Submit your Article

In 1980, Ramhari Lamichhane was one of four students out of 16 to pass the School Leaving Certificate (SLC) examination from Shwachchanda Bhairab Secondary School in Makawanpur. “I rushed to Kathmandu on foot from Chitlang as soon as I heard the SLC results were out,” he recalls, sipping coffee on a chilly Kathmandu afternoon. “It was about a two-hour run, and when I saw my symbol number in Gorkhapatra, it confirmed that I had passed. It was a milestone for our village. We were the first batch of SLC graduates, and the villagers welcomed us with musical instruments and fanfare at Chandragiri.”

This young man would later become the member secretary of the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) and the first and only Nepali to hold the position of director general at the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC).

However, Lamichhane’s career path was anything but linear. After SLC, he faced uncertainty. “I didn’t know what to do next. I thought about becoming an overseer engineer after observing a few in action. But my friends advised me to study law because of my strong speaking skills,” he says. However, practicality won and he pursued commerce, which offered better job prospects while continuing studies—a crucial factor given his family’s financial struggles.

Although he completed his course and worked at a hotel alongside his studies, this was not the path he would ultimately follow in the long run.

 “I worked various jobs, including teaching in my village and running my own construction company,” he says. But a stint as a contractor in Hetauda left him disheartened. The workers at his site asked for Rs 150 for the Maghe Sankranti festival, and he couldn’t provide it. “That made me realize I had failed to provide for my own staff. The construction sector then, like now, suffered from mismanagement,” he says. “Contractors would often spend the money they received from clients on other things, leaving nothing for proper construction work or to pay their workers.”

Determined to continue his education, Lamichhane moved to Kathmandu in 1987, completing a Bachelor’s in Commerce and later earning an MBA in 1990.

During this time, he gained valuable experience through various roles. He worked on a USAID project and later passed the job exam for the Agricultural Development Bank, where he worked briefly. However, he continued exploring options to find the best fit for himself. He successfully cleared officer-level job exams for Sajha, CTEVT, and Rastriya Banijya Bank—all three at the same time. Ultimately, he chose to join CTEVT and was posted as a finance officer at Jiri Technical School in 1989. At this point, his career began to take shape. “I kept seeking new roles throughout my life to discover where I fit best,” he says.

At the technical school, teachers often traveled abroad for training, but those in the administrative department had no such opportunities. This disparity made Lamichhane realize the importance of being in the technical department. He decided to shift his focus from administration to the technical side. Around the same time, in 1995, an opportunity arose to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management in Australia. Administrative staff from CTEVT were eligible to apply, and completing the course would allow them to transition to the technical department. 

“This was the first time in CTEVT’s history that administrative staff could transition to the technical side,” he says. “I was instrumental in lobbying for this change because there were already enough human resources in administration, but there was a shortage in the technical sector. I advocated for capacity development within the CTEVT staff to bridge this gap.”

Lamichhane’s professional teaching journey began at this point. He taught in Lete, Dhaulagiri, and Pokhara, where he eventually became a school principal. His role in Pokhara involved establishing a technical school from the ground up.

In 2000, Lamichhane earned both PhD and MPhil in Educational Leadership from Kathmandu University. Additionally, in 2010, he went to America for a degree in Educational Administration, Planning, and Policy from Vanderbilt University. “Promotions in the technical field happen relatively quickly, and by 2010, I had already become a first-class officer,” he says.

In 2013, the government invited applications for the CTEVT member secretary position through open competition for the first time. Applicants were required to present business plans, a departure from the previous practice of discretionary appointments. Despite being the junior-most candidate among 17 applicants, Lamichhane’s business plan secured him the role.

During his tenure, he spearheaded the development of Nepal’s National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy and implemented numerous TVET programs. With over three decades in the sector, Lamichhane served as an instructor, principal, program coordinator, project manager, and director. 

As his tenure as member secretary of CTEVT was coming to an end, Lamichhane applied for the position of Director General at the Colombo Plan Staff College. “My friends said it was almost impossible to get the job, but I was selected, becoming the first and only Nepali to hold the position,” he says.

“Skilled human resources are an asset to a country, but Nepal lacks it,” he says. “Various trainings are organized in different sectors, but they are just training for the sake of training, with no proper plan.” After many years of working in this sector, he believes that Nepalis lack patience. “They don’t set goals when coming to training, and there are issues with the providers as well. Our teachers and trainers are also not TVET-oriented,” he adds.

“A skilled person could become an entrepreneur, but those without skills will remain at the bottom,” he explains. “In a country like Nepal, where 93 percent of the economy is informal, if you have skills, you can easily create small and micro-enterprises.” Lamichhane emphasizes that technical and vocational education is crucial because it helps drive economic growth. “For example, last year in Dolakha, the price of kiwi fruit was Rs 270 per kg, and a farmer cultivated kiwi on 200 ropanis of land. This year, the price dropped to Rs 70 per kg. However, if you are skilled, there’s no need to panic. The farmer could make jam, jelly, candy, or wine out of it,” he says.

The government has prioritized technical and vocational education, but it’s limited to policy documents. It has stated that 70 percent of students will receive technical education, but there is no clarity on what kind of technical education this entails. “When I was in Jiri, we used to go door-to-door to scout students by observing their potential. These days, such practices don’t exist,” says Lamichhane. 

About a decade ago, there were around 800 institutions affiliated with CTEVT, but today, that number has grown to approximately 1,700. However, Lamichhane points out a concerning trend: When there were 800 institutions, 56,000 students were enrolled in technical education, but now, despite the increase in institutions, there are only 38,000 students. 

Lamichhane identifies another issue: the transitional period under the federal system and the lack of coordination between federal and provincial levels. “Now, provinces have established parallel institutions similar to the federally-owned CTEVT, but the federal government has not dissolved its own structures, creating a conflict,” he says. “There are seven different curricula related to TVET which is a problem as this doesn’t create uniformity.” Additionally, he highlights that people with no expertise in technical education are leading these institutions, further compounding the challenges.

“We still have a demographic dividend for about another five years, but after that, there will be no youths left in the country,” he says, emphasizing the urgency for stakeholders to improve the technical sector to prevent youth migration abroad. “The government should pursue mergers and focus on quality rather than quantity.”

Lamichhane advises students who pass the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) to set career goals without rushing. “Setting an interest-based occupational goal is essential for youths,” he says. Occupational culture is another major aspect. “In Nepal, technical work is often undervalued, despite its importance, but Nepal should adopt an occupational culture similar to European countries,” he says. “This includes establishing proper attire, safety measures, and standards to create an environment where, for instance, a plumber can earn enough money and can commute to work in a car, looking neat and tidy.” 

Donald J Trump was sworn in on Monday as the 47th President of the United States, marking a remarkable political comeback. On Sunday, Trump pledged to issue nearly 100 executive orders aimed at reversing or eliminating policies enacted by the Biden administration. These orders primarily target immigration, energy policy, and a range of other issues.

Foreign policy experts suggest that Trump’s return to office warrants close attention to his trade war with China, his approach toward Asian allies like Japan, South Korea and the Philippines, and his “America First” foreign policy. These stances could bring significant shifts to multilateralism and global diplomacy, with considerable effects on the Indo-Pacific region. Trump's transactional approach to diplomacy is expected to heighten tensions in critical areas such as the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula and Taiwan.

Regarding Nepal, shifting US global priorities could impact American assistance in climate change and health sectors. Political analyst Chandra Dev Bhatta notes that while American foreign policy has shown consistency over time, recent years have highlighted ideological differences between Republicans and Democrats. If Trump 2.0 adopts a more aggressive foreign policy, Bhatta predicts it will manifest through economic measures, particularly tariffs. “If Trump becomes a ‘tariff man,’ it will have a ripple effect globally due to the interconnected nature of the world economy,” Bhatta said.

For smaller countries like Nepal, where economic stakes are lower, the focus will remain on geopolitics over geo-economics. However, navigating this geopolitical landscape will become more challenging, Bhatta adds, as geopolitics and geo-economics are increasingly intertwined. He also highlights potential domestic implications for Nepal stemming from Trump’s policies, especially his declared funding cuts through the Department of Government Efficiency and Governance (DOGE) and the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) agenda. If these cuts are implemented, they could significantly affect funding both domestically and internationally.

Trump’s immigration stance could also impact Nepalis in the US, particularly if he enforces stricter policies on undocumented immigrants. Bhatta speculates that such policies might be part of a bargaining strategy, commonly referred to as the ‘madman theory,’ or a genuine intent, the outcome of which remains uncertain. Additionally, Trump’s efforts to consolidate power in Asia under the MAGA banner will likely exert geopolitical pressure on countries like Nepal.

Strategic thinker Binoj Basnyat believes that Trump’s second term is likely to continue Biden’s legacy in Asia due to the region’s growing importance in global trade, security and geopolitics. He emphasizes that managing rising challenges, fostering alliances and ensuring stability will shape US strategies. India’s role as a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific region will be central to these efforts. The US will likely continue leveraging frameworks such as the 2017 “South Asia Policy”, the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” strategy and the 2022 Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Basnyat highlights that these strategies align with containing China’s rise while strengthening ties with India, designated as a major defense partner in 2016. Initiatives like the India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue, established in 2018, will continue to influence smaller South Asian nations, including Nepal. He notes that global competition and great power influence are shaping national politics in South Asia, with Nepal’s political parties also reflecting these dynamics.

Basnyat asserts that Nepal’s strategic stability is shaped by global geostrategic factors, including the Post-Cold War syndrome in Europe, the New Cold War in the Indo-Pacific and proxy wars in the Middle East. He suggests that under any potential geopolitical scenario, Nepal’s strategic trajectory will largely depend on its relationships with New Delhi and Beijing. However, Nepal should also prioritize its ties with Washington as a third neighbor, balancing national interests without falling into strategic traps.

During the Joe Biden administration, US engagement with Nepal increased significantly, with over $700m in foreign aid provided since 2019 through the US Department of State and USAID. These initiatives focused on health, economic growth, democracy, governance and food security. One of the primary US priorities in Nepal is the smooth implementation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) project. Recently, American private companies have also expressed interest in investing in Nepal’s tourism, medical and other sectors. Meanwhile, the US push for the State Partnership Program (SPP), pending since 2022, remains a contentious issue.

During Trump’s previous tenure, the 2019 Indo-Pacific Strategy report sparked controversy over its implications for MCC and other bilateral initiatives. The Biden administration carefully avoided conflating these issues in bilateral discussions. Observers suggest Nepal should closely monitor Trump’s policies toward India and China, as they could indirectly affect Nepal.

In an interview with ApEx, Katie Donohoe, USAID’s mission director in Nepal, highlighted the agency’s enduring mission despite changes in US administrations. She remarked, “Since USAID was established in 1961, there have been 12 presidential administrations, and this will be my fifth transition working with USAID. While new administrations bring different policy priorities, USAID’s core mission has remained consistent.” Donohoe expressed confidence that USAID will adapt to align with the new administration’s priorities while continuing to collaborate with the government of Nepal and its people.

I won’t go into the details of Subash Shahi’s early life. As a cricket fan, the first time I met Subash ‘dai’ was on a small paddy-field-like ground in Minbhawan, near Baneshwor. After school, my friends and I would gather there to play cricket. Those were the best days of our lives. I had a bat wrapped in black tape, and that was enough. Having a red tennis ball wasn’t a big deal back then. If we had a bat, cricket was easy to play. Some open spaces in Baneshwor, which weren’t yet developed, allowed us to enjoy the game.

Subash dai caught my attention with his smiley face. Even now, you’ll find most of his photos with a big smile. He was loved by everyone on the ground. His bowling action reminded me of Michael Kasprowicz from Australia. If you don’t know Kasprowicz, let me tell you he was the bowler who once made Brett Lee, the legendary Australian fast bowler, sit on the bench for almost a year during their dominant era. Subash dai’s action was similar to Kasprowicz’s, though, of course, he wasn’t as fast. He got many wickets because he was older and more experienced than the rest of us (laughs).

Here’s a funny thing Subash dai probably had no idea we even played together back then. I shared this story with him when we met again after almost a decade, and at first, he didn’t remember those moments. But later, the memory came back to him.

So, why am I writing about Subash dai? Many might ask, “Why not write about other cricketers who’ve made cricket famous in Nepal?” But in the context of Nepali cricket, few people have invested so much money and effort into its development purely out of love for the game. At the top of that list is Shahi.

Born and raised in Dhangadi, Shahi always dreamed of making Dhangadi a hub for producing young cricketers. He started his own cricket academy in his hometown to achieve this dream. Coming from a prestigious political family, his father was the founder of SPA College in Dhangadi. The college not only has an excellent reputation for academics but is also known for producing local cricketers with its outstanding facilities.

A turning point in Nepali cricket history was when Nepal qualified for its first-ever Men’s T20 World Cup in 2014. This event united the entire country. Every young kid dreamed of playing for Nepal one day. While cricket was gaining recognition, the lack of infrastructure and proper pay for players was a big issue.

As a passionate cricket fan, Shahi closely observed all of this. In 2017, he came up with the idea of a Franchise Cricket League the first of its kind in Nepal. It wasn’t easy back then, as getting paid well for playing cricket was beyond any player’s dreams. But he initiated the process, held player auctions, and divided them into six franchise teams. That’s how the Dhangadi Premier League was born.

All the top Nepali cricket players participated in the tournament, which was covered by the media and broadcast live on television. Superstars like Jonty Rhodes even came to promote DPL. Shahi, was the mastermind behind the event. The first edition was a massive hit. Crowds filled the stadium, and it became one of the most-watched events on Nepali TV at the time. This inspired others to invest in cricket, and Subash deserves full credit for stepping in at such a critical time in Nepali cricket history.

Sadly, the tournament only lasted for two editions, but its impact was huge. His efforts set the foundation for other cricket initiatives in Nepal.

Apart from cricket, Shahi has also invested in football. He owns Dhangadi FC, a franchise football team that has performed well in the Nepal Super League. But his biggest role yet is being appointed as the Director of Fapla Cricket Stadium, a 40,000-seater stadium under construction. Once completed, it will set new standards for Nepali cricket. Subash is the right man for the job, and we hope the stadium will be completed under his leadership.

Dhangadi is already the powerhouse of Nepali cricket, and with Subash’s efforts, it might truly become the cricketing capital of Nepal.

In any given year, there are very few occasions to talk about volunteerism, about the “duty to serve”. These are topics that should be truly embedded in our lives and should be seen as one of the main focuses of our daily conversations.

Considering the staggering and mounting problems societies around the world are facing, it is not an exaggeration to imagine citizens to be driven by their own lives’ goals but also engaged in the pursuit of the common good.

As idyllic as it might sound, it should not be unthinkable to foster a sense of community belonging in which volunteering and serving others become a natural thing to do, a sort of duty that is not a burden but a personal relief that gives people joy and satisfaction.

Instead, there is a dearth of celebrations for a “holistic giving culture”, barring a few exceptions like the International Volunteer Day (Dec 5) and the Nelson Mandela International Day (July 18).

July 18 is another call for action to remember the contributions of Mandela, the father of modern, free and democratic South Africa often referred to as Madiba—his clan name.

There is another special occasion that is normally celebrated only in the USA on the third Monday of each January: Martin Luther King Day or MLK Day. Martin Luther King Jr was the quintessential icon of the civil rights movement, who fought against segregation and a racial system that basically was a form of apartheid. Both Madiba and Martin Luther King Jr picked tough battles against political systems at a very high personal cost.

These were against apparently insurmountable roadblocks, structures of power which, by design, were alienating and discriminating against large parts of populations living in their respective nations that, in both cases, happened to be people of color.

Madiba initially had chosen to take a violent path against the white supremacist regime of South Africa but years and years of detention made him understand that the only way forward was peace obtained through dialogue and reconciliation.

Martin Luther King Jr instead was crystal clear from the outset about the changes he and with him, many others, were envisioning for a different, more just and truly united America, could materialize only through nonviolent civil disobedience. Driven by his Christian faith, King Jr said, on 19 Aug 1967, in Atlanta, “power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.”

In one of his most important public addresses titled ‘Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution’, delivered at Morehouse College Commencement, on 31 March 1968, King Jr shared: “It is no longer a choice, my friends, between violence and nonviolence. It is either nonviolence or nonexistence”.

“Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time; the need for mankind to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Mankind must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love,” he said during his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance address on 10 Dec 1964, in Oslo.

King Jr knew deeply that nonviolence and peaceful resistance were the only methods which could have resulted in a better, more human nation.

Violence would have brought only more blood and with it, an unending cycle of revenges and retribution. King Jr invested in building a real organized movement because creating a more equal society was not just his job. Rather, it was a collective effort of a myriad of citizens, including numerous white Americans, who stood for justice and against bigotism, racism and hatred.

King Jr and many others, who even laid their lives for the societal changes they were envisioning, had realized that those changes could only materialize with a dedication at building people’s skills, starting with principles and values-based leadership.

There are many definitions of leadership but to me what counts the most is that leadership starts with personal endeavors, with a personal commitment at trying to be better not just for self-improvement but also for the enhancement of the society.

One of the most famous quotes of King Jr that has been one of the central messages of MLK Day since its initial nationwide observance in 1986 was: Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.

To serve others, you need to be driven by unassailable and universal principles and values and by doing something for others, you will always end up learning something, enhancing your leadership capabilities.

“You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love,” is another nugget of wisdom from King Jr.

It is indeed paramount to think about embedding our society with a culture of service, a culture of helping each other.

The concept of “duty to serve” could be imagined as a call for action in which people are neither compelled nor obligated to help others but make a personal choice to dedicate some of their time, skills and energies to the society.

State agencies in Nepal and elsewhere should facilitate and make it possible for citizens from all walks of lives to be involved and be engaged in public lives, driven not by a spirit of self-interest but by altruistic aims. Volunteerism, unfortunately, is too often discounted and neglected. Nepal is also a striking example and itself a contradiction.

The country has high social capital but state agencies are not doing enough to capitalize on it. By the way, what happened to the draft National Volunteering Policy that was supposed to be endorsed years ago?

With or without such a policy, it is never late to talk about volunteerism and service and it is never a lost cause to talk about ways to promote them.

MLK Day is a federal holiday in the USA; it should be embraced universally.

And let’s not forget that we cannot avoid talking about key and inalienable rights when we talk about volunteerism.

Certainly, you can also volunteer in authoritarian regimes and many of these nations do promote volunteering and yet, theirs is just a very convenient and disingenuous approach.

Because what’s the point of genuinely serving others if you do not have freedoms and your rights are not respected?

That’s what King Jr fought for, let’s not forget it.