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Inspiration - Dr Ram
Chandra Acharya
After a quarter of a century two friends have re-united! Dr Ram
Chandra Acharya and Mr Rachha Gurung MBE went to the same school
back in the 60s, and did their SLC graduation together from the same
high school. Ram chose to study economics at Birendra Campus in
Bharatpur and Rachha went on to study science at Trichandra College
in Kathmandu. They did occasionally meet each other here and there,
but were totally out of touch with each other for the last 25 years.
It
was a sheer coincidence that while Rachha was searching for his long
lost friend, Dr Ram Chandra Acharya, met a gentleman with the same
name and the title Dr in a friends social network. Hundred percent
sure that it was him; he quickly went on to complete the formality
by politely asking him whether he was his old classmate Ram Chandra
Acharya?
To
his dismay the answer was a big NO! But this gentleman, who was
also a resident of Canada, went on to say hang on, I know who you
are talking about. Rest is now history!
Dr Ram Chandra Acharya, on his recent visit to
the United Kingdom, visited us at our residence at Rayleigh in
Essex. Below is a short resume of this very hard working
and a successful person:
Dr Ram Chandra Acharya, currently residing in Canada, obtained his
PhD in economics from the University of Ottawa in 1998. Before
moving to Canada in 1990, Ram worked at Center for Economic
Development and Administration at Kirtipur in Kathmandu, Central Bank of Nepal (Rastra
Bank) and Ministry of Finance, where he conducted research related
work to the Nepalese economic policies.
Ever
since his move to Canada, he has been working in the Canadian
government as a researcher. Currently he works for the Department of
Industry for Canada as a coordinator for economic research. In this
capacity, Ram conducts research on various economic issues aiming
at what economic policies are required to achieve higher growth, and to raise the living standards of Canadians. Ram has written
several papers on different economic topics, which have been
published in books and journals.
In spare time, he conducts research on Nepal with in-depth data
analysis. His papers on how to make Canada a federal state,
and poverty
and income distribution in Nepal and what type of budget Nepal needs
to come out of stagnation are some of his interesting contributions.
Ram, born and raised in a humble background, has almost always stood
first in his class; Ram values his achievement to his hard work and
perseverance.
Ram is a
true gentleman, and has always been a great example to his friends,
acquaintances and work colleagues, wherever he went. Ram is
such a kind person, I do not think he has ever hurt a flea on
purpose. In his school days, he was always highly respected by
his teachers as well as his classmates. Neat and tidy was the
hallmark of every work and presentation he did in our school days.
We all knew he would do really really well in his life, and so far
he has not disappointed any of us!
When I
requested him to write a short article for Tamagi website about his
UK visit, so that youths of today can draw inspiration from him, he had the following to
write:
When my
friend, Kul Luintel, Professor at Cardiff University in Wales
invited me to give a seminar at his Department, I was quite excited,
as it was my first visit to the UK. Moreover, the very fact that
this visit would provide me the opportunity to meet my long time
(childhood) friend Rachha Gurung added extra joy. Rachha and I grew
up in the same village (Patihani, Chitwan) and went to the same high
schools (at Patihani and Shiva Nagar). After SLC graduation, we took
different routes; Rachha went to Kathmandu to study science and then
headed to join the British army, and I studied economics. He settled
in the UK, and I migrated to Canada. We did not have the chance to
see each other for almost a quarter of a century. Both of us were
therefore quite eager to meet each other.
I
arrived in his house at Rayleigh in Essex by changing few trains on
a Sunday afternoon.
As a high
school student, Rachha was hard working, disciplined and sincere in
his pursuit of excellence. In the same spirit, today, as an army
retiree, he is involved in quite a few things. I was thrilled to
learn that he writes song, sings songs and devotes time in community
work. As an artist, I found him very creative. Furthermore, his
enthusiasm to see some positive changes in Nepal and willingness to
be part of them through community involvement is commendable. It
was a pleasure for me to find that both of us desire to see Nepal as
a peaceful country and a land of equal opportunity for all so that
(the so far) disadvantaged groups can share the fruit of
development. Dr Ram Chandra Acharya, Canada,
28/11/09
The editor |