Surya was born in Kalikot, one of Nepal’s most rural districts. Born during the peak of the Maoist civil war into a family of seven, Surya faced the harsh realities of life from an early age. The conflict around them only intensified the struggles of his family. It was either flee from the village or stay and perhaps feed many mouths of Maoists and armies, but both decisions weighed heavily on his parents because traveling cost money they did not have. At the time, it seemed like staying back was the only rational choice. 

Staying in the village meant that soldiers would barge in their house and demand food and shelter. Since working in the fields was equally risky and fear-inducing, the entire village started to get low on food. Villagers slowly started to disappear, one after another, seeking safety and better choice. 

Surya was just four years old when his parents made the heart-wrenching decision to send him to Bardiya, a town far away from his village, to live with his maternal uncle in pursuit of primary education and safety. His parents hoped this would lessen the burden of supporting their five children and he would be safe. This choice, born out of necessity, inflicted intense emotional pain. 

In the early years apart from his parents, Surya felt anxious and suffocated. He missed the warmth of his mother, the strength of his father, and the love of his siblings. The uncertainty about their future weighed heavily on his young heart. For seven years without seeing his family, he grew up with the care and love of his uncle. But there wasn’t a single day where he wasn’t reminded of his family. “They will be okay. They are safe. You will see them soon,” his uncle would reassure him, but to Surya those reassuring words felt like false hope. Every day, he prayed to God to keep them safe and be by their side whenever and wherever they needed help, but the fear always lurked in the corner of his heart. 

Surya had just turned ten, another year older and wiser, when a familiar figure appeared on the doorstep of his uncle’s house. His father stood there smiling from ear to ear. His eyes reflected pain, loss, and also hope. He looked thin but very hardened, as if he had done physical as well as mental labor. At the sight of his father, Surya broke down into tears as he jumped into his father’s soulful and longing embrace. 

“We’re going home, son!” his father declared. 

The course of nature unfolds in enigmatic ways. Perhaps Surya’s journey to his village was never meant to be. Instead of retracing his steps to the familiar fields of Kalikot, he was destined for a different path altogether—one that would take him beyond the boundaries of familiarity and open doors to new experiences and possibilities. His father brought him to Surkhet, and little did Surya know that, in this uncharted territory, he would discover not just the world but also himself. 

Surya was soon strapped in a backpack that read “Kopila Valley School” as he entered the gate of his next eight years. “Receiving the BlinkNow scholarship felt like a miracle—a life line. This was the turning point that not only relieved my parents’ burden but also gave me a chance to find my future. Kopila Valley didn’t just offer me an opportunity; it offered me education, hope, self-confidence, and the belief that I can stand up to whatever challenges life throws at me head-on,” he says. 

In the comforting and inspiring compound of the school, Surya discovered his true callings. From the outset, he embraced everything the school offered—academics, sports, drama, and a myriad of extracurricular activities. English class ignited a love of literature within him. Alongside his friend Aashis, he spent countless hours in the library, diving into stories and becoming enveloped in their narratives. “We practically lived in the library,” he confesses, “We didn’t just read novels; we became the characters, immersing ourselves in the stories so deeply that each chapter unfolded like a  real-life adventure.” Soccer, too, became a significant part of his life. It was a huge part of the school’s culture, and playing for the school team is a milestone he still cherishes. “I found two very important things that made me feel both alive and free in Kopila Valley.” 

2018 marked a very important year for Surya. He graduated  from Kopila Valley School! “Life after Kopila Valley wasn’t without its challenges. Soon after, I moved to Kathmandu for my further studies, and new sets of challenges unfolded like a whooshing wind in my prime and important phase of life,” he says. Surya was accepted into the renowned British College in Kathmandu for his Bachelor’s studies in Information Technology. 

Reflecting back, Surya says, “My high school experience did not go as I had hoped; I faced academic struggles that led to self-doubt. Yet that difficult period taught me invaluable lessons about not giving up.” When he joined his college, Surya realized early on that he had many steps to take and many bridges to cross in order for him to achieve what he initially set out to do. 

The pressure to excel was immense, but that same pressure is what helped Surya succeed in his Bachelor’s Degree. He learned that failure is just another step toward success if you don’t give up. Refusing to let his past define him, Surya dedicated himself to his studies in Information Technology, ultimately graduating with distinction. 

WHAT INSPIRED HIS CAREER IN IT

“The inspiration to pursue Information Technology was kindled at Kopila Valley. I used to watch the foreign volunteers typing away on their laptops, fascinated by how quickly their fingers danced across the keys. That image stayed with me, sparking a curiosity that grew into a passion for technology. I wanted to be like them—working on something that connected people and opened up endless possibilities. That childhood wonder is what eventually led me to a career in web development. Today, I work for a U.S.-based company called DIGU, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”

Looking ahead, Surya’s goals are centered around growth—both personally and professionally. He says he wants to deepen his skills in web development and explore new technologies. “But my ultimate dream is to work remotely for a major tech company, so that I can live with my parents and be closer to them, something I’ve longed for since my childhood,” he confesses. 

Beyond that, Surya wants to give back to his community. He dreams of sharing his experiences and knowledge with young dreamers from rural Nepal, inspiring them to chase their ambitions no matter the obstacles. “‘Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.’ This quote speaks directly to my life. Growing up in a family struggling to make ends meet, living through a civil war, and facing uncertainty could have held me back. But instead, those challenges became my driving force. They pushed me to aim higher and dream bigger. I firmly believe in the power of education and self-determination. It’s not about where you start; it’s about how far you’re willing to go. Kopila Valley transformed my life, but it was my determination to keep pushing that helped me realize my potential. The circumstances you’re born into don’t define your future—you do.”

“My journey from a small village boy in Kalikot to a web developer at a U.S.-based company has been full of twists, turns, and growth. Life has taught me that dreams are achievable if you work hard, stay committed, and believe in yourself. I’m still learning, still growing, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Surya firmly believes in the transformative power of education and self-determination. He understands that it is not where one begins, but how far one is willing to go that truly matters. While Kopila Valley played a crucial role in transforming his life, it was his own determination that helped him realize his potential. The circumstances of one’s birth do not define one’s future; it is the individual who shapes their own destiny.

To the young dreamers who might feel lost or discouraged, Surya’s message is clear: Never stop believing in yourself, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Your circumstances do not dictate your destiny. What truly matters is how you seize the opportunities that come your way and create new paths for yourself. The world is rich with possibilities, and within each person lies the strength to achieve greatness.

Surya recalls the blasts of the bombs and the echo of tearful cries as if they happened yesterday. Each day, he battles to suppress those painful memories, trying to see them as mere shadows of the past. Yet, in moments of reflection, he finds himself revisiting that terrible time, drawing strength from it to navigate his present. Drastic events can alter the course of our lives, for better or worse, but his story serves as a poignant reminder: we are exactly where we’re meant to be in this moment.

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.