Peshal Luitel is the Principal of Kasthamandap Higher Secondary School and College, Kathmandu. He admits that he entered the educational sector with a motivation to make a 'tangible difference' in the life of the students. Over the decades, he has faithfully lived up to his dreams, and has been an impactful teacher and administrator. He holds the experience of working at various capacities, including teacher, Vice Principal and Principal. He has shared his experiences with College Readers. Excerpts:

What inspired you to pursue a career in education, and how did you become a principal?

One inspirational factor that motivated me in the education sector in Nepal is the passion to make a tangible difference in the lives of students. The chance to shape young minds, impart knowledge, and ignite a passion for learning can be deeply fulfilled through this career. Witnessing the growth and success of students, seeing them overcome challenges, and empowering them to reach their full potential have served as a powerful source of inspiration for me. Knowing that every day brings the opportunity to positively impact the future generations of Nepal, contributing to the betterment of society through education, I decided to pursue a career in the education sector in Nepal.

With over 20 years of teaching experience spanning from schools to universities, I have been the principal of the college. My journey as a lecturer, coordinator, and vice-principal has laid the foundation for this success. My aspiration is to revolutionize teaching pedagogy, instill positive student behavior, cultivate a conducive learning environment, and equip students with comprehensive technical, practical, and professional skills. I am determined to connect academic knowledge with real-world scenarios and societal phenomena. Moreover, my unwavering passion and ardent desire to develop capable individuals who can contribute significantly to nation-building have propelled me to assume the role of principal at Kasthamandap College. My aim is to establish a remarkable platform that fosters a larger community of skilled individuals capable of making indelible contributions to their personal lives, society, country, and even in the international arena.

Can you describe the vision and mission of your institution, and how do you plan to achieve them?

The mission of the college is to provide quality and innovative education in the fields of Science, Management, and Social Sciences. It aims to develop future professionals in various sectors, including medicine, engineering, business, entrepreneurship, planning, IT, and policymaking. The mission highlights the college's commitment to positively transform the management and humanities, IT and social science sectors in Nepal.

The vision of the college is to become the leading educational institution in the country, continuously striving to be among the best in terms of quality education. It aims to achieve this through state-of-the-art research, pedagogy, and innovation.

In order to accomplish the college's mission and vision, our primary focus will be on appointing capable faculty members, developing pedagogy that align with industry standards, and ensuring the availability of modern research and learning facilities. We will prioritize providing practical experiences for our students and invest in research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Additionally, we will enhance continuous professional development opportunities for our staff and expand comprehensive student support services. By consistently striving for excellence in these areas, Kasthamandap College aims to establish itself as a premier educational institution in Nepal.

How has your experience as a principal evolved over the years, and what have been some of your most significant achievements?

Over the years, my experience as the principal of Kasthamandap College has undergone a remarkable transformation. My primary focus has been on cultivating a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment within the college. This journey has been filled with gratifying moments, including notable academic accomplishments and triumphs in sports, as well as the holistic development of our students. It has been a fulfilling experience dedicated to consistently enhancing the lives of our students and the development of overall aspects of the college.

Kasthamandap College has achieved numerous milestones and accolades. The college's greatest accomplishment lies in the high level of student satisfaction with the quality education provided. Notably, students have consistently ranked among the top performers in the NEB Board exams, achieving a remarkable up to 100% pass rate. Furthermore, the college takes pride in producing gold medalists in university examinations and securing national awards in various competitions and sports events. The college's collaborations with esteemed national and international organizations and universities, particularly in Canada and China, are significant achievements. Kasthamandap College has nurtured successful professionals across diverse fields, including medicine, engineering, education, business, and the arts, who have excelled in competitive exams and emerged as leaders in their respective domains.

How do you prepare students to meet the demands of the 21st-century workforce, and what skills and competencies do you believe are most essential for success?

As the Principal of Kasthamandap College, we prepare our students to meet the demands of the 21st-century workforce through a holistic approach to education. We focus on developing their critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and digital literacy and leadership skills. We integrate technology and practical experiences into our pedagogy, providing hands-on learning opportunities. We also emphasize the importance of adaptability, creativity, and lifelong learning. By nurturing these skills, we empower our students to thrive in a rapidly changing professional landscape and contribute positively to society.

I believe that students should focus on developing essential skills and capabilities to achieve expected success. These include strong academic foundations, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, effective communication and presentation skills, time management and organizational skills, and the ability to work independently as well as in teams. Developing self-discipline, resilience, and a growth mindset are also crucial. Furthermore, staying updated with current affairs, technological proficiency, and adaptability to changing trends are essential for future success. By honing these skills, students can excel academically and be well-prepared for their future endeavors.

What do you think would decrease the trend of students going abroad for studies and encourage them to study in Nepal?

In order to reverse the increasing trend of Nepalese students pursuing higher studies abroad, colleges in Nepal should prioritize improvement of quality and to teach globally recognized programs. Improving infrastructures, faculty qualifications, and teaching methods to meet international standards is crucial. Emphasizing the importance of practical experiences that directly relate to students' employability are also important. Moreover, the colleges should promote research and innovation for studying in Nepal.

The government of Nepal should play a crucial role in addressing the rising trend of students opting for higher education abroad. Firstly, it can circulate the academic institutions and universities of Nepal to introduce hi-tech and highly demanding world class courses to launch to hold the students. Collaborating with foreign universities for joint programs and exchange opportunities allows students to gain international exposure without leaving Nepal. Moreover, providing financial support through grants and scholarships in higher education can make education more affordable and accessible. The government should selectively issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to genuinely deserving students who truly need international exposure to contribute to Nepal's progress. Additionally, establishment of industries and launching many development projects can also create the atmosphere of holding students in Nepal through jobs.

What would you suggest for the students looking for new colleges and courses for their future study?

To the students eagerly awaiting to enter new courses and colleges, I would like to extend a message of triumph and success. Once the results will be out, it is crucial to decide the subject of their interest for enrolling in grade 11. They should carefully consider the subject that aligns with their passion, destiny and aspirations. After selecting the subject, the next step is to choose a college that can turn their subject-related dreams into reality. Visiting the college and evaluating its past track record and reputation is also essential. Seeking guidance from teachers, career counselors, and professionals in the desired fields can provide valuable insights for them. Attending open houses and information sessions can help gather more information about the college and its offers. Consulting alumni of the college can also provide valuable information and perspectives. Additionally, students should consider the cost of education and available financial aid options. More importantly, academic quality, experienced teachers, personality development programs, and affiliations with foreign institutions should be considered while choosing a college. Take your time, gather information, and make an informed decision that aligns with your career destiny.