavika and Drishika. A scrupulous follower of traditions, Dugar strictly abstains from alcohol, tobacco and non-vegetarian food. He loves Indian vegetarian food and is not very fond of trying new dishes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Hobbies</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar loves to travel, especially to modern cities in the world. He loves branded stuffs and loves to shop. He has been to Dubai, US and many countries in Europe. His other interests are music and dancing. He loves to listen to Hindi songs, and watches movies once in a while. He says he is quiet brand conscious. “I am very obsessed with being dressed properly. All my outfits are stitched in Mumbai. I am also very fond of clothes,” says Dugar. He also loves branded watches, and carries the latest gadgets though he is not too fond of them. He believes he has to be familiar with technology as it helps in the business too.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Way Ahead</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	According to Dugar, KL Dugar’s future ventures will be in sectors of hydropower and construction. The Groups’ largest project United Cements is all set to start by the end of this year. KL Residency will be handed over in 2013 and Nepal Hydro Developers Pvt Ltd will also commence in 2013. &nbsp;In addition, more than 30 products related to home appliances, automobiles and others are in the pipe line. Dugar says that he has to work even harder now, as the recent times are even more competitive.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Nepali entrepreneurs are as capable as any others in the world. “We are doing our best even when faced by worst of situations. We have load shedding and political problem; still Nepali entrepreneurs are doing their job. We can do even more if the government is more supportive,” says he. Dugar wants to be number one in whatever he does, and is always striving for excellence. “Dhara oil and Gyan flour are one of my best products. I want to remain number one, and want my legacy to go with the products,” says Dugar. According to him, his greatest asset is the trust that his customers have put in him and the Group.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar believes that three things are very crucial for the success of any business. One has to be loyal and committed towards his business, have knowledge the business, and most importantly, one should be very critical of finances. &nbsp;He says he gives equal importance to one thousand rupees and one million. Moreover, he thinks one should have faith in his staffs and should have frequent interactions as they have more knowledge than the boss. “A good suggestion from them can change your entire perspective and help the business,” says Dugar.&nbsp;</p>',
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			'description' => 'For Kumud Kumar Dugar, MD, KL Dugar Group, failures are as important as success as he believes they keep you striving for success. He says that people need to fail to succeed. “Failures should be analyzed, and then they serve as a lesson. More importantly, one has to learn to be responsible for their failures. Blaming others for your failures is never going to help,” says Dugar.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '886',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Balanced Life',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	 </p>
<p>
	<img alt="Sumit Kedia, Personality, March 2013" height="432" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/march2013_personality_sumit.jpg" width="450" /></p>
<p>
	Sumit Kedia, the Executive Director of Kedia Group and the Director of Sita Ram Gokul Milks Ktm Ltd, vividly remembers the time when his company was deep in debt and was on the verge of being sold out. “Those were the most stressful times of my life. The Bank had no trust upon us, and the entire Group was about to be blacklisted,” recalls Kedia. It all happened immediately after he joined the company after completing his studies.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Making first moves</strong></p>
<p>
	New to the business and the entire business scenario of Nepal back then, Kedia says he was overwhelmed by the situation at first. Gradually, he with the help of the Group was able to convince the banks to give some leverage to the company. One of the banks agreed to swap the loan and with some arrangement, he was able to pay off the entire loan after some time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	On the management part, he made the backward linkage strong by directly interacting with the farmers and thus, creating an economic interdependence. This, in turn, improved the quality and quantity of the raw material. “I personally met the farmers; I went to cow sheds and educated them. As a result, we received better quality raw material and enjoyed more security than our competitors,” explains Kedia. He also introduced new technology and updated the equipments used in the factory. This significantly enhanced the efficiency and the cost of production went down as well.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Carving a niche</strong></p>
<p>
	All of Kedia’s efforts have finally paid off. Today, Sita Ram Gokul Milks, a sister concern of Kedia Group is nation’s leading dairy processor and distributor, with production capacity of more than 2.86 million gallons of milk per year. The company has completed the journey of 17 years, and operates through a highly advanced technological plant with latest machineries producing milk and dairy products like milk, ghee and butter. The company is all set to produce flavoured milk and paneer within the next month. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia firmly believes that responsibility with accountability is the mantra to success. “Nothing can be achieved alone, but a responsible and accountable team working for a common goal can achieve almost anything,” says Kedia. Kedia has been taking care of Sita Ram Gokul Milks for the last 10 years.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Memory lane</strong></p>
<p>
	Born to Bishwa Nath Kedia and Krishna Devi Kedia in Birgunj in 1976, Kedia did his entire schooling and higher education in India. During his school years, he was a hostel student in Darjeeling and Mussoorie. He completed his high school in Delhi and graduated from DAV College in Chandigadh, and completed his post graduation in MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management of Pune.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	As a child, most of his time was spent in hostel. “I used to come home only for holidays, so found it hard to adjust with my family. I was more comfortable with my friends than with my family,” recalls Kedia. He was home only for a few months in a year and also was oblivious of the development of the family group, Kedia Group.</p>
<p>
	After completing his education, he returned home and all of a sudden he was in family atmosphere that he wasn’t much used to, and also was into business abruptly. “I really found it hard to manage the three major parts of my life, my friends circle, my family and my business. &nbsp;But today, I have balanced all three aspects of my life,” says Kedia. &nbsp;As he became more involved with family and business, his friends circle shrunk. Today, Kedia says family and business are his top priority.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Married for 10 years with Ritu Kedia, Kedia is a father of a son and a daughter, Rachit Kedia and Shristi Kedia. His marriage was an arranged one and he didn’t even know her wife very well before marriage. “We were given just half an hour to discuss and decide. Within that short time, I fell in love with her eyes, and I immediately said yes. I’m happy I made the right decision,” shared Kedia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Social involvement</strong></p>
<p>
	Kedia is involved with Round Table Nepal, an international fraternity with both business and family gatherings. “In this fraternity, there are people from business community and also their families. This has given me friends for life, with same wavelength. We go on various outings and picnics through the fraternity,” says Kedia. &nbsp;He usually spends his evenings and weekends with the friends of the fraternity, but still feels there is nothing like childhood friends. &nbsp;Kedia is also the First Vice President of Nepal Dairy Association and has been the Director of National Dairy Development Board for two tenures.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Finding inner peace</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;As a student, Kedia loved to play basketball and was also in the college team. “I’d still love to play now, but my business doesn’t really allow me to do that anymore. However, after a stressful day, I like to give some time only to myself,” says he. He is a member of health club in Radisson hotel, loves swimming sauna and steam, and does cardio exercises. Kedia says he isn’t much into books, watches movies at times, doesn’t really care about gadgets. “I’m a simple person with simple desires; I want to lead a simple and modest life. I don’t believe in showing off and pretence. Kedia travels for work and leisure, but thinks he needs to take more vacations “I need to improve this part of my life. I don’t take many vacations. I’m trying to do it this year, may be ill go to Switzerland this year with my family,” says Kedia. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Changed dream</strong></p>
<p>
	Growing up, Kedia had dreams of being in hospitality and tourism business. He dreamt of owning a hotel as a graduate student and he even applied to study Hotel Management in Switzerland after graduating, but says it didn’t work out. Life had other plans for him. “As a member of a huge joint family, family’s dreams and decision always meant more than that of a member. Family’s decision mattered more to me, and I was needed in the group. So, I gave up my dream for my family,” shared Kedia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Experience speaks</strong></p>
<p>
	Introvert by nature, Kedia says he is a shy guy. Once he was invited as a chief guest at a co-operative’s AGM. He had to give a speech in public, but he became very nervous and he completely blacked out. “I don’t even remember what I said there. With time, I improved my public speaking skills and I have no problem with that today,” says Kedia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia sees Vinod Chaudhary is his idol, and says his struggle and success has always been an inspiration to him. &nbsp;Kedia had family relations with Chaudhary, and personally knew him as he is also a member of Young Entrepreneur Forum (YEF) under Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI). He also sees Shankar Lal Kedia, his uncle as idol within his family.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia opines that capital should stay within the country, regardless of the challenges faced by businessmen and entrepreneurs. According to him, rather than criticising the government and society, one should maintain a positive mentality and enhance the economy with a combined team spirit. He also feels that the spirit of ‘us’ is needed for development of a family, an organisation and an entire nation.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Foreseeable future</strong></p>
<p>
	As for his future plans, Kedia is not in investment mode now, as he feels there is no stability in the country. He thinks at such a point, it’s wise to retain what he has. New ventures may be started only after the problem of labour and load shedding are over. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia says he loves his profession, and work is his worship. He feels that he needs to do something for the company till he retires. “I work together with all my staffs, all my team, not just my personal growth, but also for their growth, I like to see through the perspective of ‘us’ rather than ‘me’. I like to create a win-win situation for all,” says Kedia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia says that if all goes well, he may also be involved in the hospitality business. “After all, fulfilments of inner desires give you true satisfaction. It was always my dream to be in the sector. Let’s see what future has in store,” Kedia is optimistic.</p>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Sumit Kedia with Family" height="378" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/march2013_personality_sumit_with_family.jpg" width="514" /></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-03-23',
			'modified' => '2013-04-17',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Life always has equal share of success and failure, one should never forget his roots when he is on top of success and one shouldn’t let the fire inside him die out when faced by failure, says Sumit Kedia a young business person, rephrasing what he learnt from his uncle Shankar Lal Kedia.',
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			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Quest For Bliss',
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			'content' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img align="right" alt="Trishakti Joshi" height="338" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_trisakti_feb2013.jpg" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="318" /><strong>By Gaurav Aryal</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Trishakti Joshi, CEO of Elite Networks was raised at a time when sons in the family were pressed to be either a doctor or an engineer. Being a part of the family with a daughter and two sons, Joshi was set to be a doctor as his elder brother had chosen the path to engineering. But the life of his had something else in its details.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	He was convinced and determined to be a doctor in his schooldays. So, he also took up Biology as one of the optional subjects in school. But as soon as he came out of his school passing his School Leaving Certificate (SLC), he watched lives of doctors from close. Then the fire in him that wanted to be a medical doctor extinguished. Joshi explains, “I was always a kind of person who wants and tries to do something new. I did not find that profession interesting. New experiments and trying out new things were missing out there. Though there is scope for research and development, it is not simply possible in the initial phase.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>The Chosen Dream</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Deciding to quit the doctoral profession he thought of shifting to architectural engineering. But unfortunately, only Intermediate in Engineering was taught in Nepal. So, one had to go abroad to complete the further studies. So, he joined ISC in Patan Campus but entering the Physics faculty was not so easy for a boy who came through a biology background. &nbsp;He managed through it and joined BSc in Trichandra College. Though he was keen to go to the US for further studies, he recalls his father, who had lived in the US for a long time, did not want Joshi to go there for his undergraduate studies.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the meantime the wave of new technology and especially the computers had struck Nepal. Along with his studies, he also joined MIPS at Bagbazar and learned the ABCD of computers there. The curiosity for the technology and a strong background in Science made him land as a job holder in the Mercantile Office Systems. There he used to repair computers. He worked for five years for Mercantile. Having worked for a long time with machines, he then craved working with people.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	With a dream to do something new and more satisfying he came up with an idea to offer computer networking services to offices. It was already an old thing in the international market but it was pretty new for Nepal. Then he established Elite Networks, partnering with a friend, the company which he is currently looking after.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Making Leaps</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi cashed in on the relationship he made in his previous job to find his clients. So, the networking responsibilities of the then Grindlays Bank or today’s Standard Chartered Bank were taken up by his company in its initial days. Joshi accredits the bank for the success of his company. As of now the entire IT of the bank is managed by Elite Networks. His company worked for the American Library, looked after IT aspects of Hillary Clinton’s Nepal visit and also sold computers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the due course, his company also work abroad too. Joshi’s company took up all the responsibilities of setting up networking for UNDP’s Bhutan Office. As of now, he has been introducing and maintaining the new initiatives his company makes. Around 1996 he also initiated the project to network two offices. And Joshi claims that his company was the first in Nepal to introduce wireless networking.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi’s venture that began with networking business also tried out sms banking, and now concentrates more on providing complete IT solutions to its clients. It not only provides tools and technology but also provides the entire services related with it. Since 2009, he started selling Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and all the services associated with it such as installation and maintenance among others. Joshi claims that his company has over 50 per cent market share in the ATM sales and caters to around 65 banks and financial institutions. His company also installs and manages ATM lounges. Once, Joshi also provided consulting services for his clients about the IT. Apart from these, his company in partnership has established and operated a data centre at Thapathali targeting financial institutions and corporate houses.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Elite Networks that began with two people, has now reached to a team of 60. Moving away from selling hardware, he plans to concentrate more on the complete solution packages and also venture into software development. Joshi sees a huge market prospects not only in Nepal but also globally in apps development for smart-phones and tablet computing.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Had he not been in the current business, Joshi thinks he would have become either doctor or taking some job somewhere in the field of IT.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="padding:10px; background:#f4f3e6; margin-bottom:5px;">
	<p>
		<strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-size: 16px;">Personal Side</span></strong></p>
	<ul>
		<li>
			Likes attending social events and professional gatherings</li>
		<li>
			Enjoys drinking without letting alcohol taking him over</li>
		<li>
			Loves cooking on weekends</li>
		<li>
			Loves using gadgets more for his works than for entertainment</li>
		<li>
			Prefers quality over brand names but gives value to brand values</li>
		<li>
			Likes photography</li>
		<li>
			Loves playing golf</li>
		<li>
			Socially active as a member of Toastmasters Club, Executive Member of CAN and Executive Member of Nepal Golf Association</li>
	</ul>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	 </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi says, “For me trying and doing new things is like an addiction. I visit abroad to understand and find out emerging technologies and identify new technologies that can be useful in Nepal.” Joshi localises those technologies to best suit the need of the Nepali market before introducing to Nepal.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Working style</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	While making any decisions, Joshi goes after his instincts, local market knowledge and trend in the international market. Similarly, he says that he readies himself before the market readies itself while introducing any new products and services. Joshi is already ready on his part before the clearing houses are ready to be operational in Nepali market- his new target place to offer services and solutions. Joshi recalls such times when he has been ahead of time and market, and instances where he had to drop the entire idea. He exemplifies such a situation in sms banking, where other companies in the market are doing well currently.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Every day, Joshi gets up at around 5:30 in the morning. Then, he goes to the club for exercises and fitness for one and a half hour. At around 8:30, he leaves for office and reaches there within half an hour. As he has to keep in touch with companies in Singapore, he utilises the time before his employees arrive for corresponding with those companies. “When my team arrives at office by 9:30, I am ready for them and by 10, when banks open, I am ready for clients too,” he describes. He usually ends the day at 6 pm.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Management approach</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi looks after the management of his company Elite Networks while his partner Pramod Kunwar looks after all the technical aspects. He reveals that the entire accounting services have been outsourced to another company since day one.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi believes, “As easy it is to establish a company, it is equally difficult to sustain it. It may look effortless to grow but it is equally tough to maintain that growth.” &nbsp;Joshi’s company around six years ago thought of getting an ISO certificate but dropped the idea because of the lengthy documentation process. But, he slightly modified the procedures and applied all the quality measures on the functioning of the company.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	When it comes to the human resource management, he has not left any stone unturned to keep his employees happy and motivated. He says that performance based incentives and regular motivational packages are offered to the human resources to keep their high spirits going higher.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Defining Success</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	For different people, success comes at different shapes and sizes. For Joshi, it comes in the form of satisfaction and joy. He recalls his initial days when he used to be filled with joy on closing a deal. “Everything does not remain the same forever. I am constantly in search of what next. If the newness is missing, pleasure diminishes,” he explains, “More than money, I enjoy the process of making money.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi suggests sincerity and dedication to the work is must for both satisfaction and achieving success. “You have to believe on what you do and you have to be passionate about it. When one enjoys work, money does not become the first priority and success will automatically follow. Money is its by-product,” says he.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>The Personal Space</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	When it comes to bridging the professional and personal life, Joshi likes them to remain at a distance. He does not mix the two. He says that unless it is an emergency, he neither takes official work to home nor receives any work related phone calls from home. Saturdays are the days when he likes spending time with his family and giving chances to his hobbies and interests. When he gets free time, he adores going little adventurous. He loves hiking, trekking, cycling and roaming around in the nature. Joshi has also recently developed new hobbies – photography and golf. He plans to give more time to his interests and his desires that were sidelined on the process of pursuing bigger professional dreams.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	It has been more than two decades since he first started working. So, he desires to give some extra time for himself reducing the working hours. “I have been thinking to minimise my working hours and give little extra time for my personal interests,” Joshi promises.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Similarly, at the back of his mind he has been slowly making rough sketch of retirement and succession planning. He wants to groom somebody capable so that he can handover his responsibilities. However, he does not plan to completely abandon his company and profession.</p>',
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			'description' => 'Trishakti Joshi, CEO of Elite Networks, likes to keep himself ahead of the market which he wants to conquer with new technologies and every service that come attached to it. The believer in work, passion and dedication finds success in every satisfying moment he has found in the pursuit of his professional goals.',
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			'title' => 'The Rise, Fall And Rise Of Malhotra',
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			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><span style="text-align: justify;">By Gaurav Aryal</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="text-align: justify;"><img align="left" alt="" height="211" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_malhotra.jpg" style="margin:0 10px 0 0;" width="350" />Every journey is a reward. No matter how painful a journey may become, it takes one to a destination where one really wants to be. Deepak Malhotra has had a journey with more bitterness than anything else. Executive Chairman of International Marketing Services Pvt Ltd (IMS), Malhotra’s journey as an entrepreneur has been full of upheavals.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	He has tried his luck in numerous business ventures. Though most of them did not perform well, Malhotra is now on a safe haven of business. &nbsp;He thinks he is half the way towards achieving success although some of the sectors like housing where he has invested are not doing well. For Malhotra, success comes along with recognition, public relation and active involvement in work. IMS is the authorised distributor of Samsung mobiles for Nepal. IMS has its sister concerns that import, market and sell mobile phones and provide after-sales services.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Along with IMS, Malhotra is part of numerous businesses mostly in partnership such as Silver Valley Developers Pvt Ltd, a housing development company and Ebisu Jewelleries, a jewellery showroom at Durbar Marg. He also imports SWC branded watches. All these companies are under an umbrella corporate house – the IMS Group. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra was in his school days when he started understanding the nitty-gritty of doing business. His father owned a hotel named Mansarovar when there were less than a dozen hotels in Nepal. Malhotra says that he started looking after some of the responsibilities in the hotel when he was still a school kid.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	It was in 1979 when Malhotra began a business of his own. He started off with importing watches. Malhotra, who has an avid interest in travelling, was on a tour to Hong Kong when the idea of trading clicked. He claims he did not borrow a single penny from his parents to start off his trading venture. Malhotra, however, recalls borrowing Rs 50,000 from his friends as the seed money for his initiative. He studied the market and the profit prospects and made a sole decision.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	It was just the beginning for him. Soon, he diversified his business and started importing products other than watches such as motor parts, salt, gold etc. Although it as his own brainchild, Malhotra believes, he drew subtle inspirations from his father to enter the corporate world.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra ventured into numerous sectors in the years that followed his trading initiative. It was around the mid 1990s when he produced three Nepali feature films. His first movie was Chahana, and the second was Sauta. He further invested in two other cinemas, Sannani and Ragat, along with a partner. He recalls, “None of those movies did good business. The movie market had not flourished in Nepal back then. And, I also realised that movie making is not my forte.”&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Then came the carpets. As carpet export was burgeoning, Malhotra was attracted to the lucrative business of wool carding and exporting carpets. However this too was short-lived. Then he began importing salt from India and selling it in the Nepali market under the brand name of Himali Noon. Malhotra claims that this initiative of his was able to break the monopoly of the state-owned Salt Trading Corporation (STC). “My entry as a new salt trader had created competition in the market. The consumers benefited from the reduced price of salt,” he recalls. Then the government introduced a vicious plan to drive away the private player to give the monopoly over salt trading back to the STC.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In 1998, Malhotra turned his hands to the paging business. There were five companies offering pager services, but Malhotra’s DTI Paging had an edge over them as it provided its services throughout the country. But it seems he had entered the paging business at the wrong time. Mobile telephony had entered the country a year in advance - in 1997 – and the idea of paging soon proved obsolete. This was another setback in his business career.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra saw a huge prospect in what had killed his paging business – the mobile phones. And soon, &nbsp;he started importing handsets. He recalls those years when, unlike today, the import of mobile was not open. During those days, one had to acquire a license from the Ministry of Communication to import mobile phone sets. Mlahotra got this license and started importing handsets manufactured by brands like Nokia, Panasonic, Motorola and Samsung. In 2001, IMS was appointed the authorised distributor of Samsung mobiles for Nepal. Since then, it has been importing and selling Samsung mobiles in Nepal. With the giant leap of Samsung brand worldwide, this brand has regained its number one position in Nepal too, according to Malhotra. With the growing popularity of the Samsung brand, Malhotra’s has a steady business. He has taken a positive turn, after facing one failure after another.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Though the Samsung watches were discontinued and renamed as SWC Watches, his company is trading in this Korean watch brand even today. Meanwhile, with the boom of the housing industry in 2008, Malhotra invested in the housing sector as well. Silver City Apartments is under construction under his builder Silver Valley Developers. However the housing sector too is not doing well at the moment.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra believes that most of his past business ventures failed because he went after his whims and tied up with the wrong partners. However, he thinks most of his past ventures failed because of external factors rather than any weakness in his managerial skills. “The trading business that I initiated is doing well even today,” he says, “All those incidents taught me that it is useless to venture into a new area without properly understanding it.” So, he suggests others not to start any project without understanding its fundamentals. He also prescribes to do those things which can be kept in a tight grip and not try to do everything at once. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra is happy with what he has today. He is determined to continue the mobile phone trading. Along with it, he is planning to step into new sectors where the entire country sees prospects –tourism, hydropower and agriculture. He believes these are the best three sectors that can push Nepal towards development. However, he expects the government to create basic infrastructures so that the private sector can do the rest.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	What would he be doing had he not entered business? “Probably, I would be in politics,” he says jokingly, recalling his days at &nbsp;Shanker Dev Campus where he did some student politics. “If I failed in politics, I would continue my father’s business,” he is quick to add. He &nbsp;now indeed has plans to invest in the hotel industry too. Malhotra says he is an independent citizen and thinks that a businessperson should not be involved in active politics.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	No matter what life brought to him, Malhotra believes he never left the policy of truth. At the times of difficulty, he says he received the support from his close friends and family members. “They always have trust and belief in me,” he appreciates them.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The only regret he has in his life is his inability to recognise the pretence of Rasendra Bhattarai. Malhotra says he wasted his time and resources believing in Bhattarai, who proved to be nothing but a hoax at the end.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra believes that management is the most important element in running a business house. So, he has dedicated all his management, distribution and marketing tasks to the management team while he looks after the financial matters and monitors as well as guides the team.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	He plans to hand over some of his responsibilities to his son who is soon returning after completing his studies in the United Kingdom. However, &nbsp;he wants to remain an active part of the business before he retires at 70. “As of now, the decision making &nbsp;is centralised in me. But I will be soon giving the decision making authority to my son,” he shares his plans. There are around 200 employees working under Malhotra at present. To cheer up the employees, his company has provisions of declaring the employee of the month and also the employee of the year. He says those who win these titles get attractive incentives. The company also organises various motivational programmes throughout the year, every year.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra is a sort of workaholic. He spends his weekdays working while he loves to spend his Saturdays with his family. However, he prefers completing his pending works on Saturday. Malhotra likes to keep himself socially active. He is also the senior Vice President of Club Fifty where cohorts in their 50s take part in various philanthropic activities. The club organises free health camps in the villages and distributes aids like wheelchairs to the physically challenged people.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="" height="252" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_malhotra(1).jpg" width="300" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong style="font-size: 14px; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Personal side</strong></p>
<p>
	•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>&nbsp;Loves travelling</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Prefers going on a vacation at least once a year</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Works from home until 1 pm&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Socially active and likes to attend parties</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Loves Sports</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Played for an A-Division football Club – Sundhara</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Advisor to Manang Marshyangdi Club and Patron of Boys Union Club</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Can’t keep anything secret</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Loves latest and trendy gadgets and uses Samsung Galaxy SIII</p>',
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			'title' => 'Tourism Entrepreneur Shakya’s Album Launched',
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			'summary' => 'November 27: Tourism entrepreneur Karna Shakya’s music album “Ma Nagarik Kasari Banu” was launched in Kathmandu on Sunday.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:13px">November 27: Tourism entrepreneur Karna Shakya&rsquo;s music album &ldquo;Ma Nagarik Kasari Banu&rdquo; was launched in Kathmandu on Sunday, November 26. Legendary lyricist Ratna Shamsher Thapa launched the album composed by Shakya and sung by Karna Das amid a function.</span></p>

<p>Thapa said that Shakya has added another identity as a lyricist in his list and the songs will make general people aware and alert about their duties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Music critic Prakash Sayami mentioned that the songs of Shakya include the theme of citizens&rsquo; duties. Das said that Shakya&rsquo;s album delivers a message on how to become a responsible citizen.</p>

<p>Shakya said that though it is easy to suggest people on how one should be, we lack the sense of correcting ourselves. So, the songs will motivate people to be self conscious about such issues.&nbsp;</p>
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			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Om Rajbhandary, Executive Chairman of Brihat Group and Chairman of Comfort Housing is a long-familiar name in Nepali real estate sector. Many may find it hard to believe that one of the most prominent developers and the pioneer of community housing in Nepal actually started his career as Medical Representative. Rajbhandary, a promoter of planned urbanization has conquered a lot in the real estate sector, and has a lot more up his sleeve.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Rajbhandary, a real estate expert, developer and builder and pioneer of community living in Nepal doesn&rsquo;t like to be known only as a businessman. &ldquo;I am not just working for my business, I am working for the betterment of entire real estate sector of Nepal,&rdquo; says Rajbhandary. Rajbhandary, over the years, has made enormous contribution for the professional management of the sector. Brihat Group has been publishing a newsletter for the last six years to educate and aware the people about the sector and about its market. Rajbhandary was the first person to work as a Real Estate Faculty Member of Ace Institute of Management and in Apex College. He has taught Real Estate, an optional subject to MBA and BBA students in these colleges.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Rajbhandary has been promoting real estate, infrastructure and urbanization through presentations in various national and international programmes. He is also the Visiting Speaker of Thai Real Estate School of Business, and is regarded as a key speaker in Asia-Pacific region. He was also the first to introduce Real Estate Marketing Agent Course in Nepal in 2009 to generate certified real estate marketing agents. At present, Brihat Group has produced more than a hundred such agents. &nbsp;He has played a major role in many fairs and expos, and has been the coordinator of various real estate exhibitions. Rajbhandary has also addressed the issue of the sector in the government, and is always coordinating with government authorities and international agencies like IFC and IMF for improving the sector.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>The Genesis</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Surprisingly, Rajbhandary started his career as a Medical Representative for a company called Winthrop in the year 1984. Soon, he was promoted to District Sales Manager. He left the job in 1992, when he was further promoted and had to go to India. &ldquo;I always wanted to work in my own country and become an entrepreneur. So I left the job after nine years,&rdquo; said Rajbhandary. His experience in Winthrob taught him corporate culture, and he also learnt a lot about administration. Back in his head , he had plans of doing his own business. In the same year, he, with five other partners, started CE Constructions. The company then started dealing with construction business, successfully carrying out government and private construction projects.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The first project of CE Constructions was the installation of transmission line in Lumbini. Other major projects accomplished by the company in the following decade include Gokarna Golf Resort, Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), Sagarmatha Chaudhary Eye Hospital in Lahan, Siddhartha Children and Women Hospital in Butwal, Buddha Maya Garden Hotel at Lumbini and extended portion of B and B Hospital among others.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;After a decade of its inception, CE Constructions was a popular name in Nepali market. Around the same time, Rajbhandary came up with the concept of community housing, which was a relatively new concept in Nepal back then. In the year 2001, he started the construction of Comfort Housing with the concept of community living. &ldquo;It was started with the concept of providing customers with stand-alone housing units with property ownership, infrastructure and amenities,&rdquo; explained Rajbhandary. But like any new idea, his idea of community living wasn&rsquo;t readily accepted in the market. It took some time for the market to get used to the new concept.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	There were 76 houses in his first Comfort Housing Community Living project at Sitapaila, and it took him two years to sell all the houses. Within the two years&rsquo; time, the concept gradually picked up, and his second such project at Budhanilkantha was completely booked in two days, and sold within six months. &ldquo;This proved that the market has slowly accepted the concept of community living. We were encouraged by this, and constructed even more such housings,&rdquo; says Rajbhandary. &nbsp;The popularity and credibility of the housing grew so much that the next Comfort Housing project at Ichhangu had to be sold with lottery system. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Going Beyond</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to Rajbhandary, he is committed to enhance the quality of life of Nepalis. &ldquo;For this, we had to go beyond Kathmandu. So we searched for good locations, and constructed our fourth Comfort Housing in Dharan,&rdquo; says he. At the same time, Rajbhandary again started something new, the idea of Vertical Community Living or apartments. Then he constructed The Comfort Housing (TCH) Tower-2 at Lazimpat which was ready by year 2006. It also was a huge success as all the apartments were sold out in a single day. In 2007, TCH Tower-3 was ready. &ldquo;There were 41 apartments, and for that we received 350 applications. That too was sold with lottery system,&rdquo; says he. For the sale of his next two ventures TCH Community Living at Thaiba and TCH Tower-4 at Sitapaila, potential buyers were informed three months in prior. &nbsp;The demand was so high that these two properties also had to be sold on lottery basis.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As Comfort Housing only concentrated on community living houses and apartments, Rajbhandary thought of constructing other housing structures like senior housing, rental housing, environment friendly housing and low cost housing among others. &ldquo;To move on further with this, I started Brihat Investments Pvt Ltd in the year 2008,&rdquo; says he. According to him, Brihat Investments was started to promote real estate investment, entrepreneurship and marketing. Under the company, he constructed first environment-friendly community living with the theme of eco-urbanization at Ramkot. These houses have eco-friendly features like UV protected windows, reduced use of wood, rain water conservation, solar street lights and proper disposal of household wastes among others. There are 76 units in the community, and 30 units are handed over and 18 units are already occupied. Brihat Group now has four companies under it, Brihat Investments Pvt Ltd, Brihat Developers and Builders Pvt Ltd, Swayambhu Hotels and Apartments Pvt Ltd and Pioneer Developers and Builders Pvt Ltd.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Rajbhandary was born in 2019 BS in Yangal of Kathmandu to Late Bishnu Bahadur Rajbhandary and Narayan Devi Rajbhandary. Growing up, he was very close with his grandfather Bhairab Bahadur Rajbhandary. He is the youngest among two sisters and a brother. He did his schooling from Laboratory School till grade 8, and did his SLC from Viswa Niketan School. He did his Intermediate and Bachelor degree in science from Amrit Science Campus.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Present and Future</strong></span></div>
<div>
	After the recession in housing sector about four years back, there have been some issues in lending and project financing. According to Rajbhandary, Nepal still has deficit of housing, but owing to the increased price of land, huge housing projects are not a possibility for now. &ldquo;To cope with this problem, we have come up with the idea of cluster housing. There are only houses in cluster housing without other infrastructures and community facilities,&rdquo; explains Rajbhandary. He is launching three such projects in Kathmandu within 2014.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In the future, Rajbhandary wants to develop the core city area of Kathmandu as a safe shelter to reduce the risk of earthquakes. He also wants to transform the area with better management in terms of transportation, sanitation and ventilation. Rajbhandary is also in favour of conserving our cultural heritages. &nbsp;He also wants to develop new towns to adjust with the growing population, and has dreams of bringing a public limited company for housing sector. &ldquo;I want planned urbanization to foster, not only in Kathmandu but all over Nepal,&rdquo; says the ambitious builder.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Personal Side</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Rajbhandary married Purnima Rajbhandary in the year 2050 BS. &ldquo;My wife has an enormous contribution towards my success. We are very compatible with each other, and enjoy a very friendly and happy relation,&rdquo; says he. &nbsp;She is an MBA graduate, also the CEO of Brihat Investments. The couple is blessed with a son Brihat, and under his name, the entire group is established. He is doing his engineering in Canada, and Rajbhandary wants his son to support his business with newer technologies, and take it to newer heights. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He says he is a very helpful person with a light heart, and is popular among his friends, family and acquaintances. He considers leadership and eloquence among his strengths, and advocates independence and freedom of decision making. &ldquo;I believe in god, and respect my ancestors. I pay respect to the both every morning before I have my breakfast,&rdquo; says the faithful man. Besides his work, he is busy socializing. He loves travelling, listening to music and loves gadgets. Rajbhandary doesn&rsquo;t want to splurge on cars, and drives a Kia Sportage and Ford Classic.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Afterword</strong></span></div>
<div>
	A strong believer of entrepreneurship, Rajbhandary is contented with the fact that he has contributed to the nation through his constructions and employment. &ldquo;As our country is in political transition, the society has expectations form business leaders like us. We should be responsible towards the society,&rdquo; says he. According to him, knowledge is not a private property, and all should transform knowledge for the better good of society and country. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Involvements</strong></span></div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Founding Chairman and Promoter, CE Constructions&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Director, Ace School</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Board Member, Industrial Promotion Board, Department of Industries&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Board Member, Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Management Board</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Executive Committee Member, FNCCI</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Coordinator, Urban Development Forum, FNCCI</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Third Vice President, Nepal Land and Housing Developers&rsquo; Association&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>National Team Member, Habitat for Humanity International&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Member, Canada Nepal Business Executive Committee&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lifetime Special Member, Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce of Industry (CACCI)</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Executive Committee Member, SAARC Chambers of Commerce and Industry (SCCI)</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Administrative Director/General Secretary, Hospice Nepal</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Senior Vice President/Fund Raising Committee Coordinator, Nepal Ambulance Service</div>
<div>
	&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chairperson-Vocational Service Project, Rotary Club of Kasthamandap</div>',
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			'created' => '2014-03-24',
			'modified' => '2014-03-25',
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			'description' => 'Om Rajbhandary, Executive Chairman of Brihat Group and Chairman of Comfort Housing is a long-familiar name in Nepali real estate sector. Many may find it hard to believe that one of the most prominent developers and the pioneer of community housing in Nepal actually started his career as Medical Representative. Rajbhandary, a promoter of planned urbanization has conquered a lot in the real estate sector, and has a lot more up his sleeve.',
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	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2643',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Twist Of Time',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Binayak Shah, the President of European Economic Chamber Nepal, Vice President of Summit Group of Hotels and Resorts and Managing Director of Airport Hotel, had started his career from the young age of 17. Though deterred from business as a youth, he ultimately ended up where he was supposed to: in a mega scale business of hospitality and World Expos. Shah, who likes to call himself a development oriented businessman, says that making money is not his sheer aspiration. &ldquo;I feel that I have to help my country through my business, only then it becomes fruitful,&rdquo; says Shah.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah started off as a journalist and used to work for Gorkhapatra and Radio Nepal. &ldquo;I used to do reporting and proof reading for Gorkhapatra, and did news monitoring for Radio Nepal. That&rsquo;s where I believe I started my career,&rdquo; recalls Shah.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah says he was always oriented towards business, since a very young age. His father never held a job; he was involved in trade and commercial agriculture and did jute and other plantations on a big scale. &nbsp;Unfortunately, a flood in Koshi once swept away all their land and plantation, sending his father deep in debt. His father was deeply shocked by the event, lost a lot of money and stopped doing business. His father also advised him to get a government job and keep away from business.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shah was born in 1953 in Durbar Marg of Kathmandu to Late Devendra Bahadur Shah and Gauri Shah. Shah was the eldest of three sisters and a brother. His house was in the same place where Hotel Annapurna is today. &nbsp;&ldquo;I was born and brought up there till the age of ten. We had to sell our property owing to pressure from the Royal Palace back then as there were plans of establishing the hotel,&rdquo; recalls Shah. Then the family moved to ancestral house in Gyaneshwor, and Shah still resides in the same place today.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah did his schooling from Shanti Vidya Griha. He says he was admitted directly in Grade 5 as he used to take home tuitions prior to joining school. He completed his SLC from there, and did his IA from Mahendra Ratna College. He did his graduation from Trichandra College, and finished his Masters in Economic from TU. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Initiation</strong></span></div>
<div>
	After completing his studies, Shah opted for government job. He joined the then Trade Promotion Centre and worked there for 16 years. He served there in various positions including Department Head and In-charge of International Marketing. During his tenure, he promoted Nepal and Nepali products like carpets, garments and handicrafts in Western European countries. He worked with various international development agencies like GTZ, International Trade Centre and others to promote Nepali products in Europe. &nbsp;&ldquo;I participated in numerous international trade fairs and exhibitions back then,&rdquo; says Shah. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As a Thakuri, job in army or police was another prospect for him, but life had other plans for him. Thanks to his job in Trade Promotion centre, his orientation towards business grew even stronger. &ldquo;Government jobs didn&rsquo;t suit me well, there were lot of political interferences, still I held on for some time,&rdquo; says he.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	During his 16 years government job, he made a lot of contacts and relations with international business community. Then he left the job in 1992, and with his initiation, Nepal German Chamber of Commerce and Industries was formed. Shah was the first CEO of the Chamber and he fostered the trade between Nepal and Germany during his tenure. &ldquo;I formed Business Advisory Service program which was a result of cooperation between German Development Bank and Nepal German Chamber. The program helped numerous SMEs in upgrading their capacities in terms of export,&rdquo; says Shah. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Later Years</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shah&rsquo;s involvement in Trade Promotion Centre and Nepal German Chamber of Commerce and Industry made him ready to do business on his own. &ldquo;I had assisted numerous businesses as Business Development Consultant. Later I thought that it was time for me to start something of my own,&rdquo; says Shah. &nbsp; In the year 2000, he jumped into business and became a full time business person. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah then started organizing mega-scale international fairs, events and exhibitions that promote Nepal and Nepali products. He specializes in constructing Nepali pavilions with life-size replicas of Nepali temples and structures illustrating art and architecture of Nepal in World Expositions around the globe. World Exposition is a huge public exhibition that is organized around the world by Bureau of international Exposition (BIE), Paris, of which Nepal is also a member. A total of 167 countries are member of BIE.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="center" width="100">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Nepal Pavillion at Expo 2010 Shanghai, designed, built and operated by IEG" src="/userfiles/images/prs2%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 550px; height: 368px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#DDDDDD">
				<div align="center">
					Nepal Pavillion at Expo 2010 Shanghai, designed, built and operated by IEG</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Present Times</strong></span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;Shah participates in the World Expos through his company Implementing Export Group (IEG), where he is also the Director of International Marketing and Promotion. Shah has constructed various themed Nepali pavilions in World Expos in Germany, China, Japan, Australia, South Korea and other countries. &nbsp;His pavilions have been viewed by millions of people worldwide. &ldquo;The participation in World Expos massively supports tourism, trade and goodwill of Nepal. We represent entire Nepal in a small scale in these Expos,&rdquo; says Shah. The next World Expo is going to be held in Milan in 2015 with the theme &lsquo;Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life&rsquo;, and Shah is currently busy preparing for it.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;The Expos do a lot of promotion of Nepal and supports Nepal in numerous ways,&rdquo; says he. Shah, who recently turned 60, says that participating in these Expos required him to stay overseas for a long time. &ldquo;Since travelling very frequently doesn&rsquo;t suit me, I started looking after Airport Hotel as Managing Director,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Personal Side</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shah married Shanta Shah in 1979, and the couple has a son and a daughter Bishan and Ojaswi. Shah says he is busy on all days, and doesn&rsquo;t usually take leave even on Saturdays. &ldquo;When I am free, I get restless. I have to be working all the time and I like to keep myself occupied all the time. Free time makes you worry, and I try to avoid that,&rdquo; says a workaholic Shah. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah gets up at 5:30 in the morning and is always at his office at Airport Hotel at 8:30. He holds a meeting everyday among his staffs. &ldquo;There are various departments, and all have to be coordinated for the smooth operation of Hotel. I coordinate between all the departments through the meeting every day,&rdquo; explains Shah. &nbsp;According to him, maintaining good personal relation with the staffs is the key to make them more productive and motivate them. In the day, he looks after the tasks of Summit Group of Hotels and Resorts. Shah&rsquo;s evenings are spent in socializing and get-togethers and parties. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah used to play cricket when he was young, and also was the captain of his team in University. He still finds time to watch cricket on TV, and is a fan of Nepali cricket team. He also loves photography and travelling. &ldquo;My business has allowed me to travel a lot. I have travelled Europe extensively, and many other countries around the world,&rdquo; says he. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="center" width="100">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Shah with his family" src="/userfiles/images/prs1%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 550px; height: 368px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#DDDDDD">
				<div align="center">
					Shah with his family</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Word of Advice</strong></span></div>
<div>
	&ldquo;I am a self made man; I am where I am only because of me. I have no regrets, and I am happy,&rdquo; says the contented man. In his words, time is the most crucial thing in one&rsquo;s life, and it should never be wasted. &ldquo;Time is the most important thing, it won&rsquo;t wait for you and you won&rsquo;t get it back. If you act on time, you can achieve a lot, if you miss it, it won&rsquo;t come back for you,&rdquo; says Shah. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shah believes that Nepal has come have a long way in a few years, but still a lot needs to be done. &nbsp;&ldquo;All entrepreneurs and businessmen should think for the country and make long term plans. No one gets rich overnight,&rdquo; says he. &nbsp;According to Shah, Nepal&rsquo;s true potential is in numerous sectors, we Nepalis just have to be sincere towards our work. &ldquo;Nepal cannot compete with India and China in manufacturing, but it is not the same scenario in herbs, tourism and hydropower. We should be able to capitalize our resources,&rdquo; says Shah. Shah also believes that if we can commercialize agro-forestry, then we can feed the entire world. &nbsp;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2014-02-20',
			'modified' => '2014-02-21',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Binayak Shah, the President of European Economic Chamber Nepal, Vice President of Summit Group of Hotels and Resorts and Managing Director of Airport Hotel, had started his career from the young age of 17. Though deterred from business as a youth, he ultimately ended up where he was supposed to:',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2311',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Liberal Feminist',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<div>
		<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		After years of working in education sector and in areas of women empowerment and entrepreneurship development, Sharma has recently entered into politics. Sharma, who likes to call herself a social entrepreneur, is also a candidate for the Constituent Assembly polls under Proportional Representation electoral system from Madhesi People&#39;s Rights Forum in the recent CA Elections. &ldquo;Politics will be my major focus from now onwards. I will bring forth the issues of women, youth and employment through politics,&rdquo; says Sharma.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Sharma has been working in the education sector since last 15 years, and believes that education is the most fundamental need. She has played the role of a pioneer in introducing Tourism Studies at the academic level in Nepal by starting Nepal College of Travel and Tourism Management in 1996. &ldquo;I was inspired to open the college as tourism is the top most potential that Nepal has. I started the college to take tourism and education hand in hand. This is the first college to provide formal tourism education in Nepal,&rdquo; says she. According to her, this is the only college in South Asia that offers Bachelor level courses&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		in Tourism. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		The college provides academic courses like Bachelor in Travel and Tourism Management, Bachelor in Hotel management and Masters in Travel and Tourism Management. &ldquo;My intention for starting the college was to merge education with tourism and help in providing employment through it. As Travel and Tourism Management is a professional course, the employment rate is very high, at around 98 per cent,&rdquo; informed Sharma. She is also the Founder Director of Kaasthamandap Vidhalaya.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
	<strong style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Chhaya Sharma" src="/userfiles/images/prsnlt1%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 250px; height: 328px;" /></strong>
	<div>
		Sharma was born in Dillibazar of Kathmandu to Late Rohini Prasad Pant and Janaki Devi. &nbsp;She says she enjoyed a childhood that was very happy and well provided for. &ldquo;I grew up with my elder brother and little sister. We were taught from our childhood to care for others, and for those who are less fortunate,&rdquo; recalls Sharma. &nbsp;She did her schooling from Saint Mary&rsquo;s School. Sharma says she was brought up in a very disciplined environment, both at home and at school. &nbsp;She believes all her traits and characters developed from her education and upbringing.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Sharma still remembers not having any definite career goals as a young girl. &ldquo;As I grew up in well to do family, I didn&rsquo;t gave much thought to career when I was young, but still I had the feeling that I should somehow contribute to the society,&rdquo; says she. After school, she did her Intermediates from Ratna Rajya Laxmi Girls College, and later went to Delhi to study Interior Designing. After completing the course, she returned to Kathmandu. At that time, Interior Designing was quite a new thing. She tried a few jobs, but didn&rsquo;t continue it as she didn&rsquo;t see much prospect in it back then.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&ldquo;I again pursued my education, and did my Masters in Sociology from Patan Multiple Campus,&rdquo; shares Sharma. She has also received numerous professional trainings including Conflict Transformation Across Cultures from SIT Graduate Institute Vermont, USA and Social Healing and Leadership in Peace building. It was the same time when Nepal was suffering from armed conflict, and the training helped to give her life a new direction.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Philosophies</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		As an enterprising and creative woman, Sharma strongly believes that economic empowerment is the key to uplift women. &ldquo;I believe in self employment and creativity. Through many associations, I have assisted numerous women empower themselves through skill development, trainings and through micro-credit projects,&rdquo; says Sharma.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Sharma has played an instrumental role in conflict management in the then war-torn areas like Kailali and Rukum. She got involved with organizations like Women Entrepreneur&rsquo;s Association and Karuna Centre. &nbsp;Also, her major involvement was in area of women empowerment through entrepreneurship development and employment generation. After the conflict ended, she was engaged in peace building process in communities. She has conducted numerous researches on Micro Enterprise Development in many remote areas of Nepal. &nbsp;Sharma is also the Board Member Institute for Conflict Management, Peace and Development (ICPD) and a Life Member of Human Rights Association of Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Along with advocating for equal rights for women, Sharma also believes that responsibilities should be equally divided between male and female. &ldquo;Though the structure of our society is patriarchal, but it&rsquo;s gradually changing. We should open our arms to change, but should not let go of our culture and values,&rdquo; says Sharma. &nbsp;However, she strictly disapproves of women working only in the households. &ldquo;Women can contribute economically, and they should look after their family as well,&rdquo; says she. She also believes in economic evaluation of women&rsquo;s household work.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Chhaya Sharma" src="/userfiles/images/prsntlt2%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 250px; height: 347px;" />Personal Side</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Sharma is married to Pranesh Sharma, and says her relation with her husband is based on respect and friendship. &ldquo;We are very compatible with each other, and share everything, no matter how small or big. I think every relation should be based on friendship for it to last forever,&rdquo; says she. A mother of a son and a daughter- Pranav and Pallavi, Sharma says that she is blessed with a very happy and close-knit family.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Sharma starts her day with a cup of tea with her husband. She believes in keeping herself fit, and goes to gym every day. &nbsp;Her days are spent in meetings, in managing her college and in various organizations. Refusing to do any work on Saturdays, she relaxes on weekends and watches TV and reads biographies of famous personalities. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>The Road Ahead</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Sharma has recently entered into politics, and plans to make it her major focus in the days to come. &ldquo;I was always interested in politics, but I wanted to have adequate resources, skill and knowledge first. Now I think I am capable of contributing through politics,&rdquo; shares Sharma. Sharma recalls advocating and lobbying with the government for women empowerment through FWEAN. That&rsquo;s when she figured out that there were many difference in policy making level, and more women were needed there. &ldquo;All the decisions are made at the upper level, and it need more voice from women. That level could only be reached through politics. That&rsquo;s another reason why I am in politics now,&rdquo; says she. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Given the present situation of women in Nepal, Sharma thinks that they need some priority, so that they can have a level playing field. She advocates for reservation for women until they are equally placed. &nbsp;&ldquo;As women lack numerous opportunities in our country, they need some push for a certain time, until they can face the competition with men&rdquo;, says she. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		According to Sharma, women entrepreneurs need to believe in themselves first, and should move ahead with a strong and positive attitude. &ldquo;Follow three Ds, determination, dedication and finally the devotion for a cause. Success will surely come your way,&rdquo; advises Sharma.</div>
</div>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-22',
			'modified' => '2013-12-30',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Chhaya Sharma, Chairperson of Women’s Committee-Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Founder/Director of Nepal College of Travel and Tourism Management says that education is the major driving force for development of society, community and country as a whole. “When people are educated, they become aware of their rights and will fight for it,” says Sharma who is also the Immediate Past President of Federation of Women Entrepreneurs’ Association of Nepal (FWEAN).',
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			'id' => '2181',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Fighting Spirit',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Just like every lock has its key, all the problems come with a solution,&rdquo; says Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, MD, Panchakanya Group, one of the leading manufacturers of construction materials in Nepal. Shrestha has managed the Group for almost three decades, and is still directing it towards new avenues. Shrestha says that his new ventures will be in areas of hydropower and agriculture. &ldquo;As our base is manufacturing, we will continue focusing on industries and manufacturing. Besides, hydropower and agriculture will be our next area,&rdquo; he says. According to him, Panchakanya Group is a household name in Nepal, and enjoys a good reputation. &ldquo;We have nationwide dealership network and we are known as quality manufacturers. We never compromise in the quality of our products. What we are is all because of the trust of our customers,&rdquo; says Shrestha.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, MD, Panchakanya Group" src="/userfiles/images/prsn2%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 300px; height: 410px;" />Origin of Group</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group started as Panchakanya Rice Mill in 2028 BS, named after five Hindu goddesses Durga, Saraswati, Laxmi, Radha and Annapurna. The next major venture was Panchakanya Iron Industries in Kotihawa (Bhairahawa) of Rupandehi district. There wasn&rsquo;t much industrial development in western Nepal back then. So the company also opened two industries that manufactured pipe and steel in Bhairahawa in around 2040 BS. Today, Panchakanya Group is renowned as one of the pioneers in manufacturing sector and there are around a dozen industries under the group, and has generated thousands of employment opportunities.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shrestha joined the Group in the year 1985 after completing his studies. &nbsp;When he first joined, he used to handle all the aspects of business, from managing the finances to correspondence. This was also because he was a student of commerce, and also because the Group was not what it is today. &ldquo;I started in a small way, and I am happy that I have played my part in changing the business to what it is today,&rdquo; says Shrestha. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>The Turning Point</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Before going to college, Shrestha says he didn&rsquo;t always think of being a business man or joining his family business. &ldquo;I wanted to study science and become an engineer. So I applied to Amrit Science Campus. But it was very hard to get admission in those days, so I wasn&rsquo;t selected.&rdquo; One day, a friend of his father told him that if he becomes a successful businessman, he will get many engineers to work for him. His words changed his mind, and then went to Darjeeling to study B Com.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	After his graduation, he didn&rsquo;t want to go abroad for his further studies. Also, his father wanted him to study here as it would also help him in building relations. So he joined TU and did MBA. Shrestha was the student of first MBA batch of TU. &ldquo;I proudly say that I completed my Masters from Nepal. Whenever I am abroad and people ask me where I studied, I proudly tell them the fact,&rdquo; says Shrestha. By doing so, he believes he has also conveyed a message that the educational system of Nepal is at par. &nbsp;After finishing his studies, he joined the family business and has been handling it since then.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shrestha was born in Illam in 2016 to Prem Bahadur Shrestha and Neel Kumari Shrestha. He says he was very active and restless since his childhood. He used to take part in every sport possible, and was very athletic.&rdquo;I wasn&rsquo;t an excellent student, but rather an above average one,&rdquo; recalls Shrestha. He studied in a local school in Fikkal till grade four, and did the rest of his schooling from Victoria Boys School in Kharsang of &nbsp;Arunachal Pradesh in India. He completed his graduation in Commerce from North Point College in Darjeeling.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shrestha gives all the credit for the current status of the Group and his success to his father Prem Bahadur Shrestha. His father was the one to initate the business as the founder. &ldquo;My father taught me everything about business. He passed his business ethics on to me and taught me how to be successful in business. Ours is a family business, and it will continue for generations to come,&rdquo; says Shrestha.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shrestha says his father laid a very strong foundation, and his generation has added bricks to that foundation. Shrestha, under his management, has made the Group evolve and brought it where it is today. &ldquo;We are happy about what we have done. But if the country was in a better condition, we could have done much more. Even in this adverse time, we are trying to grow,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, MD, Panchakanya Group" src="/userfiles/images/prsn1%20(Copy).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 412px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Personal Side</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shrestha loves sports, and is very keen golfer and plays every other day. He says he is a very competitive person in every aspect and strives for victory. The same reflects in his business and also in golf. &ldquo;I cannot be second, I am a fighter and I have to win,&rdquo; says he. According to him, sport is not only good for health, but also makes you better in every aspect. &ldquo;Sports teach you to accept defeat. It has taught me that if you lose, it doesn&rsquo;t mean you are a loser, it just means you have to try harder,&rdquo; says Shrestha. He says that people usually don&rsquo;t realize how close they are to success. &nbsp;According to him, defeats should be analyzed, and worked upon again.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Despite his very busy schedule, Shrestha almost always manages to go wherever he is invited. &ldquo;Wherever people invite me, I go there and show my presence. That is in my nature. I have dinner in my family only once a week, so I have breakfast in my home every day,&rdquo; says he. Sports and social engagements are what keep Shrestha busy. Shrestha travels extensively, and goes for vacation once a year with his family. Shrestha loves to travel with his wife Usha and sons Udeep and Ashik. &nbsp;He also likes to travel to remote areas Nepal and go trekking with his family. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Philosophies</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Shrestha strongly believes that every person can contribute in his own way to develop the nation. &ldquo;I am a responsible citizen, and I feel I have to pay back for what the country has given me. &nbsp;If every Nepali thinks this way, Nepal will be changed in no time. We all can make a difference,&rdquo; says Shrestha. &nbsp;&ldquo;Nepal is not as poor as people generally conceive it to be. I don&rsquo;t think ours is a poor country, only the mindset of the people is poor,&rdquo; says he.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Shrestha, it is unfortunate that Nepal has many problems, but still Nepalis have achieved a lot. He believes that Nepal can be developed and prosperous only if every Nepali acts for it. &ldquo;Every Nepali should think that he should contribute his part, and start thinking collectively. &nbsp;There is no other way, and no one other than Nepalis will develop Nepal,&rdquo; says Shrestha.</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-11-28',
			'modified' => '2013-12-16',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => '“Just like every lock has its key, all the problems come with a solution,” says Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, MD, Panchakanya Group, one of the leading manufacturers of construction materials in Nepal. Shrestha has managed the Group for almost three decades, and is still directing it towards new avenues.',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2064',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'An Unintentional Journey',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong>--By Sagar Ghimire</strong></div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Jayaram Lamichhane, President of Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN), has many identities associated with him. A teacher turned businessman, Lamichhance, has recently jumped into the fray of politics. Unlike many successful personalities, Lamichhane was a rolling stone, who did not have a thorough planning and a specific career goal to meet in the days to come.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		With the passage of time, he tried to fit himself in different roles, either merely to make his living, an ambition to earn huge amount money or sheer interest to serve the nation. Whatever he met on the way, he accepted it as a career with making sincere and hard efforts to make it happen.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		The ambition to earn money has its roots in his early childhood. The deprivation he experienced during his childhood left an indelible imprint in his mind, always compelling him to think about accumulating wealth. However, he says, he never compromised with his ethics and integrity to make money. Born to Late Jibnath Lamichhane and Late Dewaki Lamichhane in a middle-class family in Makwanpur, he had to endure the grief of his father&rsquo;s demise barely at the age of two. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Multiple identities</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Recently, he has been recommended as a Nepali Congress (NC) candidate for the upcoming Constituent Assembly polls from Makwanpur Constituency-2. He joined the party last month amid a function in Kathmandu, where the party president Sushil Koirala welcomed him by issuing the general membership of the NC.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&ldquo;I joined this democratic party as I want to serve the nation now through politics,&rdquo; shares Lamichhane. He is in the contract business for more than 25 years. During this period, his company has not only constructed hundreds of bridges, roads and buildings, but also worked as a sub-contractor for the construction projects as far as in India, Japan, Cambodia and Qatar.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		He is now leading more than 17,000 contractors of the country as a President of FCAN. Apart from that, he is also a Board Member of Nepal Purwardhar Bikash Company Limited (NPBCL), Nepal&rsquo;s first public limited company building a national toll highway of Asian Highway Standards. The company is in the process of building the Kathmandu-Kulekhani-Hetauda Tunnel Highway (KKHT), a dream project with the 4P initiative (people, public and private partnership).&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Teaching in transition</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		After completing his School Leaving Certificate degree from a local school in the Chitlang, Makwanpur, he decided to teach in a school at Kulekhani to make a living instead of going to college. It was while teaching in the school he decided to appear privately in Intermediate degree exams. He was happy for getting a teaching job as he did not need to worry about bread and butter. Yet, he was looking further for ways to make more money. &ldquo;It was very difficult for me to manage everything with mere Rs 275 per month. So, I was looking for other alternatives,&rdquo; he shares.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Turning Point</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Once, Lamichhane was returning home from Martung, Kulekhani for his holiday. Incidentally, he met one of his relatives Ram Prasad Lamichhane on the way, who happened to work for Mittal Construction Pvt Ltd in a Devighaat Hydropower project. Lamichhane inquired about job possibility in the company. The relative informed him that the company was looking for someone who could look after the project accounts, and had to be stationed in Dhunche in Rasuwa.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Agreeing to work, he went to Kathmandu the next day for the job in the Company. The company offered him Rs 1000 per month for the job. &nbsp;Later, he went to the project site to take up the job of maintaining financial account of the project. However, he did not limit himself to book keeping. &ldquo;Eventually, I learned other aspects like engineering, survey works as well as other aspects of road construction,&rdquo; he recalls. &nbsp;After the completion of that project, he was provided with the overall responsibility of another hydropower project as an in-charge. Impressed with his works, the company later provided him the responsibilities in numerous other projects.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&ldquo;While working for these projects, I had gained a lot of experience and also had an insight of the construction business.&rdquo; he shares. Life was about to open a new door for him, and he was struck with an idea to open his own construction company. &ldquo;When I shared my interest to come up with my own company with the Managing Director Manohari Lal Mittal, he was very affirmative about the idea and encouraged me to pursue what I dreamt of,&rdquo; he says and adds, &ldquo;he did not only encourage with his words but also provided me with a seed fund of Rs 50,000.&rdquo;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		With this capital, he registered his own company Swochhanda Constuction Pvt Ltd in 1989. It did not take him much to speed up the business after establishing his own venture. &nbsp;After the launch of his own company, he never looked back. The first project his company undertook was an irrigation project in Parsa worth Rs 300,000. Till date, he has completed many projects worth billions of rupees, most of them as a sub-contractor for international companies like Japan&rsquo;s Obayashi Corporation and Chinese CWE Company. He says he has been able to win hearts of these international companies, thereby earning accreditation for his company as one of the &lsquo;best&rsquo; in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Personal Nature</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Youngest among five sisters and brothers, Lamichhane did not get a privilege to go to college owing to the poor economic condition. However, he did not let his interest of studying die. Though he had dropped school while he was in grade 8, he rejoined it later realizing that he should continue his study at any cost.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		An introvert during his childhood, his family friends and relatives mistakenly thought him to be arrogant. &nbsp;Today, Lamichhane has much changed and is quite an outspoken person. &ldquo;I was determined to achieve whatever I strived for, and that included my personal aspects as well,&rdquo; he says. &nbsp;Since he did not grow up in a well-off family, he rarely had time to hang out with his friends. &ldquo;I realised from my early childhood that I had to manage the finances myself, and I always felt that I had to stand on my own feet. Owing to my financial problems, I never get a chance and time to truly enjoy my childhood,&rdquo; says Lamichhane.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>&ldquo;Nobody to guide&rdquo;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Behind every successful person, there is somebody whose support becomes instrumental for him. Family, teacher or a mentor, among others, are usually there to push a person forward towards his life goals. However, it was not the case for Lamichhane. &ldquo;I was not lucky enough to have such an opportunity. &nbsp;Whatever I met with in my directionless journey, I had to utilize and adopt it on my own as a career,&rdquo; says Lamichhane.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sustaining Formula</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Lamichhane says that wherever he stands today, it is because of his honesty that he maintained throughout all the situations. &ldquo;Once I even refused a huge project offered by the Obayashi Corporation because I knew I could not deliver the work on their stipulated deadline,&rdquo; he shares, and adds, &ldquo;after I was reluctant to undertake the project, they insisted me to work with them, encouraging me to take the project anyway. They assured me that they will support me in everything to get the project done on time.&rdquo;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		He says that he did not shy away from revealing own weaknesses. &ldquo;The businessmen in Nepal tend to conceal their pitfalls, but I have always tried to be honest,&rdquo; says Lamichhane. He respects the value of labour very much. &nbsp;&ldquo;Be it in a single grain that I eat or a single cup of tea that I sip, there is a value of labour attached with it,&rdquo; he notes.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		He gives the labourers very big credit behind his success in business. &ldquo;For me, I come only after the labourers, who always put their efforts and hard work for the success of any project,&rdquo; he says.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Bad Bidding</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		As a businessman who has spent almost three decades in the construction business, Lamichhane strongly criticizes the tender bidding process of Nepal. The contractors are often accused of employing muscle power and goons for getting the contract in their hands. However, he denies it as a problem. The overall problem emanates from the flawed tender bidding process and the related law, he claims. &ldquo;The tender bidding process neither bodes well to the contractor nor to the beneficiaries. The contractors have to compromise on the quality of the construction as the lowest bidder is awarded with the project,&rdquo; he argues. &nbsp;Frustrated with the lengthy, complicated and flawed process of the tender bidding of the government projects, he underlines the need of overhaul in the bidding process. &ldquo;Else the country and people will have to suffer from the substandard delivery of the projects,&rdquo; he warns.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Hobbies and Family&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Humming songs alone, watching comedy shows and spending times with family are his hobbies. When overloaded and stressed with work, he meditates, and loves to do so in secluded and tranquil location of Dakshinkali. &ldquo;To get rid from the hustle bustle of the city, I sneak to Dakshinkali alone for 2/3 hours to meditate, sometimes even at 10 in the night,&rdquo; he reveals.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		He has three children who are in school. &nbsp;As he is not able to give much time to his family on weekdays, he manages a day in a week for them. &ldquo;My children understand me and are happy with their dad&rsquo;s works,&rdquo; he shares. &nbsp;Lately, travelling and enjoying the natural beauty has become his pastime. He has been to 56 districts of Nepal and also to more than 25 countries. &nbsp;Out of all the countries he has been to, he loves Japan the best while he never gets tired of going to Kulekhani and Daman in Nepal.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Entrepreneurship Essence &nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Years of Unwavering walks have landed Lamichhane in his current position. He didn&rsquo;t have any concrete plans when he started. He, however, advises the aspiring entrepreneurs to think ahead in future and weigh the profitability of the business they want. &ldquo;Never compromise in quality in what you do, and always maintain honesty, regardless of the circumstance. Stick to the deadlines, and always delivered the promised quality. You should be accountable for these two aspects,&rdquo; he cautions. &nbsp;For him, success is seen as what grows after sowing in the barren land. He advises to new generation: &ldquo;Always sow better seeds so that the coming generation would always remember you while reaping and rejoicing the benefits of it.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-29',
			'modified' => '2013-10-29',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Jayaram Lamichhane, President of Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN), has many identities associated with him. A teacher turned businessman, Lamichhance, has recently jumped into the fray of politics. Unlike many successful personalities, Lamichhane was a rolling stone, who did not have a thorough planning and a specific career goal to meet in the days to come.',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1965',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Survival Story',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong><img alt="Anup B Malla" src="/userfiles/images/malla%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 420px;" /></strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Anup B Malla, Chairman of Nepal Kangri Carpet Industry (P) Ltd and President of Nepal Carpet Exporters&rsquo; Association is one of the oldest players in the carpet business of Nepal. Malla has dedicated three decades of his life for the promotion of carpet export from Nepal. Malla, who is also the Chairperson of FNCCI&rsquo;s Export Promotion Committee, says he has survived through the hardest times in the carpet business.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In his starting days, Malla didn&rsquo;t have dreams of being in business. As a student of science, he had plans of becoming an engineer. To pursue his dream, he went to Pune to study engineering, but unfortunately had to return back within three months. &ldquo;My mother was diagnosed with liver cancer. The news came to me as a shock, and I had to return to look after the family as I was the only son,&rdquo; recollects Malla.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	After his return, his life took a different turn. As carpet business was booming in those days, his father opened a carpet factory for him, and he got involved in the business from the year 1984. Prior to this, Malla hadn&rsquo;t taken any responsibilities for his family, and it was quite tough for him in the start. &ldquo;It was hard for me, but I had to do it for my family. The factory I started from was quite a small one, with 22 looms and around 90 employees,&rdquo; remembers Malla.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Rise of Business</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Soon, Malla started learning about the business, and saw tremendous prospects in it. The industry was in a primitive stage back then, and all the processes of manufacturing were done manually. &nbsp;He supplied the carpets to local exporters who then exported them to countries like Germany, Holland, France and England among others. He wanted to export directly to Europe, and started to get completely involved in his business.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In 1986, Malla met with an official from Eastern Kayam OCM, a London based carpet exporter. He received orders from the company and stared directly exporting the carpets. At that time, he was exporting around 200-300 square metres of carpet a month. The carpets he exported were branded by the company as Kangri Carpet, and then he also renamed his company as Nepal Kangri Carpet Industry in 1991. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Though he was satisfied from his exports, Malla wanted to expand his business. His big break came in the year 1989 when he went to participate in Germany&rsquo;s biggest carpet and floor covering fare, Domotex. It was Malla&rsquo;s first time abroad, and first time in an aeroplane. When was in the Fare, he realized that the demand for Nepali carpets was tremendous in the European market. He had taken with him a few photographs of his products, and two small carpets for demonstration. He was very well received in the Fare, and the two carpets that he had taken sold as hot cakes.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He received numerous enquiries about his products and production capacity. To his surprise, he received an order for producing 2700 square metres of carpet, which was worth 200,000 US Dollars at that time.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Happy with the order, he returned back and increased the capacity of his industry. In the year 1993, his company was among the top ten carpet exporters. Malla then regularly participated in Domotex, and had many customers. When the business was on peak, his industry exported 125,000 square metres of carpet in a year. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="Anup B Malla" src="/userfiles/images/malla1%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 300px; height: 544px;" />Downfall and Survival</strong></span></div>
<div>
	What goes up must come down, and same proved to be true for the Nepali carpet business. Around the year 1995, the demand for Nepali carpets started to decline. According to Malla, this was chiefly because Nepali manufacturers compromised in the quality of the carpets. Also, Indian imitation carpets were flooding the European market. There were also the issues of child labour and toxic dyes used in carpets. All of these contributed the downfall of Nepali carpet industry. To worsen the situation, the country was hit by the armed conflict, power crisis and strikes. &ldquo;Around the year 1993/94, the carpet business went down, and hasn&rsquo;t gained the momentum till today. The exports are going down every year,&rdquo; says Malla.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Owing to the decline in exports, many companies shut down and there were no new players in the market. Ordinary carpets were no more in demand, and the importers wanted new designs, and very high quality products. &ldquo;. It was the time for research and development, and tie to employ new advanced technologies. The situation called for a drastic change in the carpet manufacturing sector. It was survival of the fittest,&rdquo; recalls Malla. &nbsp;Determined to continue with his business, Malla paid more attention to the demands. The market now has demands for better quality products, with new designs and new colours and new trend.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malla tried his best to change with the changing times, and survived when it very tough. At present, Kangri Carpet Industry exports around ten to twelve thousand square metres of carpet a year. Last year, his company exported to 10,000 square metres of carpet. &ldquo;The capacity of our industry is much more than this, but it&rsquo;s hard to predict the market these days, so we produce in moderation,&rdquo; says Malla.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malla believes himself to be a survivor who made it through the toughest of times.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Early Life</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Malla was born in Sinamangal of Kathmandu in 2022 BS to Govinda Bahadur Malla and Malla Keshar Kumari Malla. Malla says he grew up in a very protective and possessive family as he was born after six sisters. He went to Bhanubhakta Memorial School for his primary education and passed his SLC from Demonstration Multipurpose School (DMPS).&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malla married Suchita Malla in the year 2049 BS. His mother has passed away just a year ago, and was pressurized by the family for marriage. As all of his sisters were married, and there was no female member in the family, He had to make the decision very quickly. &nbsp;&ldquo;Around that time, I saw a girl at Thapathali Campus. I was instantly attracted, and it was love at first sight,&rdquo; recalls Malla. He couldn&rsquo;t find the courage to talk to her, but wrote a letter to her proposing for marriage. They started talking on phone, and got to know each other better. Everything went fine and they married about six months later. &ldquo;Looking back, I feel I made a very good decision. I am a very happily married man today,&rdquo; says Malla. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="Anup B Malla" src="/userfiles/images/malla2%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 438px;" />Personal Side and Philosophies</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Malla gets up at 6 every morning and exercises for an hour. He has been doing Pranayam and Yoga for the last ten years. Tennis and swimming are his hobbies, and also like music and singing. He was the vocalist of a rock band when he was young. Lately, he is attracted by classical music. Malla loves to have free time to spend with his family, and believes in living life to the fullest. &ldquo;Enjoying and living life is the major thing for me. I don&rsquo;t run after money because it is sheer necessity. In that sense, I may not be very ambitious,&rdquo; shares Malla.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;Malla usually spends his Fridays with friends and family. GG Machan at Jhamsikhel is his favourite place to hang out. He is a frequent traveller, and has been to almost al of Europe, many states of USA, China, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia and many other countries. According to Malla, many perceive him as an arrogant and tough person. &ldquo;Those who are newly acquainted with me feel that way about me. In fact, I am a very soft hearted and easy going person,&rdquo; says he. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malla believes in hard work, and says one has to know pain and hardship to enjoy happiness in life. &ldquo;I have faced many problems in my life and suffered a lot at an early age. That&rsquo;s why I can fully enjoy and cherish my success. I am very happy and satisfied with my life,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Future</strong></span></div>
<div>
	If the business environment becomes friendlier, Malla says that he may be involved in manufacturing such commodities that can be locally consumed and exported as well. As export has always been his expertise, Malla says Nepal should realize its export potentials. &ldquo;Nepal is gifted with a wide variety of climate, temperature and ecosystem. We have many products with comparative advantage. We should be able to turn these into products with competitive advantage,&rdquo; opines Malla. &nbsp;He also believes that more such products should be sought apart from the 19 items promoted by the government.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	To be successful, one should be involved in those occupations that make us happy, says Malla. &ldquo;If we turn our passion into our occupation, then success will surely follow. Life paves way for us, we just have to be alert and follow,&rdquo; says Malla.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-08',
			'modified' => '2013-10-09',
			'keywords' => 'new business age personality news & articles, personality news & articles from new business age nepal, personality headlines from nepal,  current and latest personality news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali personality economic news and events,  ongoing  personality news of nepal',
			'description' => 'Anup B Malla, Chairman of Nepal Kangri Carpet Industry (P) Ltd and President of Nepal Carpet Exporters’ Association is one of the oldest players in the carpet business of Nepal.',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1677',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Visionary Vanguard',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sujan Tiwari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pradeep Jung Pandey, MD and Chairman of Lomus Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd and Vice President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry is a familiar name in Nepali business sector. But Pandey didn&rsquo;t always have thoughts of becoming a businessperson and wanted to join the army as a young man. A simple twist of fate turned him into business, and today, Pandey has many companies and industries under him and is one of the most successful Nepali business personalities.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Lomus Pharmaceuticals has recently become the first company to export medicines from Nepal, and has exported medicines worth around 25,000 USD to Nigeria. The company will soon start exporting to Liberia. &ldquo;Even at a time when the industrial environment is not so good, we have been able to export medicines for the first time in Nepal. If the conditions become better, we can export even more,&rdquo; says Pandey. According to him, there is huge possibility of drug export from Nepal, and Lomus is the proof of it. Lomus contributes to 3.5 per cent of total drug requirement of Nepal. If it runs with full capacity, it can contribute up to ten percent, says Pandey.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Lomus is a company that started it journey three decades ago, and is one of the topmost pharmaceutical companies of Nepal. The company was ranked number one in terms of value and unit in the year 2000 by IMS Health Switzerland. The company manufactures 270 different medicines, including psychiatric, diabetic, fertility drugs, hormonal and many others. The company&rsquo;s manufacturing plant is in Gothatar, a 72,000 sq feet state of the art facility.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Business Philosophy&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Pandey says that he doesn&rsquo;t want to be involved in many businesses at once. &ldquo;I start new venture only after the earlier one is successful and sustained,&rdquo; says he. After Lomus started to do well, Pandey established Cosmos Cement Industries in Janakpur 12 years ago. &ldquo;The condition was not favourable back then, but still I made it survive. Two years ago, I set up Eastern Cosmos Cement Industry in Biratnagar,&rdquo; informed Pandey. Both the industries manufacture 400 MT of cement per day now. Also, he started manufacturing clinkers from Janakpur that is enough for both the companies.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says he faced a lot of problems in manufacturing sector, like power outage, labour problems, and government policies among others. &ldquo;The government wasn&rsquo;t also very supportive. So I looked for some other sectors that are unaffected by labour problems,&rdquo; says He. That&rsquo;s when he started Shikhar Insurance Company Ltd, for some financial security. Pandey is also the Chairman of Citizens Bank International Ltd and Mountain Energy Pvt Ltd, a hydropower company. The company has produced five megawatts of energy and it is already connected to the national grid. His another venture, Lomus Herbineria P Ltd manufactures herbal medicines. &ldquo;Nepal has immense potential in manufacturing herbal medicines, that&rsquo;s why I started the company,&rdquo; explains Pandey. The company manufactures herbal medicines for liver, cough syrups, blood purifying medicines, shilajit tablets among others.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says he works only in the sectors where he has expertise, and believes all should do this for success. &ldquo;A country can prosper and get renowned through only one brand or one product, like many other countries in the world,&rdquo; says Pandey. He wants his medicines to do the same for Nepal. &ldquo;Nepal can&rsquo;t compete with the world in manufacturing automobiles or other similar products, but we can do that through Herbal medicine. I will focus on that in the future,&rdquo; says he. According to him, herbal medicines can do many things that allopathic medicines cannot, and has comparative advantage. A company should manufacture a unique product, make the company sustain and then should look after branding as it is the key to success of the manufactured product, says Pandey.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Pradeep Jung Pandey,Vice President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry " src="/userfiles/images/pjp1.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 349px;" />Early Life&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Born to Purna Jung Pandey and Dev Kumari Pandey in Chhetrapati of Kathmandu in 1950, Pandey was basically brought up by his grandfather in a joint family. His father passed away when Pandey was only five years old, so he says he doesn&rsquo;t have much memories of him. &ldquo;My childhood was very simple. There was no TV or entertainment medium of any such sort. I spent my childhood playing with my friends in the streets,&rdquo; recalls Pandey. According to Pandey, he was always an above average student, and used to study quite hard. &ldquo;I have never failed in any examinations since I was a child,&rdquo; says Pandey.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He did his schooling from JP School and completed his SLC from there. He did his graduation from Public Commerce Campus. As his grandfather had fought in World War II, Pandey initially had thoughts of joining the army. His family inclination was also towards the army owing to the respect and social status. But unfortunately for him, his eyesight wasn&rsquo;t fit for being in the army, and he didn&rsquo;t apply. Today, Pandey thinks of it has a fortunate coincidence. He believes he has served his country more as an industrialist than he could have done as an army man. &ldquo;Helping a country economically is the best you can do for your country,&rdquo; says Pandey.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Start&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	After he completed his M Com from TU in the year 1972, he became interested in financial matters and thought of doing business. Instead of trading business, he chose manufacturing. &ldquo;As medicines are one of the most critical things for Nepal, I thought of manufacturing it and opened Lomus Pharmaceuticals,&rdquo; recalls Pandey. Royal Drugs was the only company manufacturing drugs back then. That&rsquo;s when he thought that private companies can also do the same. &ldquo;If you start a general manufacturing company, you will have many competitors. But pharmaceutical is a technical sector, so there is relatively less competition. This was another reason for me to choose the sector,&rdquo; explains he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Personal Side&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Married to Urmila Pandey in 1975, Pandey is father of three sons, Prabal, Pratap and Prajwal. His elder son Prabal is also the MD of Easter Cosmos Cement Industry and also looks after manufacturing at Lomus. Pandey says he is quite religious and spiritual, and believes that we should preserve our tradition and culture. &ldquo;We should follow our own culture as it is our true identity. We should be honest towards our profession, nation and tradition as well,&rdquo; says Pandey. According to him, a successful entrepreneur should also pay attention towards religion and culture.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He starts his day by going for a morning walk at 6, and does some exercise. He is always at his office earlier than his staffs. He says that an entrepreneur should work more than his staffs to sustain his business. In his free time, he is involved in writing articles related to economics. He has also written a few songs, and wants to guide the society towards a positive direction through his work. Pandey is quite an easy going person, and says he receives phone calls from everyone, even from the unknown numbers. &ldquo;It is very easy to get in touch with me,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey loves to travel to new places and learn new culture and lifestyle. He says travelling recharges you and fills you with new energy to go on. He is also interested in economic systems of various countries, and has extensively travelled Nepal and India. He has also been to US and many countries of Europe. Pandey only takes vegetarian food three days a week and fasts two days a week. He reserves his Saturdays for his family and relatives, and doesn&rsquo;t get involved in business activities unless it&rsquo;s very urgent.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says he isn&rsquo;t very conscious about brands, and lives a simple life. He owns a Toyota Rav 4 and Nissan Datsun. Pandey carries an iPhone 5 and Samsung S4. He uses gadgets for the facilities they provide, and says one should be familiar with technology for making his time more productive.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says there are more opportunities than challenges in Nepal. He believes that one should not be over ambitious and know his limits to be successful. &ldquo;Satisfaction is a major thing for running a successful business. One should be an expert in his field and success will surely follow,&rdquo; says Pandey. Pandey firmly believes that dedication, honesty, hard work and a positive mindset are essential for success. &ldquo;Honesty always pays in the long run,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pandey says he believes in fair competition and coexistence in business. In the future, he wants to diversify his businesses and manufacture better quality products. He also has plans of making his medicine brands renowned in Nepal and even in the international sector. &ldquo;Instead of diverting your focus at many things, one should concentrate on improving the quality of what he already owns,&rdquo; says Pandey.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>',
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			'description' => 'Pradeep Jung Pandey, MD and Chairman of Lomus Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd and Vice President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry is a familiar name in Nepali business sector.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1440',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'Passion For Perfection',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">--By Sujan Tiwari</span></strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Padma Shree Group&rsquo;s current focus is on development works, and since 2010, has started importing heavy equipments from Liebherr, a Swiss company. The company recently has started importing road construction and finishing heavy equipments from Auman, a Swiss company. &ldquo;As Nepal has enormous potential in hydropower, and most of the projects are facing problem with tunnelling, we are now looking forward also to import tunnelling equipments from Sandvik, a Swedish company,&rdquo; says Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya is also shifting his focus to power sector, renewable energy and waste management. His company is doing the study and research on the subject, and hopefully will have some new projects very soon. &ldquo;I want to support the development works in the country by offering best possible equipments, services and projects,&rdquo; says Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Rohini Thapaliya, Executive Director of Padma Shree Group" evolution="" of="" src="http://newbusinessage.com/userfiles/images/prsnlt1.jpg" strong="" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></strong></div>
<div>
	<strong>Evolution of Group</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">What is now known as Padma Shree Group started as Shree Padma Saw Mill in the year 1963, initiated by Thapaliya&rsquo;s father Late Badri Prasad Thapaliya in Simra. The company then used to supply timber to Nepal and India, and also supplied railway sleepers to India. Thapaliya joined the company, worked in the saw mill at the beginning, helped his father and a few years later started the furniture company. The company&rsquo;s name changed to Shree Padma Saw Mill and Furniture Factory Pvt Ltd, and it expanded to Kathmandu as well. What followed is a huge business, as the group now has a lot of big brands under it.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	Gradually, the company started manufacturing high quality furniture. The company did the furnishing of Singha Durbar, many 5-Star hotels and also the royal palace. The furniture company was honoured in the year 2000 by the then King Birendra for the services offered. &ldquo;That was the first instance of a company receiving this sort of honour,&rdquo; recalls Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In the year 1988, Thapaliya opened Altech Pvt Ltd that dealt with aluminium doors and windows and building materials. Shortly after, he established Padma Shree Pvt Ltd, a trading company for the purpose of representing of various international brands. &ldquo;During the nationwide movement of 1990, many companies suffered owing to political unrest, labour problems and strikes. Then we thought that we should not focus only on one business, and should diversify,&rdquo; says Thapaliya. The Group is the outcome of that diversification.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In the year 1991, Mazda Motor Corporation of Japan was looking for a representative in Nepal, and Thapaliya&rsquo;s company was among four other contenders. &ldquo;Our proposal was the most practical, so they selected our company as their partner,&rdquo; says Thapaliya. From the year 1993, the company started importing Mazda vehicles from Japan. Mazda is one of the flagship imports of the Group today, known for its power, style and performance. In the year 2000, the company started importing power tools from Bosch Germany, one of the biggest tools manufacturers in the world. In 2005, the Group also imported generators from Deutz, Aggretech and MTU, all Germany-based companies to help the nation deal with the power outage.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Thapaliya, Padma Shree Group is renowned in the market for the products it represents. &ldquo;Whatever products we represent, they are the best in the world. I always go after quality products which are well known and well tested. Though it may be slightly expensive, ultimately, it provides long term benefit,&rdquo; says he.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Early Life&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya was born in Lazimpat of Kathmandu in 1952 to Late Badri Prasad Thapaliya and Padma Thapaliya. He studied in Saint Xavier&rsquo;s School till grade four, and then joined Demonstration School, which later changed to Laboratory School. After his SLC, he joined ISc course and had dreams of becoming an engineer. He wanted to go to Russia to study engineering, but had to give up his dream to help his father in the company. &ldquo;Yet I don&rsquo;t have any regrets now, because I am doing well in my business,&rdquo; says Thapaliya.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Rohini Thapaliya, Executive Director of Padma Shree Group" evolution="" of="" src="http://newbusinessage.com//userfiles/images/prsnlt3.jpg" strong="" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 275px; height: 404px;" />Personal Side</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya says he is normally much occupied with his business, and takes leave only on Saturdays.&rdquo; As generators are one of our major products, it has to be running 24/7. So there could be complaints coming in any time, so I am busy almost all the time,&rdquo; says Thapaliya. Still, if possible, he wants to be free on Saturdays. &ldquo;I spend time with my family and I try to avoid any business activities on Saturdays. I dedicate my time to my family, and also after office, I spend time with my family,&rdquo; shares Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	On a more personal side, Thapaliya is quite a reserved person, and takes time to open up and build new relations. &ldquo;Once I build a relation, I continue it for long. I believe all the relations should be long lasting,&rdquo; says Thapaliya. According to him, it takes very long to build a relation, but it can be spoilt in no time. &ldquo;I want to maintain relations for ever, all the relation, both personal and professional ones. I seek perfection in everything I do,&rdquo; shares Thapaliya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya enjoys playing tennis and squash, and goes to health club at least five days a week. Quite a religious man, Thapaliya has been visiting Pashupatinath everyday for the last 40 years. Thapaliya travels frequently for business and for vacations. He has been to Japan, China, Singapore, Germany, UK, Switzerland and other countries. He drives Mazda 3, and will soon be driving Mazda CX-5, a new crossover. Thapaliya says he uses gadgets and technology as required, and owns iPhone, MacBook Pro and an iPad. On grooming, he says he wants to look decent and presentable at all times.</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Rohini Thapaliya, Executive Director of Padma Shree Group" evolution="" of="" src="http://newbusinessage.com/userfiles/images/prsnnlt4.jpg" strong="" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 275px; height: 344px;" /></strong></div>
<div>
	<strong>Family</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Married to Deepa Thapaliya in 2037 BS, Thapaliya says it was a love affair turned into arranged marriage. He clearly remembers meeting her for the first time. &ldquo;We met for the first time in a wedding. We knew each other, got close and later arranged the marriage,&rdquo; recalls Thapaliya. Deepa holds a degree in Law, and is also the Director of the Group. &ldquo;She is very supportive and encouraging, and helps me in all my endeavours,&rdquo; he adds.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The couple is blessed with a son and a daughter, Shubhashish Thapaliya and Shreeyukta Thapaliya Pandey. Thapaliya has two granddaughters from his daughter. His son holds an Engineering Degree in Energy and Power, and is working in a company in Singapore. He wants his son to return and continue the family legacy.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Philosophies&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Thapaliya, failures are inevitable, but what matters is how you deal with failures. &ldquo;When you fail, realize that it was not your piece of cake and move on. When one door closes, another one is always open, do not look at the closed door, and move towards the one that has been open for you,&rdquo; says he. Thapaliya believes life is very precious, and says that tomorrow is indefinite. &ldquo;One should not spend time in regrets, and move on towards better things,&rdquo; advises he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya says he firmly believes in team work, sincerest of efforts and accountability. &ldquo;To be successful, dedication and sincerity are the ones needed the most. It will do you good in the long run,&rdquo; says he. Thapaliya says that there is no shortcut to experience; still it doesn&rsquo;t mean one has to go through all the hassle. &ldquo;We have a lot of exposure now, and we can cut short the time needed to be experienced. We all should try to see things from a wide perspective, and do something for the society and the country,&rdquo; says he.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Concluding Remarks&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Thapaliya believes that god has given Nepal all that is needed, and it&rsquo;s our turn now to make it a real heaven. &ldquo;I wish to see a peaceful, prosperous and developed Nepal, and I am doing my part for it,&rdquo; he says. Though he admits that the business environment is not very good now, he says everyone should try to make the best out of this situation.&rdquo; If you want rainbow trout, then you need fresh and running water. Looking at the situation of the country, unfortunately, all we have is muddy waters now. But I expect to have fresh and running water very soon,&rdquo; says Thapaliya</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>',
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			'description' => 'Rohini Thapaliya, Executive Director of Padma Shree Group, didn’t always have thoughts of owning and running a business house. As a youngster, he wanted to be an engineer and thought of going to Russia for pursuing the degree. But life had other plans for him..',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1060',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Tenacious Trader',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Sujan Tiwari</strong></p>
<p>
	Akhil Kumar Chapagain, Chairman of Akhil Trading Concern Pvt Ltd always had thoughts of being a businessman since he was a child. Even though he was born in a family whose profession was agriculture, he had deviations towards business. &nbsp; His family background was no motivation for him to start a business, so for some time he thought of holding a job, as he had no other career aims. “Besides my career, my ambition was to become a national level player and I fulfilled that. I was a national athlete from Koshi zone,” says Chapagain. But despite his success in sports, he wasn’t interested in making it his career. In the back of his head, he always thought of owning a business. Fortunately, he was able to realize his childhood dream immediately after graduating.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Akhil Kumar Chapagain’s new ventures will be in the sector of tourism and agriculture, which are quite new for him. After 29 years of running a successful trading business, Chapagain now has plans of opening a resort in Dhulikhel. “While abroad on business delegations, I have always tried to sell something from Nepal. As Nepal has such immense potential in tourism, I thought of opening a resort. I will accomplish this within the next two or three years,” says Chapagain. He also has plans of starting his own farming business.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	For the last two years, Chapagain’s major focus has been on opening own retail outlets for his products. “The outlets reduce the hassle of appointing wholesalers and retailer. The customers can buy the products at a cheaper price so I am focusing on such outlets,” informed Chapagain. Till date, he has opened retail outlets for his brands Suvari, Istikbal, Rodimood and Colin’s.</p>
<p>
	Chapagain says he believes in doing fair business, and wants to be long-run player. “After all these years in business, I have made a name for myself and my company. I have a reputation to maintain. So I always do fair business,” says he. According to him, having moral courage to face the society is very important for him, and making profit comes only after that. He believes he has contributed to the society through his fair business, and is happy about that. “As I am associated with numerous trade associations, I encourage all to play fair game. It always pays off in the end,” says Chapagain.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Early Life&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
	Born in Bhojpur, Dingla in 1957 to Thama Nath Chapagain and Pushpa Kumari Chapagain, Chapagain says he was mischievous and aggressive since his childhood. With eight siblings, he grew up in quite a big family. He spent most of childhood and school days in Biratnagar. According to Chapagain, he was very athletic and loved sports, and had a lot of friend. “I still miss those days when I used to play with my friends in a garden near my school. We climbed trees, swam in the pool and had a really good time,” said he. After moving to Kathmandu, he joined Min Bhawan Campus for higher education, and later graduated from Trichandra College. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Initiation</strong></p>
<p>
	Chapagain had started his business journey by opening Akhil Trading Concern as a private trading firm in the year 1984. To start with, he imported wrist watches and cosmetics from Switzerland. Sadly, his first attempt didn’t pay back well and he suffered loss in both the products. “At that time, many companies were importing watches through illegal channels. I imported the watches through legal channels by paying all the taxes, which may have increased their prices. So it didn’t go well,” recollects Chapagain. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	After receiving his first blow, he thought of changing his approach, and focused on the products that would suit the need of the people here, and were quite inexpensive. After much thought, he imported dry fruits from Singapore, and it did a satisfactory business. This helped him to cover his earlier loss, and most importantly, gave him the courage. Filled with new hope, he imported refrigerators from China, and it too went well. “Later, I discontinued importing Chinese as the quality was inferior, and I started importing FMCG from European countries,” says Chapagain. Today, majority of his imports are from Europe.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="Akhil Kumar Chapagain, Chairman of Akhil Trading Concern Pvt Ltd " src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personlaity_June2013_tenacious_trader_akhil_kumar(1).jpg" /></p>
<p>
	<strong>Evolution of Business</strong></p>
<p>
	Chapagain was in Germany once, searching for some business opportunities. Walking on the streets, his eyes fell on a store with a brand named Fakir. He found out that it was a household appliance brand, and intuitively wanted to import and sell its products in Nepal. After his return to Nepal, he made correspondence asking the company for dealership. Back then, Akhil Trading Concern wasn’t a big name as it is today, so he had little hopes that his request would be accepted. “I had informed them about my actual status, and they knew that mine wasn’t a very big company. I wasn’t very hopeful for a favourable response,” says he.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The representatives of the company came to Nepal and had talks with him. They also met with people from other companies here, most of them at a higher position than his. Sometime later, the company offered him the exclusive dealership despite the size of his company. This dealership gave him his first big break. “Years later, I asked the company men why they selected me over other companies. They said that they were impressed with my honesty as I had told them about my status without any exaggeration,” says Chapagain. The dealership did a good business for him and he focused on more European products.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Present Times</strong></p>
<p>
	Currently, Chapagain imports more than a dozen big brands from Europe, Australia, Thailand and Hong Kong. Some of these brands are Suvari, Rodimood, Colin’s, Istikbal and Khao Shong. Most if his imports are from Turkey, as he says Turkish products are of European standard, and are affordable as well. He says he imports only the best products with superior quality. According to him, his import Khao Shong is the number two coffee brand in Nepal and Arabella is number one in pasta. The products include FMCG, textiles, furniture, appliances and apparels among others. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	“Honestly speaking, I wanted to do business because I dint want to work for anyone, and wanted to be my own master. I preferred it over doing a job for some company,” says Chapagain. He started his business with an investment of 300,000 rupees, and imported one or two products. Today, he runs a successful trading business and has more than a dozen products in his list. According to him, the business is doing really good, and is growing year after year. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	On success, Chapagain shares that he is satisfied with what he has accomplished. “To keep a trading firm running in Nepal all these years is a success in itself as it’s a very risky business,” says he. He strongly disagrees with those who say trading is easier business than manufacturing. According to him, trading is in no sense an easy business, and has its own threats and challenges. “Traders have to face problems like grey market, counterfeit goods and other traders’ monopoly over brands. We also have a huge responsibility towards the customers,” says Chapagain. He has no plans of foraying into manufacturing, and is contented with what he is doing and what he has achieved. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Family</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="Akhil's Family" height="392" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personlaity_June2013_tenacious_trader_akhil_kumar_family.jpg" width="450" /></p>
<p>
	Chapagain married Gyanu Chapagain at the age of 29. Their fathers were old friends, and the marriage was fixed even before he was aware of it. They went to the same school and knew each other, but he never thought he would marry her. Very shy around girls, Chapagain vividly remembers the first time they met with the purpose. “I was quite a rebel, so I didn’t want to go with my father’s decisions. But when she reached marriageable age, we got together quite well and we both agreed to marry,” says he. &nbsp;Gyanu is a housewife and maintains all aspects of his personal life. According to Chapagain, she maintains the family bond and looks after all the family matters as he is too busy for them. The couple is blessed with two sons Arpit and Arjit. His elder son Arpit has recently joined the company as the Managing Director.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Personal Side</strong></p>
<p>
	Very health conscious and athletic, Chapagain exercises a lot. He jogs 5 kilometers every day, and has been doing it for the last 25 years. He is a frequent blood donor and has donated blood 26 times. Travelling and trekking are his hobbies, and is abroad for about five months a year. He has travelled Asia and Europe extensively. He spends most of his free time with his family and acquaintances in outings and get-togethers. Chapagain enjoys all sorts of foods, and is a social drinker. He enjoys good wine, and imports them too.</p>
<p>
	Chapagain says he is very conscious of his clothing, and wears brands like Pierre Cardin, Louis Philippe, Van Heusen and of course, Suvari. “I like to groom myself, and use some cosmetic products as well. &nbsp;I always want to look presentable,” says Chapagain. He is passionate about gadgets, and owns iPhone 4S and a Sony Vaio. Samsung Galaxy S4 and iPhone 5 are on his wish list. Chapagain currently drives Nissan Super Saloon.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Epilogue</strong></p>
<p>
	Chapagain believes that all the diplomatic missions and offices in foreign countries should promote Nepal. “All such offices should have a booth to inform about Nepal and our products as it helps in promotion and publicity of Nepal. The rest of the world needs to know about Nepal and what Nepal has to offer,” says he. He has personally promoted Nepal during his business delegations and visits.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	He believes that all should stop blaming the government for the problems, and take responsibility squarely on their shoulders. “There is too much negativity around us. Everyone from all walks of life should move ahead with a positive and constructive mindset,” says Chapagain.&nbsp;</p>
<div>
	 </div>
<div>
	 </div>',
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			'description' => 'Akhil Kumar Chapagain, Chairman of Akhil Trading Concern Pvt Ltd always had thoughts of being a businessman since he was a child. Even though he was born in a family whose profession was agriculture, he had deviations towards business.',
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			'title' => 'From Led Zeppelin To Yoga Vasistha',
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			'content' => '<p>
	<strong style="font-size: 12px;">By Sujan Tiwari</strong></p>
<p>
	Shashi Ram Bhandary, CEO of Kathmandu Housing and Leasing Company and Nirvana Country Club Health and Golf Resort in Dharan vividly remembers his first summer job while studying in the US. Working in the kitchen of the Marriott Hotel, he had a tough time cutting onions for a few hours, with tears in his eyes. That was when he was noticed by a Manager in the hotel and taught him how to cut onions without hurting the eyes, by soaking the onions in water for some time before cutting them. He told Bhandary that there were two ways to do anything, the right way and the wrong way. “This was the lesson I learnt for life, that things should be done the right way, and it didn’t just apply to onions,” says Bhandary.</p>
<p>
	When he was in Nepal for a vacation once, he went to &nbsp;the coffee shop in Annapurna Hotel and he wasn’t satisfied with the service there. So he left a note saying ‘the service wasn’t up to par’. &nbsp;To his surprise, he was called the very next day by the hotel and was offered a job. He didn’t want to join at first as he was on a vacation, but finally accepted the offer. “I took the job as a challenge. I was hired as Assistant Food and Beverage Manager. I worked there for two years,” recollects Bhandary. But he wasn’t going to be satisfied with a job in a hotel; he had other plans in the back of his head.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Once he went trekking to Upper Manang and realized the shortage of food and supplies there. That was the moment that decided his life. He came up with an ambitious plan of designing a hotel that was self sustained, with its own food and energy production. “I dreamt of a hotel that was dependent upon only a few products from outside. I thought of producing vegetables, rearing cows for dairy products and manure for energy and fertilizers,” says Bhandary. He wanted to experiment with the idea, the idea of a self sustainable hotel. Nirvana Country Club is the result of the same model. It has its own farm, a dairy and has the largest bio-gas plant in eastern Nepal. About 30 per cent of the required energy is produced by the Resort itself. It also produces dairy products like cream and butter, organic herbs and vegetables.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	But Nirvana Country Club was nothing like it is today when Bhandary first acquired the property back in 2000. When he bought the property, he says it was in complete ruins, with land, some structures and a pasture that is now the golf course of Nirvana. &nbsp;To start with, Bhandary brought some consultants from India. After their survey, he was advised not to start the project as the consultants didn’t find &nbsp;the land feasible. “The property was in a very bad condition, it didn’t meet the needed threshold. Also, there were not enough flights to Dharan back then. But I had a gut feeling, and I took the challenge against all odds. Today I am so glad that I took the challenge despite the adversities,” says Bhandary proudly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	He started by literally sweeping the place clean. He renovated the structures, built the walls and developed the golf course. At present, Nirvana Country Club has a dairy with 50 cows, a 19\8 hole golf course, multi-cuisine restaurant, swimming pool, offers tennis and squash, provides yoga and meditation among other services. Also, there are 20 well furnished air conditioned bungalows with living, dining, kitchen and three bedrooms each. “In the last 12 years, I have entirely transformed the place from what it initially was. It is a complete turnaround,” says Bhandary.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Early Life</strong></p>
<p>
	Born in Kamaladi, Kathmandu in 1962 to Suna Bhandary and Late Banshi Ram Bhandary, he had five elder sisters before him. Bhandary says he was one of the first Nepali students to go to Lincoln School. He remembers cycling all around the valley with his friends, most of &nbsp;whom were from other countries. “I enjoyed a childhood without any worries as my family was quite well off. Everything was provided for us. I was lucky to be born in a big joint family with a good reputation and background. Bhandarys of Kamaldi were known by all in Kathmandu,” says Bhandary. Bhandary studied in Lincoln School from Kindergarten to 8th grade, and did his SLC from Anandakuti School. After that, he went to US for his further studies, he joined Gaithersburg High School in Maryland and graduated from high school there. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	After completing high school, he started working for Marriott Hotel as a summer job, as all the students in the US worked in summers. “I actually didn’t need to work for money, but I followed the American tradition. I was living with relatives at that time. I wanted to be independent, so I moved out and started to work,” remembers Bhandary. He says he worked right from the bottom, doing dishes and &nbsp;other forms of lowly work. Later, he became a supervisor and finally a manager in Marriott Hawaii. He worked for Marriott for seven years and later did his graduation in Hotel Management from US.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Has was sent to US by his family to study medicine, but he loved dealing with people and loved service business. After his first summer job, he ended up studying hotel management. He didn’t reveal this to his family at first and so had to earn his own money. Bhandary believes this decision made him independent as he started working. “I didn’t have any specific aim, but I wanted to fly planes as a child, and I still want to,” says Bhandary.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Family</strong></p>
<p>
	Bhandary married with Kalpana Bhandary at the age of 21. Once when he was in Pokhara, he caught the eyes of Kalpana on a boat, and says he was instantly attracted to her. He went home and told his mother about the girl he saw, and their family arranged the rest. They met and got along well, and eventually got married. “My marriage was the biggest turning point in my life. I felt more responsible after I got married,” says Bhandary. Kalpana Bhandary is now the MD of Nirvana Country Club. According to Bhandary, he really wanted to be together with his spouse, and he kept her together, even at work. The couple has been blessed with two sons Rishikesh and Raghu.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>The Personal Side</strong></p>
<p>
	As a youngster, Bhandary grew up listening to rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and The Who. Now, he says he wants to spend time quietly.Inside, Bhandary says he is a very spiritual person, and loves to read, especially books &nbsp;about spiritual development. “Lately, I want to uncover the spiritual side of my own self. I want to know what my purpose in the world is, and I try to figure it out through meditation. I really want to be at peace,” he says. Bhandary is also a disciple of Shankaracharya. As he was brought up in a religious family, he liked to listen to prabachans religious-philosophical discourse as a child. “I found the words of wise men interesting from the beginning. After I read Yoga Vasistha, it completely turned around my life. It taught me that everything that exists is an illusion, and everything else is the working of mind. I was so influenced by it and entered into spirituality. Then, I started to look at life from a spiritual point of view, says Bhandary.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Pastime</strong></p>
<p>
	Bhandary &nbsp;has been an avid animal lover since his childhood, and owns eight Tibetan mastiffs and one Alsatian, has a few barking deers in his farm and keeps his Japanese Spitz Casper with him wherever he goes. He drinks very rarely, as he says it disturbs the spiritual balance. Whenever free, Bhandary likes to cook and equally enjoys eating, and loves Khichadi, his all time favourite food. He lives mostly in Dharan, and travels frequently. His hobbies include playing golf, going for long drives and travelling. He says he is outside the country at least once a month, and has been to US, India, Europe, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and other countries.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Bhandary believes one needs to be determined and has to possess a will-do attitude to succeed. “One has to be commanding and friendly at the same time, has to have a balance of both. Also, we should be able to bring out the good in people,” he says. Bhandary says he is content with his life, as has no regrets. “I am living the life I wanted, married the women I wanted, &nbsp;I have done something for the country and am blessed with good children. There is nothing more &nbsp;I could have wanted,” says Bhandary. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	According to Bhandary, things should always be done the right way and it will &nbsp;be done as there won’t be many obstacles. “Determination and good intentions are needed, it can really help you progress. &nbsp;It is not that hard to start a business and succeed in Nepal. No one needs to leave the country in pursuit of success. Things can be done right here, we just have to figure out the right way,” says he. For the future, Bhandary has plans of making Nirvana Country Club completely self sustainable and wants to open a Golf Academy. And if things favour him, he wants to learn to fly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="Shashi Ram Bhandary, Personlity, From Led Zeppelin to Yoga Vasistha " height="546" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_may2013_sashi_ram.jpg" width="450" /></p>',
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			'title' => 'A Driven Calling',
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	 </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Kumud Kumar Dugar, A driven calling, April 2013" height="421" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_april_2013_kumud_kumar(1).jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 0 10px;" width="300" />Kumud Dugar predicts 2013 and 2014 to be the most decisive years for his Group. Numerous projects and products are in the pipeline, making these two years full of equal challenges and opportunities for him, and the Group. “These two years will decide the future of KL Dugar Group. If all goes well, the Group’s turnover will increase three folds within this time,” says Dugar.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar has been taking care of the Group since 1991, right after he completed his graduation. More specifically, he looks after the Food Grain Business of KL Dugar Group that includes eight different industries. Dugar had joined the Group as the Director, but recalls working as a cashier. “I kept track of where the money comes from and where it goes. It was very essential for me to know about the exact finances of the Group,” says Dugar.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	From the moment he joined, he had a dream of professionally managing the group, although at that time he didn’t know what professional management exactly was. To start with, he ordered a customized accounts package from Kolkata, customised for his Group. He brought in new technologies, computerized the systems and set up numerous industries and took the Group where it is today. He says he was driven by a thirst to work and move ahead, with a strong passion of do something novel.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Early Life</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Born in 1967 in Biratnagar to Krishan Lal Dugar and Jatan Devi Dugar, Dugar’s mind was set to business right from childhood. Most of his childhood was spent in Kolkata as he was there for about 18 years, from kindergarten to graduation. He was in Nepal only for vacations then. Dugar was involved with Dugar Group long before it separated into three groups in 1990. He used to work in the liaison office of the Group in Kolkata since he was in Grade 9. &nbsp;After graduating from St Xavier’s College in Kolkata, he thought of starting a business in India. In the process, he bought a granite mine and a solvent plant in Hyderabad, but wasn’t able to go on with that business. Due to the separation of Dugar Group, he felt he was needed in the newly formed KL Dugar Group, so he returned to Nepal.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	As soon as he joined KL Dugar Group, he set up a vanaspati factory in Biratnagar. As the Group was newly formed, he felt immensely challenged and pressurized. Driven to prove himself, he says he set up the factory from scratch in just six months. “No one could have done this back then. I set up Swastik Oil Industries at a cost of 22 million rupees. It still is the largest oil industry of the country,” says Dugar with pride. This was his first venture as the MD of the Group, and a lot more industries were about to follow. During his stay in Biratnagar, he set up numerous industries. Saurabh Oil Mill, Vikas Flour Mill, Gyan Food Products, Pratibha Rice Mill and Gyan Herbals Pvt Ltd are among a few of them. Dugar shifted to Kathmandu in the year 1995. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar considers the separation to be a major turning point in his life. He first took it as a challenge, but later he figured it out that it was beneficial for him, as it gave him his individuality and helped him grow more. Rather than import export business, he focussed on local materials and set up locally based industries. “I always wanted to do something for the country. Today, I think I have contributed by branding the local products,” says Dugar. At present, the food products of the Group are exported to numerous countries worldwide.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	As a child, Dugar was not so mischievous, but rather disciplined, a quiet one. He says he was not very good in school and always was mediocre student, but very good in accounts. “I was very interested in accountancy, and was also very good at it,” recalls Dugar. He also possessed leadership in his school but remember being shy around girls.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Personal Side</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar was married with Namita Dugar in 1991, and the marriage was an arranged one. It was immediately after the formation of his Group, and business was his top priority then. &nbsp;As a result, his personal life was somehow out of balance. He says he went for his honeymoon after three years of his marriage. “Back then, I felt much challenged, and was very busy. I could not give time to my family and children. I didn’t take any holidays either,” says he. But later, when all his businesses went well, he was able to balance both the professional and personal aspects of his life.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar likes to takes immediate decisions and doesn’t want to linger on issues. &nbsp;He says he can’t stay idle for even an hour. He remembers him being bored once on a three-day vacation with his family. He says he is very industrious, and is always thinking about his business. He firmly believes in teamwork and says that the system should work, not a person. Regarding his finances, he maintains that the accounts should be updated till the present moment, and not yesterday. Dugar believes in doing fair business, and strictly follows his business ethics.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Not at all a party goer, Dugar likes to spend his evenings with his family after a stressful day. He likes to watch TV and spend most of his free time at home, with his children. “I feel more responsible towards my family and children because I couldn’t give much attention to them when I started business. Now I can afford time for them, and I feel I have to make up for the lost time,” says he. Dugar is the proud father of son Saurabh and daughters Bhavika and Drishika. A scrupulous follower of traditions, Dugar strictly abstains from alcohol, tobacco and non-vegetarian food. He loves Indian vegetarian food and is not very fond of trying new dishes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Hobbies</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar loves to travel, especially to modern cities in the world. He loves branded stuffs and loves to shop. He has been to Dubai, US and many countries in Europe. His other interests are music and dancing. He loves to listen to Hindi songs, and watches movies once in a while. He says he is quiet brand conscious. “I am very obsessed with being dressed properly. All my outfits are stitched in Mumbai. I am also very fond of clothes,” says Dugar. He also loves branded watches, and carries the latest gadgets though he is not too fond of them. He believes he has to be familiar with technology as it helps in the business too.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Way Ahead</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	According to Dugar, KL Dugar’s future ventures will be in sectors of hydropower and construction. The Groups’ largest project United Cements is all set to start by the end of this year. KL Residency will be handed over in 2013 and Nepal Hydro Developers Pvt Ltd will also commence in 2013. &nbsp;In addition, more than 30 products related to home appliances, automobiles and others are in the pipe line. Dugar says that he has to work even harder now, as the recent times are even more competitive.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Nepali entrepreneurs are as capable as any others in the world. “We are doing our best even when faced by worst of situations. We have load shedding and political problem; still Nepali entrepreneurs are doing their job. We can do even more if the government is more supportive,” says he. Dugar wants to be number one in whatever he does, and is always striving for excellence. “Dhara oil and Gyan flour are one of my best products. I want to remain number one, and want my legacy to go with the products,” says Dugar. According to him, his greatest asset is the trust that his customers have put in him and the Group.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Dugar believes that three things are very crucial for the success of any business. One has to be loyal and committed towards his business, have knowledge the business, and most importantly, one should be very critical of finances. &nbsp;He says he gives equal importance to one thousand rupees and one million. Moreover, he thinks one should have faith in his staffs and should have frequent interactions as they have more knowledge than the boss. “A good suggestion from them can change your entire perspective and help the business,” says Dugar.&nbsp;</p>',
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			'description' => 'For Kumud Kumar Dugar, MD, KL Dugar Group, failures are as important as success as he believes they keep you striving for success. He says that people need to fail to succeed. “Failures should be analyzed, and then they serve as a lesson. More importantly, one has to learn to be responsible for their failures. Blaming others for your failures is never going to help,” says Dugar.',
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	 </p>
<p>
	<img alt="Sumit Kedia, Personality, March 2013" height="432" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/march2013_personality_sumit.jpg" width="450" /></p>
<p>
	Sumit Kedia, the Executive Director of Kedia Group and the Director of Sita Ram Gokul Milks Ktm Ltd, vividly remembers the time when his company was deep in debt and was on the verge of being sold out. “Those were the most stressful times of my life. The Bank had no trust upon us, and the entire Group was about to be blacklisted,” recalls Kedia. It all happened immediately after he joined the company after completing his studies.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Making first moves</strong></p>
<p>
	New to the business and the entire business scenario of Nepal back then, Kedia says he was overwhelmed by the situation at first. Gradually, he with the help of the Group was able to convince the banks to give some leverage to the company. One of the banks agreed to swap the loan and with some arrangement, he was able to pay off the entire loan after some time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	On the management part, he made the backward linkage strong by directly interacting with the farmers and thus, creating an economic interdependence. This, in turn, improved the quality and quantity of the raw material. “I personally met the farmers; I went to cow sheds and educated them. As a result, we received better quality raw material and enjoyed more security than our competitors,” explains Kedia. He also introduced new technology and updated the equipments used in the factory. This significantly enhanced the efficiency and the cost of production went down as well.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Carving a niche</strong></p>
<p>
	All of Kedia’s efforts have finally paid off. Today, Sita Ram Gokul Milks, a sister concern of Kedia Group is nation’s leading dairy processor and distributor, with production capacity of more than 2.86 million gallons of milk per year. The company has completed the journey of 17 years, and operates through a highly advanced technological plant with latest machineries producing milk and dairy products like milk, ghee and butter. The company is all set to produce flavoured milk and paneer within the next month. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia firmly believes that responsibility with accountability is the mantra to success. “Nothing can be achieved alone, but a responsible and accountable team working for a common goal can achieve almost anything,” says Kedia. Kedia has been taking care of Sita Ram Gokul Milks for the last 10 years.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Memory lane</strong></p>
<p>
	Born to Bishwa Nath Kedia and Krishna Devi Kedia in Birgunj in 1976, Kedia did his entire schooling and higher education in India. During his school years, he was a hostel student in Darjeeling and Mussoorie. He completed his high school in Delhi and graduated from DAV College in Chandigadh, and completed his post graduation in MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management of Pune.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	As a child, most of his time was spent in hostel. “I used to come home only for holidays, so found it hard to adjust with my family. I was more comfortable with my friends than with my family,” recalls Kedia. He was home only for a few months in a year and also was oblivious of the development of the family group, Kedia Group.</p>
<p>
	After completing his education, he returned home and all of a sudden he was in family atmosphere that he wasn’t much used to, and also was into business abruptly. “I really found it hard to manage the three major parts of my life, my friends circle, my family and my business. &nbsp;But today, I have balanced all three aspects of my life,” says Kedia. &nbsp;As he became more involved with family and business, his friends circle shrunk. Today, Kedia says family and business are his top priority.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Married for 10 years with Ritu Kedia, Kedia is a father of a son and a daughter, Rachit Kedia and Shristi Kedia. His marriage was an arranged one and he didn’t even know her wife very well before marriage. “We were given just half an hour to discuss and decide. Within that short time, I fell in love with her eyes, and I immediately said yes. I’m happy I made the right decision,” shared Kedia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Social involvement</strong></p>
<p>
	Kedia is involved with Round Table Nepal, an international fraternity with both business and family gatherings. “In this fraternity, there are people from business community and also their families. This has given me friends for life, with same wavelength. We go on various outings and picnics through the fraternity,” says Kedia. &nbsp;He usually spends his evenings and weekends with the friends of the fraternity, but still feels there is nothing like childhood friends. &nbsp;Kedia is also the First Vice President of Nepal Dairy Association and has been the Director of National Dairy Development Board for two tenures.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Finding inner peace</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;As a student, Kedia loved to play basketball and was also in the college team. “I’d still love to play now, but my business doesn’t really allow me to do that anymore. However, after a stressful day, I like to give some time only to myself,” says he. He is a member of health club in Radisson hotel, loves swimming sauna and steam, and does cardio exercises. Kedia says he isn’t much into books, watches movies at times, doesn’t really care about gadgets. “I’m a simple person with simple desires; I want to lead a simple and modest life. I don’t believe in showing off and pretence. Kedia travels for work and leisure, but thinks he needs to take more vacations “I need to improve this part of my life. I don’t take many vacations. I’m trying to do it this year, may be ill go to Switzerland this year with my family,” says Kedia. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Changed dream</strong></p>
<p>
	Growing up, Kedia had dreams of being in hospitality and tourism business. He dreamt of owning a hotel as a graduate student and he even applied to study Hotel Management in Switzerland after graduating, but says it didn’t work out. Life had other plans for him. “As a member of a huge joint family, family’s dreams and decision always meant more than that of a member. Family’s decision mattered more to me, and I was needed in the group. So, I gave up my dream for my family,” shared Kedia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Experience speaks</strong></p>
<p>
	Introvert by nature, Kedia says he is a shy guy. Once he was invited as a chief guest at a co-operative’s AGM. He had to give a speech in public, but he became very nervous and he completely blacked out. “I don’t even remember what I said there. With time, I improved my public speaking skills and I have no problem with that today,” says Kedia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia sees Vinod Chaudhary is his idol, and says his struggle and success has always been an inspiration to him. &nbsp;Kedia had family relations with Chaudhary, and personally knew him as he is also a member of Young Entrepreneur Forum (YEF) under Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI). He also sees Shankar Lal Kedia, his uncle as idol within his family.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia opines that capital should stay within the country, regardless of the challenges faced by businessmen and entrepreneurs. According to him, rather than criticising the government and society, one should maintain a positive mentality and enhance the economy with a combined team spirit. He also feels that the spirit of ‘us’ is needed for development of a family, an organisation and an entire nation.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Foreseeable future</strong></p>
<p>
	As for his future plans, Kedia is not in investment mode now, as he feels there is no stability in the country. He thinks at such a point, it’s wise to retain what he has. New ventures may be started only after the problem of labour and load shedding are over. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia says he loves his profession, and work is his worship. He feels that he needs to do something for the company till he retires. “I work together with all my staffs, all my team, not just my personal growth, but also for their growth, I like to see through the perspective of ‘us’ rather than ‘me’. I like to create a win-win situation for all,” says Kedia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Kedia says that if all goes well, he may also be involved in the hospitality business. “After all, fulfilments of inner desires give you true satisfaction. It was always my dream to be in the sector. Let’s see what future has in store,” Kedia is optimistic.</p>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Sumit Kedia with Family" height="378" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/march2013_personality_sumit_with_family.jpg" width="514" /></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-03-23',
			'modified' => '2013-04-17',
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			'description' => 'Life always has equal share of success and failure, one should never forget his roots when he is on top of success and one shouldn’t let the fire inside him die out when faced by failure, says Sumit Kedia a young business person, rephrasing what he learnt from his uncle Shankar Lal Kedia.',
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			'id' => '881',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'A Quest For Bliss',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img align="right" alt="Trishakti Joshi" height="338" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_trisakti_feb2013.jpg" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="318" /><strong>By Gaurav Aryal</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Trishakti Joshi, CEO of Elite Networks was raised at a time when sons in the family were pressed to be either a doctor or an engineer. Being a part of the family with a daughter and two sons, Joshi was set to be a doctor as his elder brother had chosen the path to engineering. But the life of his had something else in its details.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	He was convinced and determined to be a doctor in his schooldays. So, he also took up Biology as one of the optional subjects in school. But as soon as he came out of his school passing his School Leaving Certificate (SLC), he watched lives of doctors from close. Then the fire in him that wanted to be a medical doctor extinguished. Joshi explains, “I was always a kind of person who wants and tries to do something new. I did not find that profession interesting. New experiments and trying out new things were missing out there. Though there is scope for research and development, it is not simply possible in the initial phase.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>The Chosen Dream</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Deciding to quit the doctoral profession he thought of shifting to architectural engineering. But unfortunately, only Intermediate in Engineering was taught in Nepal. So, one had to go abroad to complete the further studies. So, he joined ISC in Patan Campus but entering the Physics faculty was not so easy for a boy who came through a biology background. &nbsp;He managed through it and joined BSc in Trichandra College. Though he was keen to go to the US for further studies, he recalls his father, who had lived in the US for a long time, did not want Joshi to go there for his undergraduate studies.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the meantime the wave of new technology and especially the computers had struck Nepal. Along with his studies, he also joined MIPS at Bagbazar and learned the ABCD of computers there. The curiosity for the technology and a strong background in Science made him land as a job holder in the Mercantile Office Systems. There he used to repair computers. He worked for five years for Mercantile. Having worked for a long time with machines, he then craved working with people.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	With a dream to do something new and more satisfying he came up with an idea to offer computer networking services to offices. It was already an old thing in the international market but it was pretty new for Nepal. Then he established Elite Networks, partnering with a friend, the company which he is currently looking after.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Making Leaps</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi cashed in on the relationship he made in his previous job to find his clients. So, the networking responsibilities of the then Grindlays Bank or today’s Standard Chartered Bank were taken up by his company in its initial days. Joshi accredits the bank for the success of his company. As of now the entire IT of the bank is managed by Elite Networks. His company worked for the American Library, looked after IT aspects of Hillary Clinton’s Nepal visit and also sold computers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the due course, his company also work abroad too. Joshi’s company took up all the responsibilities of setting up networking for UNDP’s Bhutan Office. As of now, he has been introducing and maintaining the new initiatives his company makes. Around 1996 he also initiated the project to network two offices. And Joshi claims that his company was the first in Nepal to introduce wireless networking.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi’s venture that began with networking business also tried out sms banking, and now concentrates more on providing complete IT solutions to its clients. It not only provides tools and technology but also provides the entire services related with it. Since 2009, he started selling Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and all the services associated with it such as installation and maintenance among others. Joshi claims that his company has over 50 per cent market share in the ATM sales and caters to around 65 banks and financial institutions. His company also installs and manages ATM lounges. Once, Joshi also provided consulting services for his clients about the IT. Apart from these, his company in partnership has established and operated a data centre at Thapathali targeting financial institutions and corporate houses.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Elite Networks that began with two people, has now reached to a team of 60. Moving away from selling hardware, he plans to concentrate more on the complete solution packages and also venture into software development. Joshi sees a huge market prospects not only in Nepal but also globally in apps development for smart-phones and tablet computing.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Had he not been in the current business, Joshi thinks he would have become either doctor or taking some job somewhere in the field of IT.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="padding:10px; background:#f4f3e6; margin-bottom:5px;">
	<p>
		<strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-size: 16px;">Personal Side</span></strong></p>
	<ul>
		<li>
			Likes attending social events and professional gatherings</li>
		<li>
			Enjoys drinking without letting alcohol taking him over</li>
		<li>
			Loves cooking on weekends</li>
		<li>
			Loves using gadgets more for his works than for entertainment</li>
		<li>
			Prefers quality over brand names but gives value to brand values</li>
		<li>
			Likes photography</li>
		<li>
			Loves playing golf</li>
		<li>
			Socially active as a member of Toastmasters Club, Executive Member of CAN and Executive Member of Nepal Golf Association</li>
	</ul>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	 </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi says, “For me trying and doing new things is like an addiction. I visit abroad to understand and find out emerging technologies and identify new technologies that can be useful in Nepal.” Joshi localises those technologies to best suit the need of the Nepali market before introducing to Nepal.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Working style</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	While making any decisions, Joshi goes after his instincts, local market knowledge and trend in the international market. Similarly, he says that he readies himself before the market readies itself while introducing any new products and services. Joshi is already ready on his part before the clearing houses are ready to be operational in Nepali market- his new target place to offer services and solutions. Joshi recalls such times when he has been ahead of time and market, and instances where he had to drop the entire idea. He exemplifies such a situation in sms banking, where other companies in the market are doing well currently.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Every day, Joshi gets up at around 5:30 in the morning. Then, he goes to the club for exercises and fitness for one and a half hour. At around 8:30, he leaves for office and reaches there within half an hour. As he has to keep in touch with companies in Singapore, he utilises the time before his employees arrive for corresponding with those companies. “When my team arrives at office by 9:30, I am ready for them and by 10, when banks open, I am ready for clients too,” he describes. He usually ends the day at 6 pm.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Management approach</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi looks after the management of his company Elite Networks while his partner Pramod Kunwar looks after all the technical aspects. He reveals that the entire accounting services have been outsourced to another company since day one.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi believes, “As easy it is to establish a company, it is equally difficult to sustain it. It may look effortless to grow but it is equally tough to maintain that growth.” &nbsp;Joshi’s company around six years ago thought of getting an ISO certificate but dropped the idea because of the lengthy documentation process. But, he slightly modified the procedures and applied all the quality measures on the functioning of the company.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	When it comes to the human resource management, he has not left any stone unturned to keep his employees happy and motivated. He says that performance based incentives and regular motivational packages are offered to the human resources to keep their high spirits going higher.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Defining Success</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	For different people, success comes at different shapes and sizes. For Joshi, it comes in the form of satisfaction and joy. He recalls his initial days when he used to be filled with joy on closing a deal. “Everything does not remain the same forever. I am constantly in search of what next. If the newness is missing, pleasure diminishes,” he explains, “More than money, I enjoy the process of making money.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Joshi suggests sincerity and dedication to the work is must for both satisfaction and achieving success. “You have to believe on what you do and you have to be passionate about it. When one enjoys work, money does not become the first priority and success will automatically follow. Money is its by-product,” says he.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>The Personal Space</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	When it comes to bridging the professional and personal life, Joshi likes them to remain at a distance. He does not mix the two. He says that unless it is an emergency, he neither takes official work to home nor receives any work related phone calls from home. Saturdays are the days when he likes spending time with his family and giving chances to his hobbies and interests. When he gets free time, he adores going little adventurous. He loves hiking, trekking, cycling and roaming around in the nature. Joshi has also recently developed new hobbies – photography and golf. He plans to give more time to his interests and his desires that were sidelined on the process of pursuing bigger professional dreams.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	It has been more than two decades since he first started working. So, he desires to give some extra time for himself reducing the working hours. “I have been thinking to minimise my working hours and give little extra time for my personal interests,” Joshi promises.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Similarly, at the back of his mind he has been slowly making rough sketch of retirement and succession planning. He wants to groom somebody capable so that he can handover his responsibilities. However, he does not plan to completely abandon his company and profession.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-03-16',
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			'description' => 'Trishakti Joshi, CEO of Elite Networks, likes to keep himself ahead of the market which he wants to conquer with new technologies and every service that come attached to it. The believer in work, passion and dedication finds success in every satisfying moment he has found in the pursuit of his professional goals.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '814',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'The Rise, Fall And Rise Of Malhotra',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><span style="text-align: justify;">By Gaurav Aryal</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="text-align: justify;"><img align="left" alt="" height="211" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_malhotra.jpg" style="margin:0 10px 0 0;" width="350" />Every journey is a reward. No matter how painful a journey may become, it takes one to a destination where one really wants to be. Deepak Malhotra has had a journey with more bitterness than anything else. Executive Chairman of International Marketing Services Pvt Ltd (IMS), Malhotra’s journey as an entrepreneur has been full of upheavals.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	He has tried his luck in numerous business ventures. Though most of them did not perform well, Malhotra is now on a safe haven of business. &nbsp;He thinks he is half the way towards achieving success although some of the sectors like housing where he has invested are not doing well. For Malhotra, success comes along with recognition, public relation and active involvement in work. IMS is the authorised distributor of Samsung mobiles for Nepal. IMS has its sister concerns that import, market and sell mobile phones and provide after-sales services.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Along with IMS, Malhotra is part of numerous businesses mostly in partnership such as Silver Valley Developers Pvt Ltd, a housing development company and Ebisu Jewelleries, a jewellery showroom at Durbar Marg. He also imports SWC branded watches. All these companies are under an umbrella corporate house – the IMS Group. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra was in his school days when he started understanding the nitty-gritty of doing business. His father owned a hotel named Mansarovar when there were less than a dozen hotels in Nepal. Malhotra says that he started looking after some of the responsibilities in the hotel when he was still a school kid.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	It was in 1979 when Malhotra began a business of his own. He started off with importing watches. Malhotra, who has an avid interest in travelling, was on a tour to Hong Kong when the idea of trading clicked. He claims he did not borrow a single penny from his parents to start off his trading venture. Malhotra, however, recalls borrowing Rs 50,000 from his friends as the seed money for his initiative. He studied the market and the profit prospects and made a sole decision.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	It was just the beginning for him. Soon, he diversified his business and started importing products other than watches such as motor parts, salt, gold etc. Although it as his own brainchild, Malhotra believes, he drew subtle inspirations from his father to enter the corporate world.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra ventured into numerous sectors in the years that followed his trading initiative. It was around the mid 1990s when he produced three Nepali feature films. His first movie was Chahana, and the second was Sauta. He further invested in two other cinemas, Sannani and Ragat, along with a partner. He recalls, “None of those movies did good business. The movie market had not flourished in Nepal back then. And, I also realised that movie making is not my forte.”&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Then came the carpets. As carpet export was burgeoning, Malhotra was attracted to the lucrative business of wool carding and exporting carpets. However this too was short-lived. Then he began importing salt from India and selling it in the Nepali market under the brand name of Himali Noon. Malhotra claims that this initiative of his was able to break the monopoly of the state-owned Salt Trading Corporation (STC). “My entry as a new salt trader had created competition in the market. The consumers benefited from the reduced price of salt,” he recalls. Then the government introduced a vicious plan to drive away the private player to give the monopoly over salt trading back to the STC.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In 1998, Malhotra turned his hands to the paging business. There were five companies offering pager services, but Malhotra’s DTI Paging had an edge over them as it provided its services throughout the country. But it seems he had entered the paging business at the wrong time. Mobile telephony had entered the country a year in advance - in 1997 – and the idea of paging soon proved obsolete. This was another setback in his business career.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra saw a huge prospect in what had killed his paging business – the mobile phones. And soon, &nbsp;he started importing handsets. He recalls those years when, unlike today, the import of mobile was not open. During those days, one had to acquire a license from the Ministry of Communication to import mobile phone sets. Mlahotra got this license and started importing handsets manufactured by brands like Nokia, Panasonic, Motorola and Samsung. In 2001, IMS was appointed the authorised distributor of Samsung mobiles for Nepal. Since then, it has been importing and selling Samsung mobiles in Nepal. With the giant leap of Samsung brand worldwide, this brand has regained its number one position in Nepal too, according to Malhotra. With the growing popularity of the Samsung brand, Malhotra’s has a steady business. He has taken a positive turn, after facing one failure after another.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Though the Samsung watches were discontinued and renamed as SWC Watches, his company is trading in this Korean watch brand even today. Meanwhile, with the boom of the housing industry in 2008, Malhotra invested in the housing sector as well. Silver City Apartments is under construction under his builder Silver Valley Developers. However the housing sector too is not doing well at the moment.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra believes that most of his past business ventures failed because he went after his whims and tied up with the wrong partners. However, he thinks most of his past ventures failed because of external factors rather than any weakness in his managerial skills. “The trading business that I initiated is doing well even today,” he says, “All those incidents taught me that it is useless to venture into a new area without properly understanding it.” So, he suggests others not to start any project without understanding its fundamentals. He also prescribes to do those things which can be kept in a tight grip and not try to do everything at once. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra is happy with what he has today. He is determined to continue the mobile phone trading. Along with it, he is planning to step into new sectors where the entire country sees prospects –tourism, hydropower and agriculture. He believes these are the best three sectors that can push Nepal towards development. However, he expects the government to create basic infrastructures so that the private sector can do the rest.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	What would he be doing had he not entered business? “Probably, I would be in politics,” he says jokingly, recalling his days at &nbsp;Shanker Dev Campus where he did some student politics. “If I failed in politics, I would continue my father’s business,” he is quick to add. He &nbsp;now indeed has plans to invest in the hotel industry too. Malhotra says he is an independent citizen and thinks that a businessperson should not be involved in active politics.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	No matter what life brought to him, Malhotra believes he never left the policy of truth. At the times of difficulty, he says he received the support from his close friends and family members. “They always have trust and belief in me,” he appreciates them.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The only regret he has in his life is his inability to recognise the pretence of Rasendra Bhattarai. Malhotra says he wasted his time and resources believing in Bhattarai, who proved to be nothing but a hoax at the end.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra believes that management is the most important element in running a business house. So, he has dedicated all his management, distribution and marketing tasks to the management team while he looks after the financial matters and monitors as well as guides the team.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	He plans to hand over some of his responsibilities to his son who is soon returning after completing his studies in the United Kingdom. However, &nbsp;he wants to remain an active part of the business before he retires at 70. “As of now, the decision making &nbsp;is centralised in me. But I will be soon giving the decision making authority to my son,” he shares his plans. There are around 200 employees working under Malhotra at present. To cheer up the employees, his company has provisions of declaring the employee of the month and also the employee of the year. He says those who win these titles get attractive incentives. The company also organises various motivational programmes throughout the year, every year.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Malhotra is a sort of workaholic. He spends his weekdays working while he loves to spend his Saturdays with his family. However, he prefers completing his pending works on Saturday. Malhotra likes to keep himself socially active. He is also the senior Vice President of Club Fifty where cohorts in their 50s take part in various philanthropic activities. The club organises free health camps in the villages and distributes aids like wheelchairs to the physically challenged people.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="" height="252" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/personality_malhotra(1).jpg" width="300" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong style="font-size: 14px; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Personal side</strong></p>
<p>
	•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>&nbsp;Loves travelling</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Prefers going on a vacation at least once a year</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Works from home until 1 pm&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Socially active and likes to attend parties</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Loves Sports</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Played for an A-Division football Club – Sundhara</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Advisor to Manang Marshyangdi Club and Patron of Boys Union Club</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Can’t keep anything secret</p>
<p>
	• <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Loves latest and trendy gadgets and uses Samsung Galaxy SIII</p>',
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			'description' => 'Everything that begins eventually comes to an end. This is true about success or failure as well. Deepak Malhotra dared to fight against the failures that came to him. Though the journey he has walked in his life was not a fun filled journey, it has definitely been a thrilling voyage.',
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