Mr. Ram Hari Silwal, Vice President of the Central Committee of the Higher Institutions and Secondary Schools’ Association Nepal (HISSAN) and Principal of Himalaya School and College, Koteshwor, is a seasoned education leader with nearly two decades of dedicated service to Nepal’s private education sector.

His association with HISSAN dates back to 2065 BS, when HISSAN Kathmandu was established and he joined as a founding member. Over the past 17 years, Mr. Silwal has steadily risen through the organization, serving as a Working Committee Member, Secretary, Chairman of HISSAN Kathmandu, Central Secretary, and currently as Central Vice President. His progression reflects a sustained commitment to institutional strengthening and private education advocacy in Nepal.

As HISSAN prepares for its 9th National Convention, Mr. Silwal shares insights into the pressing challenges confronting private educational institutions, emphasizes the importance of unity and collective leadership within the organization, and highlights HISSAN’s critical role in shaping Nepal’s evolving educational landscape. In this context, and with a strong focus on organizational wellbeing and cohesion, Mr. Silwal has declared his candidacy for the position of General Secretary at the 9th National Convention of HISSAN.

CR: You have been associated with HISSAN since 2065 BS. Could you reflect on your journey within the organization and explain how you progressed through its various leadership roles to become Vice President?

Ram Hari Silwal: In 2065 BS, we realized that the private education sector needed a united platform. Various student organizations and external pressures were creating challenges for private institutions through demands and donations. We believed that a united front was essential. That year, the HISSAN Kathmandu Chapter was formed, and from that point, I continuously served in the working committee as a member, then as Secretary, then as President of the Kathmandu Chapter, followed by Central Secretary, and now as Central Vice President. This journey of nearly 17 years has been filled with ups and downs, but the commitment to private education has remained constant.

CR: What is your vision for this 9th National Convention and the leadership selection process?

Ram Hari Silwal: According to our organizational legislation, we aim to conduct a consensus-based leadership selection that accommodates all colleagues. In the current difficult circumstances where the private sector is facing challenges, we want to ensure that the sentiments of all colleagues are respected, representing all regions, genders, and types of institutions, whether small, medium, or large schools. We are in the process of selecting leadership that represents everyone. Our central leadership is making every effort for a consensus-based selection. If that is not possible, we will proceed through a democratic election process.

CR: The 8th Convention in 2078 BS was reportedly conducted under difficult conditions. How do you view the competition for leadership positions in the 9th  convention?

Ram Hari Silwal: The 8th convention was indeed held under very difficult conditions. For this upcoming convention, we believe competition should be healthy. What might appear as conflict or tug-of-war from outside is not the reality. All those aspiring for leadership are capable colleagues. One term of leadership is not enough; long-term commitment is needed. That is why experienced colleagues who understand the institution, comprehend national and international dynamics, are financially capable, and demonstrate competence in all aspects are stepping forward for leadership.

CR: HISSAN represents a diverse range of institutions, from universities to schools. What essential qualities should the leadership possess?

Ram Hari Silwal: Given that we represent and lead everything from universities to school-level education, our leadership must possess certain fundamental qualities. First and foremost, we need liberality and broad-mindedness—the ability to understand and accommodate diverse perspectives from different types of institutions.

Leaders must have strong capacity for constructive discussion and meaningful debate. Every position within the organization has its specific role and importance, and effective leadership respects this structure.

We need an organized executive body that operates according to established laws and regulations, remains responsive to current times and challenges, actively works to strengthen the organization, and ensures timely meetings, seminars, and conventions. Beyond operational efficiency, there is also the critical matter of social responsibility that must guide all our decisions and actions.

CR: What are the key responsibilities HISSAN is currently undertaking?

Ram Hari Silwal: We are conducting examinations ourselves. When the National Examination Board was not conducting Grade 11 examinations, we stepped in to conduct Grade 11 and Grade 12 examinations at the national level with dignity and integrity. In sports, schools serve as nurseries for producing national and international athletes, and we are working to produce athletes through competitions. We are involved in social responsibility work and organizing examinations systematically. This is teamwork; building strong institutions also requires advocacy at the policy-making level, and for that, we need a strong organization.

CR: What are the vital positions within HISSAN's organizational structure?

Ram Hari Silwal: Our system of office-bearers is designed for collective leadership rather than individual leadership. Within the organization, the roles of President, General Secretary, and Treasurer are particularly vital in all associations. Everything relates to funds: collecting funds, distributing funds, generating funds. With funds, various activities become possible. To move an organization forward efficiently, the first priority is building an effective team. Simultaneously, we must establish ourselves among other organizations as a capable institution. This is teamwork.

CR: You are seeking the position of General Secretary in the 9th National Convention. What makes you the most qualified candidate for this critical role?

Ram Hari Silwal: My candidacy is grounded in nearly 17 years of progressive leadership experience within HISSAN. I have served at every critical level of the organization—as Secretary and President of HISSAN Kathmandu, and subsequently as Central Secretary and Vice President at the national level. This comprehensive journey has provided me with deep institutional knowledge and understanding of both grassroots challenges and national policy implications.

Through these experiences, I have developed strong relationships across all regions and built a capable, committed team ready to lead the organization forward effectively. I have learned that successful leadership is never about individual capability alone—it's about fostering unity and enabling collective action.

Everyone recognizes that no single person can shoulder the entire responsibility of an organization like HISSAN. We need unity of purpose and collaboration across all levels. When we work together with shared vision and mutual respect, we don't just accomplish our goals—we achieve excellence. That is the kind of leadership I am committed to providing as General Secretary.

CR: What is your message to all the delegates and representatives attending the upcoming convention?

Ram Hari Silwal: In this difficult situation where the private sector is facing challenges, we must conduct a Unity Convention. For this, all colleagues must engage responsibly in discussions, debates, interactions, and in both claiming and choosing leadership. Everyone here represents the intellectual sector. My appeal to all colleagues is to make the organization unified, conduct a united convention, select shared leadership that accommodates everyone, and then focus on expanding the organization to provinces, districts, and municipalities. We have many battles ahead in school education, technical education, and higher education.