Bhupendra Neupane, the Principal of Kasturi Academy, glorifies an extensive 24-year experience in the field of education. His association with the educational sector dates back to its inception in 2055 BS. This long-standing experience indicates his dedication and commitment to the realm of education. Mr. Neupane strongly believes in the value of providing quality education to students. In his view, glamour or superficial aspects should not be prioritized over the pursuit of academic excellence. His philosophy emphasizes that the primary focus for students should be on their educational growth and achievement. He has shared his views with College Readers regarding the present academic status of Kasturi Academy and the nation in general. Excerpts:

How did your academic career start?

After obtaining my master’s degree in management with a specialization in Accounting in 2052, I embarked on a fulfilling journey in academia as a part-time lecturer at Janta Multiple Campus, Itahari. Initially part-time, I taught accounting at Janta Multiple Campus, witnessing students' growth and passion. My dedication led to a full-time role, allowing curriculum development and research collaboration. A significant milestone in my academic career. My tenure at Janta Multiple Campus spanned nearly 18 years, during which I witnessed significant changes in the academic landscape and the field of accounting. I adapted my teaching methods to incorporate innovative approaches, integrating technology and practical case studies to enhance students' learning experiences. Initially part-time, I taught accounting at Janta Multiple Campus, witnessing students' growth and passion. My dedication led to a full-time role, allowing curriculum development and research collaboration. A significant milestone in my academic career. While teaching at Janata Multiple Campus, me and my team founded Kasturi Academy in 2055. After an 18-year tenure at Janata Multiple Campus, I departed to join my own institution, Kasturi Academy, with the vision of delivering quality education.

When did your institution commence its operations, and with how many students initially?

In 2055, our institution commenced its operations with a modest enrollment of only 26 students. During the initial phase, we encountered significant challenges in attracting students, requiring minimal staff to cater to this small cohort. As shareholders, we personally assumed the role of educators for these students, and our efforts yielded commendable results, with over 60 percent of our taught students achieving excellent academic performance. The exceptional achievements of these students, who were initially taught by us and excelled in their Plus 2 examinations, played a pivotal role in promoting our institution. Their success acted as a catalyst, generating a buzz and increasing the demand for Plus 2 education at Kasturi Academy. As a response to this growing interest, we took the initiative to establish Kasturi College of Management, in affiliation with Tribhuvan University.

What were some of the significant challenges your institution faced during the initial phase, and how did you overcome them?

Through our unwavering dedication, consistent efforts, and effective management strategies, our institution garnered a reputation as a preferred choice among parents and students. The quality of education we provided, coupled with our emphasis on discipline and holistic development, became a major attraction for those seeking academic excellence.

As a result, our institution flourished, and we witnessed a significant increase in enrollments. This success can be attributed to our hard work, perseverance, and efficient administration, which enabled us to create an environment conducive to learning and growth. We believe in exposing our students to various challenges and instilling in them the value of diligence in pursuing their areas of interest. As a result, the trend of students seeking education abroad or in Kathmandu has witnessed a decline over time. Although the past two years posed some challenges to educational continuity due to the impact of COVID-19, we have successfully overcome those obstacles and restored normalcy in our academic operations.

We operate under two distinct entities: Kasturi Academy, which offers courses affiliated with Purbanchal University, and Kasturi College of Management, providing specialized management education.

Why should students choose Kasturi Academy?

Established in 2055 BS, Kasturi Academy is one of the leading academic institutions of Nepal for quality education exclusively in the management stream. From the viewpoint of results, placements, attractions of the academicians and teachers, academic performance and all-round career development opportunity, this academy has been one of the top attractions in the Eastern Zone of Nepal for the management education. Situated at a congenial atmosphere, Kasturi Academy possesses Kasturi English Boarding School, Kasturi Secondary School, Kasturi College and Kasturi College of Management. Its higher secondary, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are run in its own well-furnished buildings. Besides, its well-equipped library, the means of transport, computer lab, audio-video hall, auditorium hall, and other necessary facilities are the attractions of Kasturi Academy.

What sets Kasturi apart as the preferred choice for studying?

Kasturi Academy stands out as the ideal choice for pursuing your studies due to its remarkable attributes. Firstly, it fosters a dynamic and experiential learning environment that actively encourages creativity among students. The institution employs cutting-edge and student-centered teaching approaches, ensuring that the learning process remains engaging and effective. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the campus provides an atmosphere that nurtures competitiveness and innovation, preparing students for the challenges of the modern world. Beyond academics, Kasturi Academy offers abundant opportunities for students to participate in a wide range of sports, extracurricular, and co-curricular activities, promoting holistic development. The institution also places great importance on students' well-being by emphasizing nutrition, a balanced diet, sanitation, and personal hygiene. The faculty at Kasturi Academy is one of its greatest assets. Comprising highly qualified and motivated teachers, the institution takes pride in cultivating educators with a perfect blend of knowledge, wisdom, quality, cultural awareness, and patience. This ensures that students receive top-notch guidance and mentorship throughout their academic journey. Moreover, Kasturi Academy recognizes the uniqueness of each student and provides personalized guidance and counseling services. This individualized approach supports students in their personal growth, helping them overcome challenges and realize their full potential. In conclusion, Kasturi Academy offers a comprehensive and enriching educational experience, making it an exceptional choice for those seeking a nurturing and innovative learning environment that lays the foundation for a successful and fulfilling future.

What message would you like to convey to the students and parents?

First and foremost, choose subjects and career wisely, based on your unique talents and passions. Pursue your interests wholeheartedly for a fulfilling future. Choosing subjects that align with one's interests not only makes the learning experience enjoyable but also sets the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career. When it comes to selecting a college, I urge you to be diligent in your research. Look beyond the reputation and consider factors such as teaching faculty, infrastructure, and the overall academic environment. Experienced educators, modern facilities, and a supportive environment enhance learning and career preparation. Additionally, consider the college's success rate in terms of placements and academic achievements. This information will give you insights into how well the college supports and nurtures its students. Impressive academic record and successful placements highlight dedication to students' success. In conclusion, I would like to extend my recommendation to all SEE graduates to consider Kasturi Academy as their next step towards a bright future. With its outstanding faculty, modern infrastructure, and impressive success rate, it is an institution that can genuinely shape your dreams into reality.