Overcoming Adversity: Pursuing Dreams Against All Odds…

Background: I still remember the nights I went to bed with half or an empty stomach and the days I walked barefoot. There was little or no hope at all in my life, as I was born into a second-class citizen within the gamut of the state-sponsored Hindu caste system. Furthermore, my father died in my early childhood, leaving my mother alone as a widow with nine children, three of whom also passed away soon after my father's death. Despite these challenging circumstances, my mother remained resilient and continued to fulfill her responsibilities as a mother. Through her selflessness, I firmly believe there is no better deity than a mother who rises above her own needs when the time calls for it.

Education Against the Odds: Despite the hardships and the indifference I faced from the world around me, my mother managed to enroll me in a government-run public school near my home. Balancing school, household chores, and supporting my mother in providing for our livelihoods was no easy task. As I grew older, I realized that countless others were living in similar circumstances and facing the same social conditions as mine. Inspired by my family's situation and the vulnerabilities of people in similar circumstances, I made a resolute decision to dedicate my life to education and serving the community for the greater good. This determination led to my success in high school in 1991.

Subsequently, I made the bold choice to pursue an undergraduate degree in Agriculture Science. Given my family's limited financial resources, this decision felt like playing with fire. However, with the support of my mother and the assistance of my two elder brothers, who helped diversify our agricultural practices and start a small business, we were able to generate additional income to fund my education. I worked tirelessly, driven by my passion for knowledge and success, and it paid off when I completed my undergraduate degree in Agriculture Science in 1994.

Making an Impact Through Non-Profit Work: Following my graduation, I secured a position with a locally rooted non-profit organization that recognized and valued my knowledge and skills. This marked the beginning of a journey that spanned from 1995 to 2020. Over this period, I had the privilege of serving over two million underprivileged populations across countries such as Iraq, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Lao PDR, and Thailand through globally renowned humanitarian and development non-profit organizations. In my quest for further knowledge and expertise, I pursued a master's degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Tribhuvan University in 2000, followed by a second master's degree in Sustainable International Development from Brandeis University, the United States, in 2010. These academic pursuits complemented my experiences and equipped me with valuable skills for making a difference in the world.

Facing Challenges and Reinventing: However, in April 2020, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic forced me to return to my home country from Iraq. The non-profit job market took a significant hit, resulting in widespread layoffs. The pandemic brought forth numerous challenges, forcing us to alter our priorities and adopt new ways of operating. Amidst these circumstances, I faced a crucial decision that could benefit my family and society in the long run.

A New Chapter: Fueled by an unwavering passion for my dreams, I made the life-changing decision to return to university to enhance my knowledge and skills in non-profit leadership and management. This led me to the prestigious University of Notre Dame, where I embarked on a journey of personal and professional growth. The decision was not without its difficulties, as I had to consider my son's undergraduate studies and my daughter's education. To partially cover my tuition fees, I was fortunate to receive a Fellowship from Notre Dame. With the unwavering support of my wife, children, and family, I overcame the challenges that came my way.

Conclusion: I am now reaping the rewards of my relentless pursuit of personal and family dreams. With the advanced knowledge and skill sets acquired from the University of Notre Dame, Brandeis University, and universities in Nepal, coupled with my proven track record of overseeing a few million to multimillion humanitarian and international development programs, I am well-positioned to give back to communities in need.

Through my journey, I want the world to know that overcoming adversity is possible. With determination, education, and a passion for creating positive change, individuals can rise above their circumstances and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.