On March 29, 2024, Bikalpa- an Alternative, in collaboration with CIPE, hosted an inspiring entrepreneurship talk show titled “Udhyami ka Kura” at Hotel Shree Krishna, Biratnagar. The event aimed to inspire and motivate the young generation of aspiring entrepreneurs through the real-life stories of established business figures and to foster a space for networking and idea exchange.
This event session featured Ms. Charu Chadha, Editor at Business 360 and Publisher at Media 9 Pvt. Ltd., as the distinguished guest speaker. The program was moderated by Shristika Neupane, Researcher at Bikalpa – An Alternative, with a warm welcome to the participants and an introduction of Ms. Charu Chadha. The program commenced at 3:00 pm onwards.
Ms. Chadha commenced her speech by sharing her remarkable journey as the first female photographer journalist and her transition into entrepreneurship. She emphasized the importance of breaking boundaries and pursuing one’s passion, recounting her experience establishing a pioneering business magazine in Nepal. She started a business magazine that emphasized the values of free markets, freedom, and individual liberty when there was no business magazine in Nepal. She mentioned that starting an entrepreneurial journey took a lot of work as there was no English medium business magazine and that she had to figure out the target audience initially. She reflected that English was not considered a medium at that time as it is now accepted as a global language. She stressed the importance of mastering a universally understood language for anyone aspiring to make an impact across various markets. Despite the initial challenges of launching a business magazine, She found the experience rewarding at the same time because they successfully influenced policies within large hubs, either free markets economics or Foreign direct investment policy.
Ms. Chadha conveyed that her interactions with entrepreneurs of various scales of national and international business tycoons taught her the crucial role of capital in initiating a business venture. However, she emphasized that financial resources alone do not guarantee success; the combination of relentless effort and unwavering commitment propels a business forward. She advocated for the ethical utilization of profits, noting that numerous entrepreneurs channel their wealth towards societal betterment. Furthermore, Ms. Chadha delved into the symbiotic relationship between politics and commerce, highlighting how corporate entities can shape economic legislation. She asserted that self-imposed challenges are essential for entrepreneurial triumph. According to her, a business should focus on providing solutions, adding value, and warranting long-term dedication, regardless of short-term setbacks. The mindset of an individual, she noted, greatly influences their progress.
She remarked that to be successful, one needs to challenge themselves. She shared that business must be solution-oriented and needs to add value, and it needs to be something that you can be committed to despite temporary failures and mindsets that decide how one person goes ahead in life. She suggests that time is the currency, so everybody should be mindful while spending time, and she adds that one can be taught the business but cannot be taught to be a businessman.
Ms Chadha also shared that her commitment to editorial integrity attracted significant investment from prominent business entities, including the Jyoti Group and Golcha organizations, who became key investors in her magazine venture. However, she highlighted that securing funding was only the beginning; meeting the investors’ expectations required her to elevate her business strategies continually.
She mentioned that the next level of business has already started in this AI generation, and if we are ready for it, we will move forward. The post-pandemic led her to pivot towards digital media, where she now hosts several acclaimed talk shows. She also shared that her magazine is well-established and available on websites today. And now she’s planning to cross borders without limiting the magazines to a Nepali audience. Beyond publishing, Ms. Chadha actively contributes to the business community through various events, including business and social impact awards and forums for women’s achievements. Her involvement extends to policy discussions with diverse stakeholders, reflecting her multifaceted role in shaping the business landscape.
After her speech, there was a question-and-answer session where the participants asked various questions about entrepreneurship and starting a business. Miss Chadha patiently answered all the questions and provided valuable insights. The Entrepreneurship Talk program was successful, with around 176 participants attending the event.
