As I had indicated in my earlier blog that one of my goals this year is to write about individuals I would meet on my journey. I like to introduce you to an influential and charismatic Mr. Bhupendra Bhandari who I had the pleasure of meeting in Burundi. Such is a human urge and courage to succeed, not even war, famine or national borders could stop from accomplishing his goal.

I came to know of Mr. Bhandari through Mr. Sajin Rajbhandari at a Nepalese gathering in Uganda. Mr. Bhandari arrived in the country on Jan 2008 with group of Nepalese to start a mobile company. Soon after, he was the only one that remained overcoming unfamiliar culture, language and many unknowns. In such a short time, with perseverance, conviction and hard work, he is now the CEO of the Smart Mobile company, which employs over 200 local workers.

Mr. Bhandari encompasses the qualities required of next generation business leaders: socially aware and globally engaged. He strives to incorporate environmental sustainability into every aspect of his business and to make a world a better place. If you ask his close friends Mr. Prabin Acharaya and Mr. Sumanta Shome the keys to Mr. Bhandari’s success, they will tell you it is his outlook on humanity and then his business acumen. One example they cite is how he managed to save a leg of his staff from getting amputated.

The technical staff had injured his leg on the field and was told by the doctors that the leg had to be amputated. During this time, Mr. Bhandari was out of country but kept in touch on the situation. He asked that the leg not to be amputated until his return. He assured the employee a full financial assistance and long term disability benefits. After getting a second opinion, the leg was saved and the employee made a full recovery. There are many such cases where Mr. Bhandari has helped his employees financially and morally that exemplifies putting his workers first before short-term monetary gain. He has gained their loyalty, respect and friendship. Because of his personal beliefs, understanding of the environment and social responsibility, Mr. Bhandari is truly the next generation of our leaders.

My interview with Mr. Bhupendra Bhandari.

Apart from Mr. Bhandari, I had a wonderful time in Burundi with people like Mr. Bittu Gupta, the head of engineering department in Smart Mobile whom I found to be a generous, supportive and friendly individual. Mr. Prabin Acharya and Mr. Sushanta Shome are both model of kind hearted young and energetic Engineers in Smart Mobile. Mr. Ramesh Paudel who holds managerial position in a local company is also an example of supportive and cheerful soul. Many thanks to all of them for all the support extended to me. I would also like to thank the small Nepalese community from the bottom of my heart for their warm hospitality, financial and moral support. As I continue on with my journey, I am sure there will be many interesting people and their stories to be revealed.