Nirmala Kumari Phulara Becomes First Woman Divisional Forest Officer from Sudurpashchim Province

Dhangadhi. Nirmala Kumari Phulara's mother was not educated. But she knew the importance of the letters of the pen very well. Having spent her life in grass-gathering and farm work, she always told her daughter Nirmala one thing - 'Instead of paying attention to grass-gathering, you should learn to live your life from the tip of the pen.'

With the support and advice of her mother, 44-year-old Nirmala has today become the first woman 'Divisional Forest Officer', i.e., Deputy Secretary, from Sudurpashchim Province. She entered government service as a Ranger and has now reached the upper echelons of the forest service, becoming a source of inspiration for many.

Born in Chudi village of Shikhar Municipality-6, Doti, Nirmala is the eldest daughter among four siblings. At the time of her birth, the awareness to educate daughters had not yet developed much in the villages of Sudurpashchim. Her parents, who earned a living by farming and running a small grocery store, had a different vision from others - a dream to educate their children well.

Once, when Nirmala was in class 8, a marriage proposal came to her house. At an age when she should be studying, how could she get married? Her parents did not accept the marriage proposals that came.

Nirmala completed her studies up to class 8 from the local Saraswati Nimavi. After that, she passed the SLC in 2054 BS from Sitaram High School.

At a time when only 5 out of 63 examinees were girls, scoring 59 percent was a great achievement. She was always first in school.

'When it came to studies, I didn't need anything else. I only helped with household chores during holidays,' Nirmala said.

After SLC, as there was no campus in the village, she had to stay away from studies for a year and a half. During that time, she worked as a Family Motivator in the Danida Project and taught as a volunteer teacher in the school where she studied. While working for a salary of 5,000, she enrolled in class 11 at Doti Campus and resumed her educational journey.

There is a common perception that for many women, studies and career stop after marriage. This was not the case for Nirmala. She struggled more for her studies after marriage. She had a love marriage with Ranger Rambichari Thakur, who was working in Doti. Marrying someone from a different community was a big challenge at that time. Her family was not going to agree. She did not lose courage.

After marriage, her husband went to Pokhara to study forestry. Nirmala also went to Pokhara with her husband and took the entrance exam at the Institute of Forestry Campus there, securing admission. Studying ISC Forestry was very challenging. At the same time, she became pregnant. On one hand, household responsibilities, on the other hand, studying a difficult subject and physical weakness.

'I have even taken some exams while standing. I had a baby in my womb, and it was difficult to stand, but I had to study no matter what,' she said.

She gave birth to a son as her first child. Even when the child was young, she did not give up her hard work and passed ISC Forestry in 2060 BS with 68 percent marks.

After completing her ISC Forestry studies, she spent some time raising her child. Meanwhile, her second son was born. With two children in her lap, she felt, 'This won't do, I have to do something.'

Then, along with her studies and childcare, she also started looking for employment. When her youngest son was 9 months old, she got a job as a supervisor in 'LFP Partnership' in Salyan. While working, she also prepared for the Public Service Commission exam.

In 2065 BS, she passed the Public Service Commission exam and was selected for the post of Ranger. At that time, she was selected in four quotas, including open and women. She is the first woman from Sudurpashchim to become a Ranger. Her first posting was in Rolpa. After that, she worked as a Ranger in districts like Dang.

While working as a Ranger, she took a 3-year study leave and completed her BSc Forestry. Because she passed the entrance exam, she got to study at a subsidized fee. After completing her bachelor's degree with 68 percent marks, she started preparing for the officer's exam again. In 2074 BS, she became a seventh-level officer in the forest service. She is the second woman from Sudurpashchim to pass the forest service officer exam.

After becoming an officer, she worked at the Department of Forests in Kathmandu, the Directorate of Forests in Gandaki Province, and in the private secretariat of the Minister of Forests and Environment.

Even while working as an officer, Nirmala's thirst for knowledge was not quenched. She also pursued MSc Ag along with her job. Along with her studies and job, she prepared for the Deputy Secretary post.

'I never wasted time on Teej, weddings, or social celebrations. I didn't waste time on social media like Facebook and TikTok. I paid attention to useful interviews and books on social media. I often watch interviews of successful people related to politics,' Nirmala said.

She also worked very hard to prepare for the Deputy Secretary exam. 'I used to study from 5 am to 9 am, and even at night, after finishing work, I focused on my studies,' she said.

On the 15th of Jestha, Nirmala's hard work bore fruit again. She passed the Public Service Commission exam and was promoted to 'Divisional Forest Officer'. She is the first woman from Sudurpashchim Province to reach this position. Currently, she has been appointed to the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers under the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment of Sudurpashchim Province. She is very excited to have the opportunity to serve in her own province.

This success has given her more energy to study. She is now thinking of preparing for the Joint Secretary position. 'When one can achieve name, fame, and respect through education, why not study?' she questions.

Her husband, Rambichari Thakur, has been a great support in her success. She says she has reached this point with the help of her parents, elder brother, sons, and colleagues.

'Instead of spending time on Facebook and YouTube, pay attention to the country's situation and political developments. Be fully focused on whatever work you do. If you decide to do something, commit to completing it, and you can pass the Public Service Commission,' she advised.