One Man, One Vision, One Nation: The ripple effect of Min Bahadur Gurung’s vision and action

KATHMANDU: In a deeply emotional moment, Min Bahadur Gurung, the visionary entrepreneur and Chairman of Bhat-Bhateni Group, handed over the newly built Extended Health Services (EHS) Building to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) on Monday. The grand handover, attended by dignitaries, health professionals, and members of the public, marked not just the inauguration of a critical health facility—but a profound act of patriotism, humanity, and the transformational power of one man’s will to serve his nation.

With the national flag quietly tucked into his pocket, Gurung’s modest but powerful gesture was a quiet declaration of his unwavering love for the country. It was not just a donation—it was a symbol of hope. Tears welled up in his eyes as he stood before the very hospital he once promised to help and had now transformed. His sentimental speech overwhelmed the crowd, with many in attendance visibly moved. He spoke not just from the head, but from the heart—a businessman whose mission has always gone beyond profit and into purpose.

One Man’s Promise, A Nation’s Gain

The EHS building, constructed at a cost of Rs 95 million, is the second major facility Min Bahadur Gurung has gifted to the nation’s premier public hospital. Earlier in 2067 BS (2010 AD), at the request of renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Arun Sayami, Gurung had stepped up to fund and build an Emergency Building at TUTH at a cost of Rs 100 million. At the time, Dr. Sayami had said, “A businessman like you can do this for the country.” And Gurung, who had started from humble beginnings, accepted the challenge with humility and purpose.

Recalling those days during Monday’s program, Gurung said, “When Dr. Sayami approached me, I had no hesitation. We began the construction process in 2068 BS (2011 AD), and the Emergency Building was completed and handed over. Later, he again asked for support to build the EHS facility. Today, I stand here having completed that promise too.”

Rs 95 Million in Health Infrastructure: A Selfless Gift

With the handover of the EHS building, Gurung’s total contribution to the Teaching Hospital now stands at Rs 95 million. What makes this even more remarkable is that these structures were fully funded by Gurung himself, with no corporate branding, no strings attached, and no expectation of return. These buildings were constructed in memory of his late parents, Brish Bahadur Gurung and Dhanmaya Gurung, a touching tribute that ties personal legacy with national service.

At the inauguration, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli lauded Gurung’s selflessness, calling it a model example of private sector contribution to national development. The Prime Minister remarked, “We need more individuals like Min Bahadur Gurung, who go beyond words and take action. His work here will save lives, provide hope, and inspire many others.”

Bhat-Bhateni Group: A Business with a Social Soul

While Bhat-Bhateni is Nepal’s largest retail chain, with over 20 outlets and thousands of employees across the country, its social impact stretches far beyond commerce. Under Gurung’s leadership, the group has actively contributed to health, education, sports, disaster relief, and entrepreneurship development.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bhat-Bhateni Group provided essential supplies and financial support to hospitals and frontline workers. The company has sponsored sports events, funded scholarships, and supported small entrepreneurs through various CSR initiatives. It is rare in Nepal to find a private business house that consistently channels its success into building the nation’s social foundation—but Bhat-Bhateni stands as a glowing exception.

‘I Am Not Done Yet’

Perhaps the most powerful moment of the ceremony came when Gurung, his voice cracking with emotion, addressed the crowd:

“This is not the end. As long as I live, I will continue to give back to this country, which has given me everything. I carry the flag of Nepal close to my heart—not just in my pocket, but in every action I take.”

His words resonated across generations. In a country where many are skeptical of big business, Min Bahadur Gurung has managed to transform the narrative, proving that with vision, values, and voluntary action, a single person can build more than businesses—they can build hope, trust, and progress.

A Legacy in Brick and Heart

The new EHS building will support extended health services at TUTH, improving patient care, outpatient services, diagnostics, and treatment facilities. Hospital officials said the facility would help reduce patient congestion and enhance the overall efficiency of the country’s busiest public hospital.

With Nepal’s public health system often strained due to lack of infrastructure and budget, such high-quality donations by private individuals are nothing short of nation-building acts. And yet, Min Bahadur Gurung seeks no credit, no photo-ops, and no headlines—only the quiet satisfaction of serving people.

Inspiration for a Generation

What Min Bahadur Gurung has done is more than charity; it is a blueprint for leadership in Nepal’s private sector. His story, from a modest store in Naxal to a retail empire, and now to a national philanthropist, embodies the transformative potential of integrity, discipline, and devotion to society.

As Gurung wiped away his tears at the podium, he reminded us all that tears of joy, driven by duty and love for the country, are more powerful than any profit margin. In a time when trust in institutions is low and cynicism runs high, his actions stand as a call to conscience, a challenge to the comfortable, and a tribute to the selfless.