CR: Having led HISSAN for two consecutive terms, how would you describe your experience?

Ramesh Silwal: Leading HISSAN has been an incredibly enriching experience. Working at the helm of this organization, I've had the opportunity to interact with students, professors, educators, and administrative staff from across the private education sector. What I've found most meaningful is being able to channel their ideas and perspectives into policy-level discussions. We've been able to raise important questions at the national level: How can we make education more quality-oriented? How can we make it more accessible? How can we ensure inclusivity in education? I believe I've played a significant role in bringing these issues to the forefront of national discourse.

CR: What are the major challenges facing the private education sector in Nepal today?

Ramesh Silwal: There are two fundamental issues we need to address. First, we in the private sector—colleges and schools alike—need to acknowledge that we haven't fully delivered on the role and contribution we should be making to society. There's always room for improvement. Second, there's a problematic perception about private education in Nepal. The way private education is viewed is quite different from how it should be. We need to work on changing this perception while simultaneously demonstrating our value through our work.

CR: How do you see the relationship between community and private institutions?

Ramesh Silwal: I firmly believe that both sectors need to be strong for the country's education system to be truly quality-oriented, reliable, and competitive. Neither sector can achieve this alone. Private education thrives on competition—we call it competitive education. And what determines the quality of education? It's linking education not just with knowledge, but with skills, technology, and creativity. We need to create students who don't just seek jobs but can create jobs for others.

CR: There seems to be a gap between what students learn and what the job market needs. How do you view this?

Ramesh Silwal: This is one of our biggest challenges. Currently, even after someone graduates, they often lack clarity about which path to take. They're uncertain about what to do, where to find jobs, where opportunities lie. The fundamental purpose of education should be to build self-confidence in students. Our education system is weak in this aspect. We've been taking initiatives to address this, but there's much more work to be done.

CR: What have been the major achievements during your two terms as HISSAN President?

Ramesh Silwal: Let me highlight several key achievements. First, private education institutions that previously operated more individually or in isolation have now embraced collectivism. This is a very positive development. Second, we've focused not just on investors, but on empowering professors, teachers, and staff through training programs and seminars. Third, we've fostered a competitive spirit among students through sports and extracurricular activities every year.

Perhaps most significantly, we've worked towards finalizing the Education Act—bringing all stakeholders together to create a shared document. We've also taken initiatives for affiliation with universities and NEB, worked on academic calendar management, examination system reforms, and advocated for better recognition of teachers in private colleges. Our efforts have been directed at bringing Nepal's education system in line with international standards.

CR: Looking back at your tenure, what are the areas where HISSAN fell short of its goals or couldn't achieve as much as you had hoped?

Ramesh Silwal: One area where we haven't succeeded is in addressing the discrimination between domestic and foreign education providers. There are many unregistered consultancies operating. The state needs to create an environment where students at least up to the bachelor's level stay and study in Nepal. Those who receive full scholarships abroad, those studying subjects not available in Nepal, or those whose financial circumstances allow them to study abroad—that's their choice. But beyond these cases, the situation where students leave primarily for reasons other than education quality needs to change.

CR: How do you view the student migration crisis?

Ramesh Silwal: Look at the current situation—there's a long queue of people going abroad either for studies or work. This isn't just capital flight; we're losing the energy of our youth, their nationalism, our art and culture, our traditions, and the very pride of being Nepali. Questions are being raised about all of these. At minimum, we need to create an environment in Nepal where students studying abroad, or youth who have returned from abroad, want to stay and contribute here.

CR: What's your view on foreign educational institutions entering Nepal?

Ramesh Silwal: Look at how countries like China and India have welcomed institutions from America, Britain, Europe, and Australia. They've even provided special facilities to attract them. India's current education policy explicitly invites world-class universities to set up campuses there. Personally, I believe if top-ranked global institutions come to Nepal through joint ventures and work with local education providers, it would benefit everyone. Quality educational systems and practices would come in, and we would learn how these renowned universities became great.

However, the state needs to stop situations where entities just come to take money from Nepal without providing quality education. No truly quality foreign institutions have come to Nepal yet, and no one has come with proper FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) either. If an environment is created for quality foreign institutions to come, they could partner with local providers and raise overall standards.

CR: There seems to be a disparity in how the state treats institutions running domestic curricula versus those running foreign curricula. What's your view on this?

Ramesh Silwal: Here's an interesting fact: institutions running foreign curricula pay 50% less than those running domestic education programs. There's no logic in this disparity. Rules and regulations should be equal for everyone. We haven't been able to bring positive results on this front yet. The coming days will tell what kind of initiatives HISSAN will take, because the state's rules and laws must be equal for all.

CR: As you prepare to hand over leadership at the upcoming convention, how do you see the transition process? Is the next generation of leadership prepared to take HISSAN forward?

Ramesh Silwal: The convention process is well-structured. We will first discuss education matters, followed by passing organizational and financial reports. Only then will we proceed to leadership selection. The dates of Poush 11 and 12 have been set for the convention, and we're working to make it both dignified and grand. As for the next leadership, the convention will decide that through a democratic process. HISSAN has capable individuals who have been actively contributing to the organization, and I'm confident that whoever takes over will carry the mission forward. My role now is to ensure a smooth transition and build unity among the leaders for a consensus-based leadership selection.

CR: What are the current challenges facing Nepal's broader environment that affect education?

Ramesh Silwal: After the recent movements in Bhadra (August-September), the country faces several major challenges. Peace and security remain the biggest concerns. Second, there's no investment-friendly environment. Third, there's growing anarchy. Fourth, there's uncertainty about whether elections scheduled for Falgun 21 will actually happen. This transition period needs to end as quickly as possible. During such transitions, investors neither invest new capital nor expand existing investments. This affects youth who have returned from abroad—they might leave again. The queue of people leaving for foreign countries for studies or work continues to grow.

CR: You're stepping down as HISSAN President. What will your role be going forward?

Ramesh Silwal: I'm stepping down from the HISSAN presidency, but I'm not stepping away from HISSAN. Both HISSAN and the state need my continued involvement in the education sector. My complete support will be available to the new leadership. I'll contribute wherever they think my role is needed. The colleagues who have contributed in the past—even those not in the committee—their roles and contributions will be valued as we work together. Naturally, I'll continue performing my duties with integrity and honesty.

What would you like to suggest the HISSANists attending the 9th National convention?

Ramesh Silwal: As HISSAN prepares for its 9th National Convention, the organization stands at a pivotal moment. Under my two-term leadership, the association has grown in influence, advocating for private education's role in Nepal's development while working to address systemic challenges. The transition to new leadership comes at a time when Nepal's education sector faces unprecedented challenges—from student migration to policy reform to creating an environment that nurtures quality education.

My emphasis on collective action, quality improvement, and the need for equal treatment of all education stakeholders reflects the ongoing struggle of private education in Nepal. As I pass the baton, my call for continued collaboration between the public and private sectors, and for creating an environment where Nepali youth choose to stay and contribute to their nation, remains more relevant than ever.

To all the HISSANists attending this convention, I have a few humble suggestions. First, come with an open mind and a spirit of unity. Leave personal interests aside and prioritize the collective good of the organization and the broader education sector. Second, engage constructively in the discussions on education reform—your insights and experiences from the grassroots level are invaluable. Third, choose your new leadership unanimously through consensus, not division. A united HISSAN is a strong HISSAN. And finally, remember that we are not just representing our individual institutions; we carry the responsibility of shaping Nepal's future through quality education. Let this convention be remembered as a milestone where HISSANists came together stronger than ever.