Mr. Bhaban Bhatta, rising from humble beginnings in rural Nepal, founded Total Business Institute (TBI), a diverse conglomerate spanning aviation, tourism, education, and more. TBI operates 290 restaurants across eight countries. Bhaban's educational journey from Nepal to Japan, where he pursued sociology alongside work in the restaurant industry, underlines his appreciation for Nepali students studying abroad. He envisions Nepal's potential in international education, advocating the fusion of spiritual values with modern learning. Everest International School, an embodiment of his vision, promotes collaboration with Japanese institutions and affordable education. In a dialogue with College Readers, Bhaban details the inspiration behind Everest International School and its distinctive educational philosophy, rooted in his business-oriented journey and commitment to stemming the brain drain through the Nepal Policy Institute. Excerpts:

Could you provide information about your early years and your experiences in school?

I was born in Gorkha and commenced my formal education in ABM at the Grade one. During Grades 3, 4, and 5, I attended a primary school located in Gorkha, specifically the Siddhakali Pra. Vi., where I skipped Grade 2. Subsequently, my educational journey from Grade 6 to Grade 10 transpired at Banasthali in Kathmandu, where I successfully completed my 10th grade (SLC) in the year 1991AD. Following this, I pursued my ISc studies at Trichandra College. Upon the completion of my ISc degree with a focus on Biology, I journeyed to Japan to pursue higher education at Tokai University. There, I dedicated one and a half years to intensive Japanese language studies. However, circumstances prevented me from pursuing my master's degree during my time in Japan.

What were your initial ambitions for the future?

Although my parents had envisioned me becoming a doctor, my own aspirations leaned more towards the realm of the Arts. Consequently, I opted to channel my efforts into philanthropy instead. I enrolled in an Arts college in Japan and pursued a pre-master's program with a specialization in sociology.

What motivated your choice of Japan for your higher education?

Japan held a profound allure for me due to its remarkable transformation into an economic powerhouse after World War II. During that era, I was deeply fascinated by the country's rapid economic development. Furthermore, the portrayal of diligent and industrious women in a TV series titled "Ocean," which was airing at the time, played a pivotal role in my decision to study abroad. I had a strong inclination towards putting in extra effort and striving for excellence. While many of my peers chose destinations like the USA, UK, and other countries, I was particularly drawn to Japan for several reasons. Firstly, I harbored a keen desire to pursue a career in hotel management, which led me to the decision of studying sociology in Japan while simultaneously gaining practical experience in the hotel industry through training. This approach not only allowed me to earn an income but also provided me with invaluable skills. This unique combination ultimately allowed me to develop expertise in both sociology and hotel management. In retrospect, I am convinced that my choice to study in Japan was the right one, and I continue to hold this conviction today.

Were your preconceived expectations and aspirations for your educational journey in Japan met, or did reality present a different course?

I must say, I live very much in the present. Dwelling on past regrets or fretting about an uncertain future doesn't align with my approach to life, which is centered on finding contentment in the present moment. Interestingly, I don't experience dreams during my sleep, nor have I ever harbored specific ambitions regarding my career or life path. However, during my college years, I embarked on writing a book based on the teachings of the Geeta, which I titled 'Shanti.' At the outset, I envisioned achieving a Nobel Prize for this work. Ironically, the book concluded after just two pages. The logo mark I designed while working on the book has remained unchanged and is now incorporated into my airline's branding.

My journey has led me to become a highly seasoned professional in the business arena, marked by the successful initiation of ventures with more than 78 companies across the globe, spanning 18 different countries. My innate self-assurance enables me to comfortably adapt to various environments, illustrated by my acquisition of fishing skills during my time in Japan. This adaptability underscores my readiness to operate in any country and establish companies in diverse international locations.

During your time in Japan, you simultaneously pursued studies in humanities and social science while working in the restaurant industry, which appears to be two distinct paths. How did you manage this dual commitment?

My inclination towards innovation and pioneering new ventures has been a driving force in my life. While I worked in restaurants, I found that I received recognition for my efforts, and as a student, I had some flexibility to learn from my mistakes. I took on diverse roles in the food and beverage industry, working in various types of establishments such as Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Mexican, cafes, and bars. I even tried my hand at bartending. This wide-ranging experience spanned from budget-friendly eateries to high-end restaurants in Japan, and it was immensely valuable.

I soon realized that to run a successful restaurant, I needed to develop my unique approach, which ultimately proved highly successful. I moved to Japan at the age of 21 to pursue a pre-pre-master's degree. Prior to that, I had studied mass communication. However, my options were limited in that field as NHK, the Japanese Broadcasting Corporation, informed me that they could only assign me roles related to India. Given my aptitude and passion for the food and beverage industry, I decided to pursue this path. To kick start my ventures, I needed capital, and the right opportunity presented itself.

I had a friend named Keshav Malegu, a major importer, and although I didn't have a license for importing goods, I proposed working in sales if he could provide competitive rates. I managed to generate substantial profits, making around 22,000 even after offering a 50 percent discount on a 60,000 product. Within a month, I earned 2 to 3 crores, which was a significant achievement. My determination to excel in sales led me to devise a franchise model that further enhanced my business acumen.

As I continued to work and earn, I became an inspiration to many fellow Nepalese who started coming to Japan to earn a living. Opportunities in the Japanese market were still abundant, but the competition was intensifying. I even ventured into opening a Japanese restaurant in Japan. However, I observed that many Nepalese were also entering the same business, resulting in unfair competition due to a lack of awareness in the community. This realization prompted me to pivot my business strategy, and I used the 3 crores I had earned to make this change.

What are your thoughts on Nepalese students studying in Japan while also working to support themselves financially?

I believe that the entire world serves as a vast source of learning, much like a university. Whether it's prestigious institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, or Tokyo, the entire universe offers educational opportunities. We can view life's experiences as valuable lessons from this "university." I find it remarkable that I was able to sell my fund management company for a substantial amount. Even though the company had highly experienced executives, it faced challenges. When asked about the reasons for its downfall, I explained that it wasn't solely about money and management; we also required speed, efficiency, and a clear sense of purpose. Without that essential spirit, failure was inevitable. I've been engaged in the infusion of life and manifestation for the past two years.

How does the educational experience abroad differ from that in Nepal? Do young people primarily go abroad with the goal of finding employment?

It's worth noting that less than 1% of Harvard University graduates aspire to become entrepreneurs; instead, the majority aim for stable employment within established companies. In my case, I fall into the minority of individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset. My innovative concept in Japan, offering unlimited drinks for two hours at the cost of 980 rupees, didn't solely originate from academic studies. While some individuals excel in roles like CEOs, analysts, or accountants, achieving success as an entrepreneur is a challenging endeavor. Entrepreneurship may sometimes be viewed as less conventional by society as these individuals navigate their unique path.

When people venture abroad for education, they gain new skills and knowledge. Leaving one's home country fosters independence and helps individuals develop maturity and resilience. While the number of Nepali students pursuing education overseas remains relatively small, we've witnessed numerous success stories. In Nepal, networking and maintaining relationships are crucial due to limited opportunities for dialogue. However, creating a conducive environment for meaningful discussions within Nepal presents challenges, including political and educational instability.

Nonetheless, Nepal offers ample opportunities for contribution, such as in infrastructure development, tourism, and education. Foreign governments recognize Nepali doctors, and our spiritual heritage, emphasizing meditation, can be shared with others. Prioritizing meditation and overall well-being can increase one's chances of success while combating monotony, depression, or anxiety. Nepal's educational system faces challenges, and simply replicating the UK's model may not be the answer. However, by incorporating elements of the UK's educational system while preserving our spiritual values, we can enhance the quality of education within Nepal.

Do you believe that there are numerous untapped opportunities in Nepal for Nepalese residents?

It is imperative to encourage students to pursue education abroad to acquire new skills and broaden their horizons. The underlying idea is for everyone to explore opportunities abroad, acquire knowledge, and then return to Nepal to contribute to its advancement. Personally, I don't feel a particularly strong attachment to Japan; I am still in the process of self-discovery, delving into concepts such as the universe, spirituality, and the unknown.

The Zain religion is believed to hold the potential for awakening the third eye, which is a unique aspect. Nepal, unlike Japan, has not yet gained global recognition as a dominant player, even surpassing the United States, which currently holds the position of the world's third-largest economy. Just two centuries ago, the United States was not a recognized nation; it was merely a vast landmass. Japan boasts a rich history, including the ancient Zain religion, which predates Gautam Buddha by 2600 years. This deep historical heritage is one of Japan's strengths.

Considering the remarkable advancements in education in countries like the United States, if Nepal were to adopt a similar educational system, Nepali students could become highly competitive on the international stage. In fact, Nepal might also become an attractive destination for foreign students seeking education if such a system were in place.

We cannot advise individuals not to go abroad because the world is a free and open place. However, by revitalizing our mythology, akin to what Germany is doing, I would prefer to shift the focus from religion to emphasize its spiritual significance. While we are gaining recognition, other nations are swiftly progressing by embracing these principles, while we may appear to be lagging behind. We are at the zenith of our potential, and the unique cultural values we possess should be preserved. If we effectively implement these values in the educational sector, we have the potential to achieve remarkable success.

What inspired you to establish a school?

I embarked on the journey of education from a business-oriented perspective, which eventually led to the establishment of a school. With the growing Nepali community in Japan, I founded Everest School with the aim of developing a unique educational institution rather than simply striving for excellence. Our approach involves fostering collaboration between our students and Japanese institutions, offering meditation classes, and more. In addition, we established the Nepal Policy Institute to encourage students who have studied abroad to return and contribute to their home country, addressing the issue of brain drain. Many Nepali professionals, including doctors and engineers, are working in foreign countries, and we made concerted efforts to encourage their participation in Nepali institutions.

It's important to note that our school was established with the approval and oversight of the Nepali government, which has complete control over our school operations. Remarkably, in the recent Secondary Education Examination (SEE), all of our students achieved excellent results.

Do you have more Nepalese or Japanese students in your school?

We have officially categorized our institution as international. Among the roughly 450 students currently enrolled, the majority, constituting 95%, are Nepali. Our educational approach emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, and we also include the teaching of Japanese culture as part of our curriculum.

How about the tuition fees? Is it accessible for an average-income family?

As an international school, we take pride in offering the most budget-friendly school education in all of Japan. We have earned recognition from esteemed institutions such as Buddhanilkantha School, the Ministry of Education (MoE), and LRI School. Moreover, we partner with HISSAN and College Readers to arrange tour programs in Japan. Through proactive collaboration and coordination with various entities, our school serves as a bridge. This holds particular significance in Japan, a nation with a significant government focus, where our Nepalese institution stands as a prominent presence.

What are your future plans for the school's progress in the coming days?

We cannot guarantee what the future holds. Personally, I have chosen a more ascetic path and have distanced myself from strong emotions and attachments. However, I also have a desire to experience certain things, such as watching a movie, just to see how it feels. It's important to fulfill our responsibilities without setting overly high expectations. After all, unexpected events like earthquakes and the emergence of COVID-19 have shown that no one can predict when or how such events will occur. Therefore, the uncertainty of tomorrow remains a constant reality.

Finally, you have achieved considerable success through your diverse business ventures. What are your current goals, and what has recently inspired and motivated you?

I have never felt like I've reached the absolute peak or pinnacle of success. To consider myself at the pinnacle, I would need to be at the level of someone like Elon Musk. I still face many challenges, and I see my journey as a spiritual one, constantly striving to progress and elevate myself with the utmost effort.

Now that you're connected with OSHO, how does this connection relate to education?

Just as Osho has conveyed, the universe itself can be seen as an educational entity, often described as the ultimate school. I'm deeply appreciative of having been guided by one of the finest teachers, and I have no doubts or uncertainties about it. In the past, I used to engage in business tirelessly, working around the clock for 24 hours. I am the individual who achieved remarkable success, generating 10 million in a century and 300 million in just 13 years. I hold the distinction of being the youngest president in NR. My aspiration has always been to excel in everything I do, and I'm recognized for being a highly controversial, extreme, and revolutionary figure. I established my company under the name TBI, which I consider as a school since I assume the role of an instructor in the field of agriculture. The dynamics of business are in constant flux, and failing to adapt at the right moment can result in failure. Currently, Toyota stands as the world's top-selling car brand. Interestingly, it originated from a company that initially produced clothing seams. This illustrates that every day presents an opportunity for learning and adaptation in the world of business.