JIBA LAMICHHANE
Service Through Enterprise By Swastika Shrestha

Jiba Lamichhane is a man of action and compassion. “I believe a very deep motivation and complete dedication is what makes you achieve something in your life,” Lamichhane told us. His motivation and commitment have made Lamichhane a successful businessman in Russia and now his business interest has expanded to growing market in Dubai as well as in several sectors in Nepal. Born and raised in Padampur, Chitwan, he completed intermediate degree from Institute of Engineering and received government scholarship to pursue an engineering degree in former Soviet Union (USSR). When cold war was on full steam, USSR trained thousands of students from developing countries in a variety of fields. “Our university had students from over 40 countries. It was a great opportunity to have a feel of different cultures and traditions of people from around the world,” recalls Lamichhane. Over 6,000 Nepalis have graduated from Russian and former Soviet universities as lawyers, journalists, doctors and engineers.

When Jiba arrived in Soviet Union in the late 1980s, reforms spearheaded by President Mikhail Gorbachev in the centrally planned Soviet system were beginning. “There was a big craze and huge demand in Russia for electronic items manufactured in Japan and the West,” he recalled. His early business included selling of such electronic products taken to Russia under a scheme which allowed foreigners to import some items for personal use. Eventually, such enterprising trips provided enough capital to start his business. The year he graduated in 1991, Russia embraced market capitalism.

With an acute business sense and dedication and vision needed to succeed in free market, he decided to pursue business opportunities. Today, his company, Crystal LLC, Moscow, is a distributor of consumer electronics of such internationally well-known brands as Sony, Panasonic, and JVC in Russia. In addition to running a successful business in Russia, Jiba’s business network reaches to Dubai where he manages Nector International FZCO. He is also actively involved in several business ventures in Nepal. His successful investment in Nepal include Kantipur Television, Sanima Development Bank, Sanima Hydropower, Mahajee Films Pvt. Ltd and Molnia Power Pvt. Ltd. He is also at the board of directors of Medicare National Hospital and Acme Engineering College, Kathmandu.

Involvement in Media

When asked about his experiences while investing in Nepali media, Jiba said he was actively involved in the management of Kantipur TV during the time of its establishment in 2003. “I regret to say that it was an especially tough time for both KTV and me. Bureaucratic hurdles, weak implementation of existing bylaws, and corruption, in particular, were major challenges for investment environment in Nepal,” he said, adding, “Because of these reasons and political instability as well as violence in the country, it was very hard at the beginning. Especially, to remain in the opposition to the then authoritarian regime was not easy for KTV. But we were lucky to have overcome all these obstacles successfully. And now I look at the progress made by KTV and its clean image with a sense of deep satisfaction and pride.”

Jiba considers media as one of the main pillars of a free and democratic society.“Liberal democracy in particular cannot survive without free media. So, its survival, wellbeing and progress are hugely important for a country like ours that is passing through a dangerously turbulent time of its history,” he said. He also noted that Nepali media has done remarkably well since the historic change of 1990. “It has not only become more professional but also seems to have understood its responsibilities. So, I have no doubts that the Nepali media has a bright future and it will be able to attract many new investors soon.”

NRN Movement

Jiba, 43, is also actively involved in the Non- Resident Nepalis (NRN) movement. He is the executive member of the International Coordination Council (ICC) of the Non- Resident Nepali Association (NRNA). He believes that the NRN network has become a force that cannot be ignored anymore in the context of the overall development of Nepal.“There is a good understanding among the Nepal government as well as the political parties on the issue of dual citizenship for NRNs. We expect to get it approved by the 4th Global NRN Conference to be held in Kathmandu in October this year,” he added. Jiba insists that NRNs have been making meaningful contribution in many areas.“Although we still do not have a favorable environment for direct investment, NRNs have already made significant financial investments in some sectors important for Nepal’s economy like hydropower, banking, telecommunication, media, health care, tourism, etc,” he said, adding, “Nobody can ignore the fact that our economy heavily depends on the remittance sent by NRNs. Remittance has changed the life of the people in village, hills and Terai and has been linked with the poverty alleviation.”“NRNs are also actively involved in various charity and social projects. You cannot ignore the philanthropic works NRNs have been doing in Nepal for the past few years,” he added.

Setting Example Himself

There is another aspect in the life of Jiba Nath Lamichhane—paying back to the community that gave him an identity. Jiba—who is also the charity task force coordinator of the NRN ICC-- has dedicated his life to serving Nepal through various forums. He has also helped in the construction and running of various schools, hospitals, library, orphanage and charity organisations at home and abroad. Patron of Khem Lal--Hari Kala Lamichhane Social Welfare Foundation (KHELSOWF) – named after his parents and based in Chitwan, Jiba is also actively involved in Help Nepal Network (HeNN), a global charity promoted mainly by the Nepalis themselves.“Nepali people have a very rich culture of charity. Our ancestors were practicing it in their dayto- day lives. They provided food, water, clothing, and shelter to poor, widows, sick, disabled and orphans. They did it because of their religious belief,” says Jiba adding, “Daan (donation) is one of the pillars of Hindu religion. They believed that the coffin has no pockets. It is said that whatever is donated in this life will be rewarded in the next birth.”

Jiba believes that there is a need to preserve the culture of altruism. “The work of charity is done for self satisfaction. I believe that your parents, relatives, friends and people near to you have made great contribution to make what you are today. So they all have a right to share some part of your fortune,” he added.

Despite his busy life, Jiba says family remains his first priority. His wife, Dr Bindita, is pursuing her Ph. D. in Endocrinology at the Moscow State Medical University. Their two kids Anuraag, 10, and Anukrit, 8, are now studying at the British International School in Moscow. Jiba’s hobbies include photography, reading books and traveling with his family during holidays. Whenever he finds time, he loves to review books he has read. He has also translated and published literary works of Nepali writers into Russian. His businesses, social and philanthropic interest keeps him busy all the time. But, he believes joy that comes from his various engagement and services it renders keeps him going. “You need to enjoy the work that you are involved in. Otherwise neither you will succeed nor get the pleasure of the job you are doing,” he said philosophically.