Manoj Khadka, Senior Advisor at US Government Mission, Shares Life Journey and Passion for Music

It is said that a person's future is 90 percent determined by the geography, environment, and socio-economic status of the family into which they are born. This holds truth. However, the dreams one sees, the struggles undertaken to pursue them, and the proper utilization of opportunities along that journey can pave a smooth and pleasant future even amidst difficulties.

Manoj Khadka is one such individual. Born in the remote village of Sano Dumma (now Paudumaunma Rural Municipality) in the eastern hilly district of Bhojpur, Khadka has succeeded in becoming a senior advisor at the upper echelons of a US government mission. Known as an international humanitarian aid and development expert, Khadka has had the opportunity to work at high levels within various US government missions, projects, and other international humanitarian aid and development projects. The reason behind this is his dreams, struggles, and the proper utilization of opportunities. Khadka's journey to this point, having studied in a government school where ABCD was taught only after reaching the fourth grade, is quite inspiring.

Khadka, who holds a postgraduate degree in Financial Management, Rural Development, and Project Management, is currently pursuing his doctorate. He has over 25 years of experience in the fields of international relations, development, and humanitarian aid. He has worked with organizations such as the US Agency for International Development, the World Bank, the American Red Cross, SAARC, DFID, GIZ, and Plan International, traveling to various conflict-affected countries to provide development and humanitarian aid and to bring positive energy into the lives of their people. He continues to share his expertise in various international projects.

Beyond his professional life, Khadka also engages in literary creation in his free time. He has a deep passion for writing songs and poems. He has already recorded around 100 songs, some of which are public, while others are still in production. One song he composed has even made history. He managed to have the renowned Pakistani singer Ustad Ghulam Ali and his three generations (son and grandson) sing a single song he composed. 'Ghazal Unkai, Geet Unkai' has become the first song in any language to feature three generations of Ghulam Ali. Famous singers from the country like Ramkrishna Dhakal, Rajesh Payal Rai, Pramod Kharel, Indira Joshi, and Menuka Poudel have lent their voices to songs composed by him.

In the Rato Pati podcast 'Talk Forward,' he preferred to start the conversation with his 'passion' rather than his profession. The topic was songwriting and poetry. Recently honored with the 'Natikaji National Music Award' for songwriting by President Ram Chandra Paudel, he was quite open on some topics during the interview, while remaining responsible and very composed on others.

Khadka was asked at the outset: How was it possible to feature three generations of the renowned Pakistani Ghazal maestro Ustad Ghulam Ali in a single Nepali song?

He replied with great enthusiasm,