Raju is a 22-year-old young man who has matured beyond his age. After graduating from Kopila Valley School, he now runs a family business he inherited. With a confident demeanor and a warm smile that instantly puts people at ease, he has turned the very first Plant shop in Surkhet into a successful business. He is busy running the business, remains humble and grounded, never forgetting his roots or the values instilled in him by his parents. He cherishes the simple pleasures in life. 

His story is beyond motivation; it’s full of triumph over adversity, courage in the face of challenges, and a calm yet energetic spirit that inspires us all. 

Read his journey of life down below.

“For my +2 (High school) years, I went to Kathmandu. I was away from my hometown and my family. My parents were a little worried, but I was excited to explore the journey I was going to have. However, an illness caught on to me; it was not deadly but serious enough for my parents to call me back home immediately. That’s how serious Nepali parents are – or I believe most parents are. Sometimes, I wonder what my life would have been if there was no turn. But I guess, whatever happens, it happens for a reason. 

My Kopila journey began after that short glitch in my life. When I came back, I was looking for a school that was still taking students. At this time of year, admission is normally closed. Fortunately, Kopila Valley welcomed me nonetheless. 

With time, and everything, your memories start to wither away, but the memories I created in Kopila still lurk in the corner of my heart. This school has given me so much, in just 2 years with them – which turned into a forever with them. I am so glad that I am one of their Alumni who is embarking on a journey that fuels my passion. One thing I learned is that at Kopila, everyone is equal. As a grown and enriched man, I graduated in the year 2020, and afterwardsI found myself handling my family business. 

BACKGROUND

I have an older sister and a younger brother, but the weight of responsibility has always rested heavily on my shoulders. From a young age, I understood that I would one day inherit my family’s business—Jharana Nursery, Surkhet’s oldest plant shop. Our nursery was a cornerstone of the community, serving as the go-to destination for anyone in need of flowers or plants. Despite its popularity, the business struggled to thrive in a region where appreciation for the importance of plants was lacking. 

My parents, unwavering in their dedication, persevered through the challenges, often proclaiming to others, “Our son will take over the business one day.” Caught between their expectations and my own yet-to-be-found aspirations, I felt as though my path had been predetermined for me. Without any alternative plans in mind, I resigned myself to the inevitability of running the nursery.

Yet as I grew older, I began to question whether this was truly the path I wanted to follow. While my future seemed preordained, I couldn’t help but wonder if there were other possibilities awaiting me beyond the confines of our family business. Don’t get me wrong, I did love the idea of pursuing the business but sometimes I wondered: if I had a choice, is this what I would have been doing? 

PASSING THE TORCH

I have a weakness; I can’t say the word ‘No.’  When the day finally arrived when my parents passed down their generational business, I accepted it. I read somewhere that the human brain has an average of 50,000 thoughts in a day. Here’s a thought: what if I am enjoying what I am doing and the business is flourishing? Does it change my stance on my career? 

I think yes! I have fallen in love with what I do. I am also taking BBS (Bachelors in Business Studies) courses in Surkhet Model College so that the knowledge that I gain can assist in running a successful business. And it does help. I always feel a sense of comfort and a little bit of fear knowing that I have a huge responsibility entrusted to me. 

Throughout the day, I wander among the rows of potted plants and flowers, trailing my fingers along the leaves, inhaling the earthy scent of soil. It’s been almost four years, and every day is a bliss to nurture plants and people’s hearts. Many people support what I do, especially Kopila Valley School.  Inheriting the family business has been a daunting challenge, but it has also been a gift — a chance for me to discover my true calling and embrace it wholeheartedly. 

LOOKING AHEAD

While building my business and my career, I have also built my life. I am 22 years old and I recently got married. I know! I know! It stuns a lot of people. 

But it felt appropriate and right to me. I am an old soul, matured beyond my age. In fact, I believe a mature person is the one who rises from their doubts. I am settled, I have built a career, and all I know is that my life looks clear ahead. 

I personally believe Surkhet has a lot of potential. It’s a place where I was born, I was raised, so I like to think I know the inside and outside of the city. Even now, there is a vacant space that could be full of “firsts” –  a first coffee shop, book shop, publication house, consultancy, counseling center, and so much more. My one new goal is to open a tissue-culture lab. It was during my first year of running the business that my curiosity blossomed into a full-fledged passion. One day, I stumbled upon the concept of tissue culture, and it fascinated me. Everyday since, I have immersed myself in research and devour every bit of information I can find. It excites me to think that I can push the boundaries of plant science and innovation.

I can almost see it; far away, feel it in my fingertips – my dream coming true!

One lesson I have learned on this path of mine: if you aren’t ready, you won’t have the opportunity. You are bigger than what’s pulling you down, so know why you are here. And you shall find your path clearer. “

We are thrilled to have one of our very own Kopila Valley School graduates write this guest blogger series and share alumni stories! Anjali Karki graduated in 2019 and is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism along with a journalism career. We can’t wait to see what each of these world-changers does next. Follow us on social media with the series hashtag (#NarrateYourKopilaStory) for more about these young adults and their adventures.