Excerpts:
What kind of books do you read?
I usually read self-help books, books on leadership, and management books besides my course books. Because of my mother, who shares my love for this genre, I've even read books on Buddhism, especially texts that promote Buddhist beliefs.
How did you start reading?
I've been reading for as long as I remember. I think it's because my mother is an avid reader, and she molded me into someone who appreciates books. She used to gift books on special occasions, and I used to frequent the library whenever I could. But I think reading became a norm for me because of what happened to me in my school life. I used to be really innocent and gullible, and was a target for bullies. Because of that, I didn't have any friends during school and books were my only solace. So I used to spend my time reading.
How did reading help you be the person you are now?
I suffered from mild depression because of all that happened, but I think books helped me overcome that to some extent. From dwelling on negative thoughts, I forced myself into focusing on the good things. I came to know that positive thoughts beckon good things in life, and whenever something went out of my way, I reminded myself that I can overcome that. Reading promoted positive thinking in me, and it makes one very productive, and that's why it's responsible for the person I'm right now.
Have you ever tried reading fiction or books from other genres as well?
I used to read children's book by Enid Blyton in the past, and I have read one or two fictions. After a long time, because my friends insisted it was good, I thought of reading 50 Shades of Grey, but I just couldn't finish it. I tried really hard to finish reading it, but finally gave up. I think that it proved that I should stick to leadership books. I think they are much more useful than fiction anyway.
Why do you think so?
With leadership and motivational books, I can learn important things that I can use later in my life. They are to the point and help in my personal growth, something I consider to be much more important than worrying about the plot in fiction. But it doesn't mean that I don't have any respect for the genre. I read Dracula by Bram Stoker and A Girl Like Me by Swati Gauchan and I found both of them to be relatable and good.
Can you recall any instances when lessons from such books directly affected you?
I once read a book called Laws of Teamwork, where the author talked about 17 points to maintain teamwork and team spirit. We have an amazing cast of people at work, but there was a time when we felt that nobody was motivated enough and work was sluggish. I shared the book, hoping that it would revive the old charm of the team and miraculously, it did. So this is what I meant by these books being super effective when it comes to life.
Do you have any book related activities at work as well?
Well, we have promoted a concept of reader's lab, where we collect the donated books, especially novels, and send it outside Kathmandu Valley. I think it's essential to establish a reading culture when the kids are still in school.
Do you have any fun memories related to reading?
It might sound wrong, but I loved reading so much when I was child, that I used to bring books from the library without letting the librarian know. In my defense, they didn't let me bring more books. Now, I collect books and try my best to not lend it out to friends. I love looking at my collection. Sometimes, I even feel like I should go work as a librarian.
Do you have a favorite author(s)?
Robin Sharma and Robert Kiyosaki. I think they are both brilliant at what they do. Their books are very thought provoking.
You write as well. How often do you write?
I write whenever I feel strongly about some issue. Once, I wrote about menstruation and posted it in my blog. No one had talked about menstruation in my circle before that and gradually, people started talking about it. I found more articles related to it and knew more. I saw people discussing it in online forums, and felt that my writing had made some impact. It encouraged me further. I have been trying to regularly post in my blog since, and whenever I write, I make it short and concise, so that people don't get bored.
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