Anil Kaspal has been involved in the educational sector for three decades. He is the Founder Principal at Modern School/College and President at HISSAN Bhaktapur. College Readers has caught up with him for his shot interview. Excerpts:

It is usually seen that students in Bhaktapur incline towards Kathmandu for their post-school education. Why is it not possible to establish an environment for students to study in Bhaktapur itself, rather than moving to Kathmandu and other places?

From our point of view, we have a strong belief in the quality of education we provide. However, we have come to realize that imparting knowledge alone is no longer sufficient in today's educational landscape. Students require an environment that encompasses much more than academic instruction. Therefore, we have made it our mission to offer comprehensive facilities and state-of-the-art infrastructure to our students. In recent times, there has been a noticeable shift in the educational sector, where schools are increasingly prioritizing glamor and physical infrastructure. It has become a growing trend as parents and students alike are seeking institutions that go beyond the traditional classroom setup. This emphasis on aesthetics and modern amenities has gained popularity as it creates an appealing and conducive learning environment.

Understanding the importance of this concept, we have invested considerable resources into enhancing our facilities. We believe that a visually pleasing and well-equipped campus contributes to a positive learning experience. By providing modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, libraries with vast resources, and recreational areas, we aim to create an atmosphere that fosters holistic development and encourages students to thrive academically and personally. The results of our efforts have been promising, as we have witnessed a significant increase in student enrollment. Our commitment to providing not only quality education but also an aesthetically pleasing and functional campus has resonated with both students and their parents. We strive to continuously improve our infrastructure and keep up with the evolving demands of the educational landscape. In conclusion, we recognize that merely imparting knowledge is no longer enough in today's competitive educational sector. By focusing on glamor and physical infrastructure, we have successfully attracted a significant number of students who appreciate the value of a comprehensive learning environment. Our dedication to offering excellent facilities remains unwavering as we aim to provide an enriching educational experience that prepares students for the challenges of the future.

What are your institutions exclusive efforts to retain students from Bhaktapur? How successful have you been in the endeavors?

Bhaktapur has earned a well-deserved reputation as an outstanding educational hub, with its students consistently achieving remarkable results in the Secondary Education Examination (SEE). The academic accomplishments of our students reflect the dedication and commitment of both the educators and the students themselves. However, despite our unwavering commitment to delivering education of the highest caliber, we face a significant hurdle: the scarcity of financial resources. Limited funds often restrict our ability to provide the extensive range of educational opportunities and facilities that we aspire to offer. Despite this challenge, we persevere in our mission to provide the best possible education within the constraints of our resources. To overcome the financial constraints, we employ innovative strategies and explore alternative avenues for funding. We actively seek partnerships and collaborations with organizations and individuals who share our vision for educational excellence. By forming alliances and leveraging community support, we aim to secure additional resources and bridge the gap in funding. While financial limitations may curtail some aspects of our educational offerings, we remain steadfast in our commitment to holistic student development. To compensate for the financial constraints, we diligently organize a diverse array of activities and programs. These initiatives are carefully designed to foster the personal growth and overall development of our students. From extracurricular clubs and sports activities to cultural events and community service projects, we strive to provide a well-rounded educational experience that extends beyond the confines of the classroom.  Reputation as an exceptional educational hub is well-deserved, as exemplified by the outstanding performance of our students in the SEE. Despite the persistent obstacle of financial limitations, we are resolute in our dedication to providing the best possible education within our means. Through innovative funding approaches and a focus on holistic student development, we endeavor to ensure that our students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for future success. I firmly believe that such efforts have made our institution, if not everyone else's in Bhaktapur, a much coveted center of learning.

You also have been a crucial stake-holder of HISSAN. How can HISSAN improve the educational sector in Bhaktapur?

HISSAN demonstrates a commendable level of proactivity in their commitment to delivering quality education. To effectively contribute to this endeavor, it is crucial for all staff members to remain informed and up-to-date about the various activities and initiatives implemented by HISSAN. By staying informed, staff members can actively participate in and support the organization's efforts. In the present context, there is a need to focus on optimizing the productivity of both academic pursuits and extracurricular activities (ECAs). This involves implementing innovative teaching methodologies, incorporating modern technologies, and fostering an engaging learning environment. Additionally, ECAs should be given due attention, offering a diverse range of opportunities that promote holistic development and enable students to explore their interests and talents. By emphasizing the enhancement of academic and ECA productivity, HISSAN can effectively contribute to the overall advancement of the educational sector. This approach not only ensures that students receive a well-rounded education but also equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a dynamic and evolving world. Ultimately, HISSAN's proactive measures and continuous efforts will lead to the continuous improvement of the educational landscape in Bhaktapur.

In recent times, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of students opting to study abroad. What factors contribute to this trend?

The trend of students opting to pursue higher education abroad is witnessing substantial and rapid growth. In the past, there has been a perception that private schools, in particular, have been focusing on preparing students for overseas education. However, this trend has raised concerns about its potential consequences and implications for our nation. One of the major concerns is the possible depletion of our valuable human resources. As more and more students choose to study abroad, there is a risk of a brain drain phenomenon. Talented and capable individuals who leave the country for educational opportunities might not return, leading to a loss of skilled professionals who could contribute to the development and progress of our nation. This brain drain can impact various sectors, including academia, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the outflow of foreign currency resulting from students pursuing education abroad poses a significant challenge for the overall development of our country. The expenses associated with studying abroad, including tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses, often require substantial financial resources. As a result, a considerable amount of foreign currency is spent on funding the education of our students overseas. This can create an imbalance in the availability of foreign currency for other important sectors, such as infrastructure development, healthcare, and technology advancement, potentially hindering the progress of our nation. While studying abroad can provide students with access to world-class education, diverse cultural experiences, and better career opportunities, it is essential to carefully consider and balance the long-term consequences. Efforts should be made to enhance the quality and accessibility of education within our own country, ensuring that students have opportunities to excel and contribute to the growth and development of our nation. Additionally, fostering an environment that encourages talented individuals to stay and contribute to our society is crucial for sustainable progress. The increasing trend of students choosing to study abroad brings both advantages and challenges for our country. While it offers valuable opportunities for personal growth and international exposure, concerns about brain drain and the outflow of foreign currency need to be addressed. Striking a balance between providing quality education within our nation and facilitating opportunities for global exposure is vital to ensure the long-term development and prosperity of our country.

Lastly, what would you like to say about your school/college?

Our college has garnered a reputation as a true exemplar, setting the bar for excellence among other institutions. We have made it our utmost priority to provide students with exceptional infrastructure that caters to their diverse needs, while simultaneously upholding a steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality education. The foundation of our success lies in our unwavering dedication to creating an environment that fosters academic and personal growth. We have invested considerable resources in developing state-of-the-art facilities that go above and beyond the expectations of our students. Our classrooms are equipped with the latest technology, enabling interactive and engaging learning experiences. Additionally, we have established well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and resource centers that serve as hubs for research, exploration, and self-improvement.