Mentorship Spectrum – One Young Dream, Countless Ripples of Change

Blog by Kabita Khadka

There are moments in life when someone’s passion ignites something deep within you. For me, that moment came the day I met Pushparam Ghimire. Just 19 years old, he stood tall with eyes full of hope and determination. Here was a young man balancing studies and business yet radiating so much passion for Lokta paper, a craft many had forgotten. His vision was clear: to take this ancient art global while uplifting rural communities. I was instantly inspired.

Lokta paper is more than just a product; it’s a piece of Nepal’s soul. Made from the bark of the Daphne shrub, it has been used for centuries in religious scriptures and government documents. But by the 1960s, the craft was fading, threatened by mass-produced paper. Pushparam’s father, Bishworam Ghimire had kept the tradition alive, and now Pushparam was determined to reinvent it. What amazed me was how he honored tradition while embracing change. He didn’t just stick to the old ways, rather he enhanced them. By sourcing Lokta and Argeli sustainably, he ensured the forests thrived. By training local women in papermaking, he empowered entire villages. What amazed me most was his self-initiated outreach to international markets. Instead of waiting for someone to approach him, he took the initiative. Sending messages, promoting the richness of Nepali Lokta paper, and connecting directly with buyers, he took Nepal’s craftsmanship to the international market, one message at a time. He reminded me that borders exist only on maps, not in ambition.

Working with Pushparam, I saw how every small decision carries weight. From ethical sourcing of raw materials to cutting out intermediaries so that local farmers and artisans get what they deserve, every step of his business reflects his deep respect for the community and the environment. His notebooks, greeting cards, and even Lokta-based photo frames weren’t just products, they were stories of Nepal’s resilience. Despite his drive, he never stopped learning. In mentorship sessions with Mr. Kush Kumar Joshi, under the Nature-Based Solutions Innovation Challenge program, he absorbed every piece of advice, always asking, “How can we do better?”

Pushparam isn’t just producing paper; he’s writing a new chapter for sustainable entrepreneurship in Nepal. In a country where many young people seek opportunities abroad, he’s proving that Nepal’s resources, when paired with innovation, can create sustainable success. As I reflect on our journey, I believe that Pushparam is redefining what it means to be a Nepali entrepreneur, along with preserving Lokta paper. And for that, I’ll always be grateful to walk alongside him, witnessing how one person’s passion can ignite change for many.

Reflecting on my experience, NbS Innovation Challenge and Business Incubation Program implemented by IEDI is an illustration of collaborative effort that exemplifies the transformative potential of teamwork. This initiative demonstrates how collaboration among the government, private sector, and development agencies can nurture the next generation of Nepalese entrepreneurs, paving the way for a resilient, youth-led, and enterprising Nepal. By championing such efforts, ICIMOD is catalyzing the growth of sustainable, Nepalese-inspired businesses that embody innovation and resilience for a new era. Pushparam’s story stands as a powerful testament to the remarkable changes these programs can ignite.

Being a Project Associate, working alongside Pushparam Ghimire, I’ve witnessed an extraordinary blend of youthful energy, unwavering determination, and a deep love for Nepal’s heritage. Every day with Pushparam feels like a lesson in resilience and innovation.

About the Writer: Kabita Khadka is a Project Associate at KGS Inc. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Business Administration – Finance and Accounting from Lumbini Banijya Campus.