‘A journey of struggle, commitment, and responsibility’

KATHMANDU: When I began my journey as an entrepreneur, I did not have a large capital, nor was I already a businessman with vast investments. To be honest, I had no seed capital at all. But I had a dream, and I had the determination to make it real. My conviction was simple: let us do something in our own soil, irrigate Nepal’s fertile land, and grow gold here itself. That spirit guided me then, and it still drives me today.

From the very beginning, I understood that honesty and continuity—consistent hard work—were the essential ingredients for building anything meaningful. These values became the foundation of my entrepreneurial journey. It is from this very foundation, nurtured over four decades, that we have reached where we stand today. The narrow trail of small business carved by dedication and discipline has now turned into a broad highway of opportunities and growth.

Whenever I envisioned a business, I always looked at three guiding principles: the priorities of the state, the needs of the people, and the long-term viability of the venture. Walking along this path, our enterprises today are directly linked to the livelihoods of more than 20,000 Nepalis, while indirectly impacting hundreds of thousands more.

Every project we pursued was not only about creating jobs but also about building a culture of partnership and service in the country. Wherever our businesses expanded, they did so by walking hand in hand with the local communities. Because I firmly believed—and still do—that “Nepal cannot prosper if only I earn from my business.” This spirit of inclusiveness guided us to share investments, offer employment, and create local ownership through shareholding models.

I still vividly remember the struggles of low-income Nepalis working abroad. For many, earning was easier than sending money home safely. Witnessing this hardship, I committed myself to provide them with a safe, formal channel to send their hard-earned money back to their families. What began as a small service from Malaysia grew into a wide network, thanks to their blessings and trust. It is because of them—ordinary hardworking Nepalis at home and abroad—that our business has grown into a strong brand today.

Yet, despite these achievements, my heart feels heavy today. From a dreamer who started with nothing, I now stand at the most difficult crossroads of responsibility. Some of our major projects have faced unexpected losses, and while my heart weeps silently, I cannot allow myself that weakness. My duty is to stand firm—because the livelihood of 20,000 families is directly tied to our businesses, and countless others look to us for inspiration.

As President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), I bear a greater responsibility. In times of crisis, every entrepreneur and businessperson looks for guidance, just as a child seeks comfort from a parent. Perhaps it is during such moments that one learns to smile despite carrying a stone in the heart.

I recall the earthquakes of 2015, when the Dharahara tower fell and so did the confidence of countless entrepreneurs. I reminded everyone to rise, shake off the dust, and get back to their businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic—when even I was infected—I urged my fellow entrepreneurs not to shut down, but to keep going. Today, too, I repeat the same message: we must rise again, rebuild from ashes, and reinforce our spirit.

The violent intrusion during the Gen Z demonstrations of Bhadra 23 and 24 caused immense destruction across the country. Industries, businesses, and private properties—our own among them—were attacked, vandalized, and set on fire. The damages were massive. Beyond financial loss, what troubled me most was the impact such destruction could have on investor confidence. If my businesses could be unsafe, what message would this send to foreign investors we are trying to attract? That fear compelled me to even ask my team not to share photos and videos of the destruction.

But once those images surfaced online, I felt it necessary to speak—not to spread despair, but to encourage resilience. Many of our fellow entrepreneurs lost industries, properties, and homes. Thousands of jobs are at risk, billions in assets have turned to ashes, and investments have been jeopardized. For all of us, this is a painful blow.

We had only just begun recovering from decades of conflict, the earthquake, the blockade, and the pandemic, while also struggling through an economic slowdown. Yet once again, we face destruction. Despite these adversities, I believe we have no other option but to regroup, rebuild, and move forward.

As FNCCI President, my message to all entrepreneurs is clear: do not lose hope. Do not stop. From today itself, let us commit to rebuilding the industries that have been damaged. Let us invest further, create jobs again, and treat every challenge as an opportunity for economic revival.

We must also help the new generation understand: the private sector is the engine of Nepal’s economy. Entrepreneurship means employment, tax revenue, and prosperity. With more than 81% contribution to GDP and over 86% of jobs linked to the private sector, there is no path to national prosperity without us.

To my fellow entrepreneurs, I say this: in this difficult moment, we do not have the luxury of despair. Our dreams may have turned to ashes, but our courage and determination remain unburnt. Bricks and wood may burn, but our spirit and values never can. The true wealth we hold is our resilience, discipline, and strength to rebuild.

Let us not think of ourselves as alone. Let us share in each other’s pain and rise together—stronger, braver, and more united. A brighter dawn will surely come. Together, let us rise, rebuild, and inspire the next generation to believe that they can prosper here in Nepal, without having to leave their homeland.

With collective courage, private sector strength, and unyielding commitment, let us carve the roadmap for a prosperous Nepal.

The author is the President of FNCCI.