Dr. Rajendra KC’s story is one of perseverance, self-motivation, and the transformative power of self-development. This story is brought to life through the initiative of Dr. RC Lamichhane, a dedicated trainer, who saw in Dr. KC a source of inspiration for others. Dr. Lamichhane’s decision to invite Dr. KC to share his journey with a group of forest officers became a pivotal moment that underscored the importance of resilience and inner strength in overcoming life’s toughest challenges.
A Lifelong Connection with Forestry
Dr. RC Lamichhane’s association with the Ministry of Forests began many years ago. Fresh out of high school, he was driven by a deep desire to serve his nation as a forester. This passion led him to the Institute of Forestry at the Hetauda campus, where he pursued a proficiency certificate-level degree in forestry. His time at the Institute of Forestry laid the groundwork for a lifelong career in forestry and community development.
Upon completing his degree, Dr. Lamichhane joined the Ministry of Forests as a temporary ranger in Parsa District. This initial role marked the beginning of his enduring relationship with the Ministry. The bond he formed with the Ministry was more than just professional; it was a connection built on mutual respect and shared goals. The Ministry became a place where the foresters’ community thrived, fostering warm and supportive relationships among its members.
As time went on, Dr. Lamichhane expanded his expertise beyond forestry, venturing into community development and becoming an Appreciative Inquiry Trainer. This new path allowed him to engage with various offices and departments, facilitating training sessions designed to inspire and empower others. Despite his shift in focus, Dr. Lamichhane’s connection with the Ministry of Forests remained strong. The Forest Research and Training Centers (FRTC), under the Ministry, frequently invited him to lead training programs, recognizing his ability to motivate and develop others.
The Idea to Invite Dr. KC: A Moment of Inspiration
One day, Dr. Lamichhane received a call from Dr. Nirmala Phuyal, a senior officer at FRTC Babarmahal. She invited him to facilitate two sessions for forest officers on the topics of self-development and self-motivation. Dr. Lamichhane, known for his dynamic training style, was immediately intrigued by the opportunity. He believed that real-life examples could make the training more impactful, and he began to think about how best to convey the importance of self-motivation.
As he prepared for the session, Dr. Lamichhane’s thoughts turned to Dr. Rajendra KC, a long-time friend and colleague. Dr. KC, who was one batch senior to him at the Hetauda campus, had always been an inspiring figure. Over the course of their nearly three-decade-long friendship, Dr. Lamichhane had witnessed Dr. KC’s incredible journey, marked by both triumphs and challenges. He knew that Dr. KC’s story of self-motivation and resilience would resonate deeply with the participants.
With this in mind, Dr. Lamichhane decided to invite Dr. KC to share his personal experiences during the training session. He believed that Dr. KC’s story would not only inspire the forest officers but also provide them with practical insights into how self-motivation can help overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
The Invitation: Provoking a Story of Resilience
Dr. Lamichhane reached out to Dr. KC with his idea. Despite Dr. KC’s busy schedule and some personal obligations, he agreed to participate. He understood the value of sharing his story and was eager to contribute to the session. Dr. Lamichhane’s persuasive and thoughtful approach made it clear that this was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on others.
On Friday, 23rd August, the day of the session arrived. The weather was cloudy, and rain seemed imminent, but nothing could dampen the anticipation that Dr. Lamichhane felt as he made his way to FRTC Babarmahal. The journey through Kathmandu’s chaotic traffic was slow, taking nearly an hour to cover just 10 kilometers. However, Dr. Lamichhane remained focused on the task ahead.
Upon arriving at FRTC, Dr. Lamichhane was warmly welcomed, and after a brief refreshment, he joined Dr. KC in the training hall. The participants, a group of 32 forest officers, were already seated, waiting eagerly for the session to begin. As they entered the hall, the officers greeted them with polite and respectful gestures, a sign of the esteem in which they held their trainers.
Mr. Raju Gurung, who was moderating the session, introduced Dr. Lamichhane to the participants, highlighting his extensive experience and contributions to the field. Dr. Nirmala and Ms. Ritika also joined the session, adding to its importance. As Dr. Lamichhane shared the session’s structure and goals, he could sense the curiosity among the participants, especially when they realized that Dr. KC would be sharing his story.
The Interview: Unveiling the Journey of Dr. KC
Dr. Lamichhane began the session by interviewing Dr. KC, guiding him to share his journey from his early academic days to his rise within the Department of Forests. Dr. KC responded to each question with a gentle and reflective demeanor, his soft smile conveying both humility and wisdom.
Dr. KC’s story began with his academic achievements. He had always been a brilliant student, known for his dedication and hard work. After completing his B.Sc., he joined the Department of Forests as a forest officer. His commitment and passion soon earned him a scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree at Gottingen University in Germany.
At Gottingen, Dr. KC excelled beyond expectations. He not only topped his class but also broke several records at the university. His academic success was so remarkable that the university offered him a Ph.D. scholarship. However, accepting this opportunity meant taking a leave of absence from his job in Nepal. With assurances from his superiors that his leave would be approved, Dr. KC returned to Germany to pursue his Ph.D.
Dr. KC’s determination paid off as he completed his Ph.D. in just two and a half years—a record-breaking feat. Despite opportunities to stay in Germany, Dr. KC chose to return to Nepal, driven by his desire to serve his country. However, upon his return, he faced an unexpected setback. The Department of Forests denied his request to resume his duties, leaving him in a state of professional limbo.
The Turning Point: A Test of Inner Strength
This moment of uncertainty could have been a breaking point for many, but Dr. KC’s self-motivation and inner strength carried him through. As Dr. Lamichhane asked Dr. KC about this challenging period, Dr. KC spoke of the inner confidence that guided him. He explained that self-confidence is not just a trait but a crucial support system that helps one navigate life’s toughest challenges.
In addition to his self-confidence, Dr. KC credited the unwavering support of his family, friends, and colleagues. Their belief in him bolstered his resolve to fight against the injustice he faced. Dr. KC knew that he had to stand up for his rights, not just for himself but for the principle of fairness in the workplace.
With this determination, Dr. KC sought legal advice and decided to take his case to court. The legal battle was long and arduous, lasting 54 months. Throughout this time, Dr. KC’s self-motivation remained steadfast. He was determined to see the fight through, no matter how difficult it became.
The Victory: A Triumph of Self-Motivation
After nearly five years of struggle, the court ruled in Dr. KC’s favor. His job was reinstated, and he was promoted to the position of undersecretary. This victory was not just a professional triumph; it was a testament to the power of self-motivation and resilience. Dr. KC’s journey did not end there. A few years later, he was promoted again, this time to the position of joint secretary, eventually rising to become the Director General of the Department of Forests.
As Dr. KC shared his story, the room filled with a sense of awe and inspiration. His experiences illustrated how self-motivation can help overcome even the most daunting challenges. Dr. KC emphasized that self-development is closely tied to self-motivation; the two are like two sides of the same coin. Without the drive to improve oneself, true self-development is impossible.
Lessons Learned: The Path to Self-Development
Dr. KC’s story offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to develop themselves into a self-motivated and successful individual. Here are some key takeaways:
Believe in Yourself: Self-confidence is the foundation of self-motivation. Believe in your abilities and trust that you can overcome any challenge that comes your way.
Seek Support from Others: While self-motivation is crucial, the support of family, friends, and colleagues can provide the additional strength needed to persevere through tough times.
Stand Up for What is Right: Injustice can be a powerful motivator. Don’t be afraid to fight for your rights and the principles you believe in, even if the battle is long and difficult.
Never Stop Learning: Self-development is a continuous process. Whether it’s through formal education or life experiences, always seek opportunities to learn and grow.
Stay Resilient: Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but resilience will help you bounce back stronger. Stay focused on your goals and keep pushing forward, no matter how tough the road gets.
Let go of ego: Forgive those who wronged you, and embrace the power to start anew. In every fresh beginning, there’s an opportunity to rise above the past and build a brighter future.
Dr. Rajendra KC’s journey is a powerful testament to the strength of self-motivation and the potential for self-development. His story of resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in oneself captivated everyone in the room. Dr. RC Lamichhane’s decision to invite Dr. KC to share his experiences proved to be a masterstroke in the training session. It not only brought the theoretical concepts of self-motivation and self-development to life but also connected deeply with the participants on a personal level.
As Dr. KC concluded his story, the participants were visibly moved. The room buzzed with energy and inspiration, a clear sign that Dr. Lamichhane’s approach had made a significant impact. For many of the officers, this was their first experience with such a personal and engaging form of training. They were accustomed to more traditional methods, but this session, which combined storytelling with practical insights, was nothing short of mind-blowing.
The officers expressed their gratitude to Dr. Lamichhane, thanking him for orchestrating such an outstanding session. They appreciated the fresh and innovative approach, which not only educated them but also deeply inspired them. The session left a lasting impression, energizing the participants and equipping them with a renewed sense of purpose and self-belief.
In the end, Dr. Lamichhane’s idea to bring Dr. KC’s story into the training proved to be more than just a good idea—it was a transformative experience that touched the hearts and minds of all who were present. The success of this session underscored the importance of creative and personalized approaches in training, especially when it comes to fostering self-motivation and self-development.
