Dr. Madhav Prasad Baral, Member, Directorial Committee of HISSAN
Dr. Madhav Prasad Baral, the Founder Principal of NIST, is a pioneer educationist in the private educational sector of Nepal. He is also member of Directorial Committee of HISSAN. Previously, he was a scientist at NAST (National Academy of Science and Technology). He is one of few educators to introduce +2 education in Nepal.
Dr. Baral has been involved in HISSAN ever since its inception in 2053 B.S. In the 7th National Convention of Central HISSAN, he was a strong candidate for the presidential post. Due to his strong ideologies that votes HISSAN committee should be formed unanimously, he left the position and supported Mr. Ramesh Kumar Silwal. Even now, he strongly believes that votes should be unanimous and Ramesh Kumar Silwal should handover the leadership to new aspirants. He sturdily promotes involvement of younger educationalists in HISSAN. He shares his views on Central HISSAN’s Convention with College Readers. Excerpts:
How long has it been since your involvement in HISSAN?
I’ve been engaged in HISSAN since its inception in 2053 B.S. In the initial phase, it only focused on Grades 11 and 12. However, HISSAN was motivated to contribute more to private sector when it gradually got government’s notice. Most of the HISSANists at that time were Professors of Tribhuwan University. I have seen HISSAN from its initial phase and I am proud to state that we’ve come a long way.
What struggles have you faced from the initial phase of establishment of HISSAN?
HISSAN molded the curriculum with time and even provided reading materials to students. It was doing well in promoting private sector and higher education in Nepal. However, Government was not that compassionate about HISSAN. We are still struggling to convince the government that HISSAN is truly a giant contributor in nation building.
What is the biggest challenge that you see in HISSAN which stops it from achieving the set target?
HISSAN has come such a long way that these hurdles don’t stop it from adding membership. The HISSAN that once started as an umbrella organization for private education institutes is now a home for Grade 9-12 along with CTEVT, University and Ph.D. level education. We have a common ground with PABSON of grade 9 and 10, however we are centered towards grade 11, 12 and above so they are not our competitor. We try to put hands in different sectors to remain in track. HISSAN has few confusions about which road to take at the moment, this is our biggest challenge.
It is highly circulated that the votes should be unanimous in the 8th National Convention of HISSAN. What is your say on this scenario?
As a democratic citizen I believe the votes should be unanimous. And in case the votes aren’t unanimous, we shall conclude the election by giving power to the one who gains majority of votes.
According to you, what kind of Leadership does Central HISSAN require to achieve greater heights in future?
The upcoming leader should not be a complainer but rather a trend setter. He should not focus on what the country does for him, but should focus on what can he do for the country. He should plan and lead the organization with unanimity. The path to the coming tenure should be paved beforehand so that the organization doesn’t function in predicament. Action oriented goals should be set and achieved accordingly.
Do you have any plans to stand again for the post of President in the upcoming Central HISSAN Convention?
I stood for the candidacy of President in the 7th National Convention of Central HISSAN. However, I don’t plan to run for candidacy this year. I want juniors and new faces to take lead of HISSAN so that our future is in safe hands. This opportunity should not circle around the same group of people but rather should be passed on to the next generation.
What major plans and projects could be carried out by the upcoming leader of Central HISSAN?
Our most important goal right now to have a vision – a vision with strategic plan that can take right decision at the right time. HISSAN should not be limited to +2 and should extend its quality and focus to higher level as well. HISSAN should not be a representative of only +2 but rather of all level of institutes. HISSAN should EITHER, form an association of Grades 9-12 and higher education separately OR, merge with PABSON to build a strong team OR, reinvent its structure. Also, we should not look for government to serve us with appropriate opportunities, we should stand strong and create our own opportunities. This opportunity should be beneficial to all existing members of HISSAN and whosoever involved.
Data shows that thousands of students fly abroad in the name of education. How can Central HISSAN contribute in stopping or managing this trend?
There are thousands of students flying abroad for further studies. This trend has to be managed by HISSANists. These issues should be identified from grass root level and array of question should be asked amongst ourselves to find the root cause. If students are provided with job opportunities alongside education, I believe most students would not fly abroad in the name of education. They should be made life-smart and not just academically-smart. When given adequate job opportunities, students are proven to feel more responsible and enthusiastic towards their life. This opportunity is lacking in Nepal. When this cause is emphasized, I am sure we can see the downfall in graph of Nepali students leaving abroad.
Finally, what are your suggestions to the delegates coming to National Convention of Central HISSAN?
To all the delegates attending this National Convention of HISSAN, I would like to take this opportunity to request you all to amplify HISSAN movement by planning, organizing, analyzing and implementing our collective plans for HISSAN.
