Bhatbhateni Chairman Min Bahadur Gurung on Reopening After Arson: 'I Turned Pain into Strength'

The Koteshwor branch of Bhatbhateni Supermarket, which was devastated by the arson incident on Bhadra 24, 2082 BS, has resumed operations. In this context, Ratopati's Anish Mijar interviewed Bhatbhateni Supermarket Chairman Min Bahadur Gurung regarding the relaunch of the store in a modern form after rising from the ashes. Edited excerpts of the conversation are below:

• You have reopened the Bhatbhateni store in Koteshwor just five months after it was burned to ashes. How do you feel at this moment?

-That was a tragic incident that should never have happened. But, once it happened, I took it as a source of strength. I drew inspiration from how Japan, devastated by the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, rose from the ashes to become a world-class nation. Just as BMW transformed itself after the war to become world-renowned, we learned the same lesson. I forgot the incident of Bhadra 24 that very day. I converted that pain into strength, and today this result has been achieved.

• What kind of pain does a businessman feel watching their property burn? And how did you find the courage to rise again?

-Look, I do not want to dig up the past and reopen old wounds. What happened that day is history. I left that day's incident right there. Now we must look forward. Bhatbhateni is an organization that provides employment to thousands. It is a major taxpayer in the country and has also contributed to the health sector. If I give up in despair, what will happen to thousands of employees and their families? Therefore, I do not have the luxury of giving up. My courage and trust lie with my employees and my Nepali brothers and sisters.

• The Koteshwor branch is operational. What is the status of the other branches affected by the arson?

We are working at a rapid pace. We will bring the Baudha branch into operation on Baisakh 1, 2083 BS, the New Year. Subsequently, the branches in Pokhara, Tripureshwor, Dharan, Hetauda, and Itahari will also be operational sequentially. My plan is to have all the burned stores operating in a modern and even grander form by Dashain of 2083 BS. Furthermore, we are also expanding to new locations such as Damak, Birtamod, Lahan, etc.

• You show the zeal and energy of a 25-26-year-old youth even after crossing 60 years of age. What is the secret to this?

This is all about willpower. Age is just a number. I never feel tired while working. When you have a strong desire to do something for the country, energy comes automatically. I still feel like a 25-26-year-old youth.

• What are your thoughts on the future of Bhatbhateni and succession planning?

- I am completely confident. My family and team are very disciplined. Capable leadership ready to run this organization in my absence has already been prepared. My children and team leaders have understood my vision and are capable of taking it forward.

• What message do you want to give to disappointed youth and the general Nepali public?

- Nepal will be better now; it must become better. We have the capability and the courage. We must abandon negativity and move forward with a positive mindset. Just as Bhatbhateni rose from the ashes, Nepal can rise in the same way. I assert with confidence that if we work honestly and diligently, Nepal will become a citizen of a prosperous nation within the next 15 years. We must do something ourselves; we cannot just wait for others. Let's move forward with the belief that we can do it.