Ram Krishna Simkhada, Campus Chief of Vinayak Siddha (VS) College in Chabahil, represents a transformative vision in Nepal's education sector. With over two decades of teaching experience beginning in 2053 BS, Simkhada has evolved from a primary school teacher to an educational entrepreneur who believes quality education need not be expensive. Under his leadership for the past eight years, Vinayak Siddha College has grown into a comprehensive institution serving over 5,000 students from Montessori to Master's degree programs. The college's unique model—founded and operated entirely by educators rather than businesspeople—focuses on affordable excellence, producing graduates who excel across diverse fields from football and dance to medicine, engineering, and law, thereby democratizing quality education in Nepal.

College Readers (CR): Could you share how your academic career began and what inspired you to enter the education field?

Ram Krishna Simkhada (RKS): I completed my school education at Bhimodaya Secondary School in Gorkha and came to Kathmandu for higher studies. After graduating from Trichandra College and completing my Master's from Saraswati Campus, I began teaching in 2053 BS. I started my career as a private school teacher  and I've remained in this same field ever since. What sets my journey apart is that throughout my career, I deliberately surrounded myself with mentors and colleagues who were fifteen years my senior rather than peers my own age. Their guidance and inspiration shaped my trajectory—from being a teacher to becoming a Mathematics textbook writer, composing practice books and model sets for grades eight through ten. Though I couldn't continue writing due to workload, those senior colleagues and mentors provided the foundation that eventually led me to this leadership position.

CR: How did the founding of Vinayak Siddha College come about, and what was the inspiration behind it?

RKS: We had a vision to establish an organization in Chabahil that would provide quality education at affordable fees. What makes our team unique—and I want to emphasize this—is that every single member comes from the education sector. Unlike many institutions where businesspeople from various fields come together to start an educational venture, we are all educators. We purchased this college with a clear purpose: to provide quality education. Our founding vision contained two specific goals. First, within ten years, our students should be present in every sector of society. Second, the institution must offer education from M to M—Montessori to Master's degree—all under one compound, one management structure. We've successfully achieved both objectives.

CR: What's the current status of Vinayak Siddha College?

RKS: We're now in our eighth year, and our students are indeed everywhere in society. In football, you've heard of national players like Preeti Rai, Amesha Karki, and Ayush Gharlan—dozens of national-level footballers have completed their higher education here, and many are still current students. Every year, students enter medical fields—MBBS, Ayurvedic medicine, BSc Nursing—many on scholarships, others self-funded. In engineering, numerous students secure partial or full scholarships annually. Beyond academics, we've produced students who've reached the Guinness Book of World Records in dance, work as choreographers in various schools and films, and compete nationally and internationally. There isn't a single reality show in Nepal without participation from our students. In law, dozens have graduated from Nepal Law Campus and other institutions, building successful legal careers. We currently operate programs from school through Master's level, offering Plus Two in all streams—Science, Management, Humanities, Law, and Education. At the Bachelor's level, we run BBA, BA, BCA, BSc CSIT, BHM, and BBA programs, with BIT in the pipeline. For Master's, we offer MBS. Our total enrollment exceeds 5,000 students.

CR: You've achieved both academic excellence and remarkable extracurricular success. What's behind this dual achievement?

RKS: We've proven that quality education doesn't require expensive fees. However, our philosophy differs from traditional thinking. We don't believe students must only study and achieve first division or distinction marks. Instead, students should excel in their chosen fields according to their aspirations. We groom them in singing, dancing, sports—whatever their passion. Many Plus Two graduates have become film choreographers or featured in films' musical productions. This approach stems from our founding team's shared vision: being educators ourselves, we understood that in the Chabahil area's geographic location, we could establish an excellent college providing quality education at reasonable fees. We don't just encourage students—we invest heavily in their potential. For students showing promise, we've invested twenty times more than their paid fees to develop them into outstanding personalities in their chosen fields. Students and parents recognize this commitment, understanding our dedication to their success and our gratitude toward families who trust us.

CR: What factors should students consider when choosing a college?

RKS: Three or four crucial factors exist. First, distance matters enormously. Long commutes waste students' time and increase transportation costs. Second, examine the teaching team—their quality and commitment. Third, infrastructure is critical: laboratories for practical subjects, dance halls for performing arts students, mock courtrooms for future lawyers, practical facilities for BHM students, and standard computer labs for IT students. Fourth, assess whether the institution has quality manpower. Finally—and this is vital—understand the operators' background. Do they genuinely understand the education sector? How committed are they? What's their depth of knowledge in this field? Additionally, students should evaluate whether the institution can groom them according to their aspirations and provide appropriate opportunities for growth and promotion in their chosen careers.

CR: What message do you have for students currently awaiting their SEE results?

RKS: As I've mentioned, we operate numerous programs including our school. At Plus Two level, we offer Science, Management, Humanities, Law, and Education streams, continuously providing quality education across these diverse fields. For parents and students reading this magazine or listening to this interview, if you desire quality education at affordable fees in these areas, I encourage you to remember Vinayak Siddha College. We've built our reputation on making excellence accessible, and we're committed to continuing this mission for every student who walks through our doors. Our eight-year journey demonstrates that with the right vision, dedicated educators, and genuine commitment to student success, we can transform educational accessibility in Nepal while maintaining the highest standards of quality.