Biranji Gautam is the Campus Chief at Kalika Multiple Campus, located at Kajipokhari, Pokhara, Kaski. He has invested many years in education, lending leadership to the Campus, and making it one of the best institutions in the region. He shares his experiences, vision, and academic outlook with College Readers. Excerpts:

There appears to be a degree of fluctuation in the realm of higher education at the moment. How do you view this situation?

In reality, we are currently facing crises in higher education of Nepal. If Nepalese campuses and universities had taken a little more precaution and had been disciplined and updated according to the situation, then our campuses and universities would not have been affected by the crises on such a large scale. However, now in this globalized environment, programs of various universities from different countries are easily accessible in our country, and if our students complete those foreign courses, they can easily find jobs abroad. The influx of abroad-going students have paralyzed our universities. Our semester system has also turned into a semi-annual system. If we do not consider the grievances of the students and arrange for the operation of our university programs, we ourselves will be responsible for creating unfavorable situations for the students. Special attention should be given to the community campuses to bring things back track and rescue colleges and students from the crises. Without delay these things must be checked for the improvement of tertiary education in Nepal.

If students in Nepal are seen searching for opportunities to go abroad after passing their 12th grade, it is because they perceive better educational and career opportunities outside of Nepal. In this context, it is observed that the number of students on other campuses is decreasing while it is increasing in Kalika Multiple Campus. What could be the reason behind this?

 Recently, there has been a decline in student participation in our country's universities. This is a concerning trend, and it is essential to understand the reasons behind it. One of the main factors contributing to this trend is the perception that pursuing higher education in our own country is not as valuable as going abroad. This belief is unfortunate, and it is essential to change this mindset to create an environment where students can complete their undergraduate studies in Nepal. To make this a reality, we need to address the weaknesses in our institutions of higher education and create a culture that values education in our country. By doing so, students will have more opportunities to learn and grow in their own environment, leading to better prospects for their future. It is crucial to encourage more universities in our country to start market demanded undergraduate programs and increase the number of students.

Kalika Multiple Campus has encouraged students to pursue at least bachelor’s degree here in Nepal. After learning some skills and knowledge, if they go abroad, they can get better opportunities and help them in their workforce.

The University Grant Commission has selected Kalika Multiple Campus for entrepreneur support programs. Students and parents have trust in Kalika Multiple Campus. We have good results.

What are the other motives of Kalika Multiple Campus?

The main objective of Kalika Multiple Campus is to be recognized nationally and internationally. In this lieu, we have been selected for Quality Assurance and Accreditation (QAA) certification from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and soon we are getting it. Currently, we find ourselves in the advanced stages of the certification process, with our requisite documentation having been duly submitted to the UGC. Upon securing QAA certification, our intent is to proceed with initiatives essential for the development of human capital within our domain. Our primary mission revolves around the establishment of autonomous programs.

It's worth noting that we find ourselves in a forward position in this endeavor. Among the 18 campuses selected by the University Grants Commission for participation in Entrepreneurship Support Programs, Kalika Multiple Campus has proudly earned its place. This program has been officially inaugurated by the esteemed chairperson of the UGC, with 30 of our students actively involved. Depending on the nature of their business plans, the UGC extends grants ranging from 5 to 40 lakhs rupees as seed funding for these initiatives.

UGC has brought Entrepreneur Support Program for students. What type of program is this?

The UGC has introduced a visionary program, focused on nurturing students' entrepreneurial spirit. This initiative offers substantial financial support, ranging from 5 lakhs to 40 lakhs rupees, depending on the scale of proposed ventures such as water supply, agriculture, tourism, among others. Kalika Multiple Campus has been privileged to receive a generous grant of 40 lakhs rupees for a specific project, benefiting 30 carefully chosen students. We extend this grant as seed capital, aligning with the unique business blueprints presented by the students. There is an expectation that the funds will be repaid within a reasonable five-year timeframe. The campus, in turn, has the opportunity to reinvest these returned funds into other student initiatives.

Our overarching objective revolves around empowering our students with the essential resources and expertise needed to foster self-sufficiency and independence. To this end, we have proudly established an incubation center dedicated to facilitating and enhancing our efforts in this regard.

Is there an assurance that the student is obligated to repay the funds in the event of an unsuccessful business endeavor?

Engaging in endeavors without adequate preparation and planning can lead to challenges. In the past 7-8 months, we have diligently provided our students with comprehensive entrepreneurship training, equipping them with confidence in executing their tasks and plans. Despite encountering unforeseen events such as earthquakes and other unexpected circumstances, our strategies remain resilient and unwavering. We hold a strong belief in the effectiveness of our approach and are fully dedicated to its successful execution. Our achievements are the direct outcome of our unwavering commitment and diligent work ethos.

Furthermore, we have dedicated significant attention to nurturing our students' skills. Notably, our rural students possess distinctive talents, including the creation of exquisite handicrafts. These talents not only have the potential to generate income but also serve as a foundation for entrepreneurship. Our commitment lies in empowering our students with the requisite skills and knowledge to realize their aspirations and become self-reliant contributors to society. Our initiatives extend beyond the realm of planning; they encompass talent cultivation and the promotion of entrepreneurship. Consequently, the notion of encountering losses becomes inconceivable.

Lastly, what do you want to convey to parents and students?

Kalika Multiple Campus presently finds its home in the picturesque locale of Kajipokhari, Pokhara. Our dedicated pursuit is to ascend to the ranks of Nepal's premier educational institutions. It is worth noting that we operate as a non-profit community campus, an establishment that has earned recognition both on a national and international scale. While we fondly remember and pay tribute to the late Surya Bahadur KC and Balbir Singh Negi, who are no longer with us in a physical sense, we acknowledge their profound contributions to the establishment and elevation of this campus to its current stature.

In conclusion, I earnestly invite all students, parents, educators, support staff, and well-wishers to unite in a collective endeavor to enhance the standing and prospects of this institution for the benefit of all.