Bhatbhateni Chairman Min Bahadur Gurung Vows Rebuilding After 'Gen-Z' Protests, Emphasizes Employee Welfare

The biggest casualty of the 'Gen-Z' protests on Bhadra 23-24 was Bhatbhateni Super Store. Twelve Bhatbhateni stores were completely destroyed by fire, and eight sustained partial damage. Protesters entered the stores, engaging in looting, vandalism, and arson. Bhatbhateni, which employs over 10,000 people, suffered losses amounting to NPR 10.85 billion.

Although the flames of anger flared up at the Bhatbhateni building just before Dashain, they could not turn Min Bahadur Gurung's resolve into ashes. Amidst the huge financial loss, Gurung did not let his employees' Dashain celebrations be overshadowed. He neither laid off staff nor cut salaries or bonuses.

When we reached Bhatbhateni in Teshwar for an interview with the Chairman of Bhatbhateni Super Store, he was actively involved in work alongside others. Filled with self-confidence and strong will, he worked himself and motivated others. This is an edited excerpt of the conversation Narendra Raile of Ratopati had with him as he strives to rise courageously, putting the wounds of the 'Gen-Z' protests behind him—

• We are talking on the roof of Bhatbhateni in Koteshwor. Bhatbhateni, which was affected by looting, vandalism, and arson following the Gen-Z protests, is currently under reconstruction. What thoughts occupy your mind these days?

I am focused on bringing this store back into operation as quickly as possible. I spend about 15 hours here working on the reconstruction. I arrive around 7 in the morning and usually leave for home around 9 or 10 at night.

• What was your reaction to the vandalism and arson at various Bhatbhateni branches following the Gen-Z protests?

The incidents of burning, attacking, and looting Bhatbhateni during the Gen-Z agitation were deeply saddening. It makes me extremely sad. My body and mind feel heavy; my heart aches. Tens of thousands of my brothers and sisters are involved with me. I have taken loans worth billions from the bank.

There are transactions in the market, and I owe them money too. As a responsible citizen of this country, we pay taxes. We have also helped society in times of difficulty, and we intend to continue doing so. I have the courage to return to our previous state. For all these reasons, I am continuously engaged in my work.

• Billions of rupees in damage were caused by the destruction and arson across branches nationwide. What gives you the courage to move forward at this time?

The incidents and accidents that occurred at Bhatbhateni outlets from Birtamod in the east to Dhangadhi in the west should never have happened. They absolutely should not have happened. But they did. Once the looting, vandalism, and arson occurred, dwelling on them can bring more negative thoughts. Therefore, what happened, happened. What shouldn't have happened, did.

I am committed to the campaign of making Bhatbhateni even better than its former state and providing even more employment opportunities. However, I am not alone in this. I have the support, cooperation, and affection of thousands of brothers and sisters. I possess a positive mindset and a sense of responsibility to achieve something for the nation. Their sentiments constantly remind me that we must rise again.

• Could you tell our readers a bit about the background of how Bhatbhateni started?

I come from a humble farming family in Khotang. I started my business on Jestha 4, 041 [Bikram Sambat] with a small store. The capital to start it came from selling the jewelry I gave my wife at our wedding.

I started Bhatbhateni store with good intentions. I started it only thinking about the sustenance, livelihood, and education of my family. Now, tens of thousands of brothers and sisters are employed. They are members of my family. I have always supported their happiness and their times of need.

Therefore, the current goal is to employ at least 50,000 Nepali youths. I have a vision to expand this company internationally, from cities within the country to cities abroad. We must do this to show that we Nepalis can achieve it if we want to.

• Even when Bhatbhateni faced the biggest disaster in its history, employee services, benefits, and salaries were not halted. Many companies took inspiration from this. How does it feel to reflect on that?

Let's look at this through the example of a family. Sometimes, an accident or disaster can strike a household. If the head of the household tells the children, 'You go out, you get out of here,' what kind of feeling would the children have towards the guardian? That situation is certainly not good.

I consider myself the guardian of everyone who works here, so I could not say that. Problems arise in life, don't they? We must fight problems collectively. I view Bhatbhateni as an extended family. I am their guardian. Therefore, I must take responsibility for it, but we are all working hand-in-hand on the reconstruction work.

• What is the estimated loss to date?

The loss exceeded NPR 16 billion.

• How much insurance coverage is available?

We have claimed NPR 10.86 billion.

• Bhatbhateni employees expressed concern about you. When we spoke to them, some called you 'Father,' some 'God,' and some 'Guardian.' What is Min Bahadur Gurung in your own eyes?

I am a common Nepali citizen. I am a worker of Bhatbhateni. I prefer to call myself everyone's guardian.

• Did the feeling of 'I am the owner' ever arise?

If the feeling of 'I am the owner' had arisen, Bhatbhateni probably wouldn't have reached this far. The feeling of being the 'owner' never arose. All people are equal, right?

• When laying the foundation for Bhatbhateni, how many hours did you work initially?

Initially, the hours weren't counted. Sometimes, I worked the entire week. The effort I put in to get here is beyond words. I am very happy now. I feel that what the son of a farmer from a remote village in Khotang has achieved is significant.

Many people's support, cooperation, and affection have helped me reach this point. Therefore, I want to sincerely thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.

• Many incidents occurred in Nepal after the Gen-Z movement. Do you feel that some changes have taken place after the movement, or not?

Some changes have occurred. I have felt that the government has given a good impression. The government has also provided some concessions on the goods we need to import. I requested Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal, saying, 'I suffered a great loss; it would be great if you could provide some relief.' He asked, 'Tell us what support the government should provide you.' I requested customs exemption for goods needed for reconstruction. He immediately acted on it, saying, 'Okay, it will be done.'

• How do you wish the common people to remember Min Bahadur Gurung?

The common people can remember me as an honest, patriotic industrialist and businessman. I would be very happy if they remember that I do not cheat, betray the country, or betray society.