Industrialist Diwakar Golchha, the vice-chairman of Golchha Organisation, passed away on April 11, 2019 at the age of 67. Having long suffered from kidney problems, he breathed his last while undergoing treatment in Chennai, India. Born as the third among five sons of late Hansraj Golchha on July 1953, Diwakar is credited for the massive industrialisation of the Golchha Organisation, which was established by his grandfather Ram Lal Golchha nine decades ago. He is the recipient of the 'Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu' from late king Birendra for his contributions to the development of the industrial sector.

 

The qualities and skills of the young Diwakar as a businessperson became apparent in 1977. In that year, the Golchha family’s business suffered a big setback following a massive fire at its Hanuman Jute Press warehouse in Biratnagar. Like Napoleon Bonaparte once said, ‘A leader is a dealer in hope’, Diwakar, with his tact and determination, decided to deal with this big financial loss by not limiting their family business to exporting jute only. He persuaded the Golchha family to diversify its business and move into the industrial sector. Hulas Steel Industries was the first step in this diversification drive, after which there was no turning back for the family. Established in Simara in 1981, Hulas Steel was the first company in Nepal to produce galvanized roofing sheets. The company is regarded as a pioneer in the production of colour coated sheets in South Asia. Soon after, he established Hulas Wire at Morang. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and through strong dedication, he spearheaded the establishment of more than 30 industries across Nepal during his lifetime. 

 

The establishment of Sri Ram Sugar Mill in Rautahat and Eastern Sugar Mill in Sunsari, collaborating with other business houses, was also a result of Diwakar’s vision. Likewise, he played a very important role in the privatisation of Raghupati Jute Mill as well. Lately, he had established different companies under the name of ‘Arihant’ such as Arihant Multi Fiber, Arihant Polypacks, Arihant Agri Farm and Research Center, etc. 

 

His primary strengths lay in having a clear vision for business, a smart personality linked with a hardworking attitude. He was known as a tactful dealer of problems and despite the various uncertainties, he was always interested in investing in any new sector. Today, the industries and business ventures established by Diwakar have become the source of direct and indirect employment to hundreds of thousands of people throughout the country. 

 

A management graduate from Tribhuvan University, Diwakar not only established modern industries across the country, he also utilised the local resources available in the country, from raw materials to human resources. 

 

One of the founder promoters of NIC Asia Bank, Diwakar also served as the first vice president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) from 2005 to 2008.

 

Diwakar, who believed that the economy is the backbone for the development of the nation, played a vital role in the formulation of the Industrial Enterprises Act. He was among the key individuals behind the Nepal-India Trade and Transit Treaty of 1996, which has ben regarded beneficial for Nepal due to facilitating provisions. 

 

Diwakar also got into politics in the late 2000s, when the country started its new journey to promulgate a new constitution through the constituent assembly, working to secure the rights and interests of industrialists and businessmen. In 2008, he was nominated as the Constituent Assembly member from Nepali Congress from the proportional representation system. Besides business, he was also engaged in several social welfare programmes in different parts of the country.

 

The establishment of the Tilganga Eye Hospital is one such example in which Diwakar played an important role. The hospital has now become a prominent ophthalmology centre in South Asia. Always inspiring people to work and to deliver their best, he was also keen on maintaining good public relations. He is survived by his wife and two sons.