“Never choose cost over quality.”

KATHMANDU, Nov 17: For Ajay Khadka, 35, managing two different jobs is not a difficult task. In the morning, he teaches civil engineering students at Nepal Engineering College where he is an assistant professor.

Then in the afternoon, he begins work as project manager at Pullhari Gumba in Kapan. This way, he believes, he has the best of both worlds. His teaching career gives him ample opportunity to connect with young minds while also being updated with the theories of engineering. And at Pullhari Gumba, he finds peace and solace in everything he does.

Republica caught up with him to talk about his job and what keeps him motivated.

Can you tell us how you started your careers? And what do you love about your jobs?

I'm emotionally attached to the monastery because I've been associated with it for the past 16 years. I lost my parents when I was 18. I had finished my Diploma in Civil Engineering from Institute of Engineering then. I was already working as an assistant engineer for a project in the monastery when they came to know about me. The board provided me a home and even funded my education. So this is not only where I had my first job but also where I grew up. I love its culture, the soothing aura and. I find my heart lighten the moment I receive blessings from the rinpoches. Sometimes the work gets challenging, but it's an absolute delight working in here.

As an assistant professor, I am able to keep myself updated in my field. Additionally, I find teaching to be an enjoyable profession which helps me in my career development and does not take up too much time.

Describe your responsibilities as a project manager.

I am involved with designing new buildings, and maintaining and repairing the existing ones in the monastery. I also supervise various kinds of projects, like health camps, for the monastery.

What has been some of your challenges?

At the monastery here, the board asks for traditional Tibetan designs which are intricately carved and mostly involve wood. Woods are expensive and not quite durable. So we use concrete which leaves us with the difficult task of trying to incorporate intricate designs. Thus, one challenge has been to address the traditional requests using modern technology.

What advice would you give to young people pursuing a career in engineering?

I see a lot of young people studying engineering because they saw many people doing it or because they were pressurized to do so by their parents. I would advice young people to consider their interests before deciding on a degree. Another thing I see in universities is young people joining student politics which often diverts their attention from studies. One should be disciplined in order to be successful.

What is your work mantra?

Never choose cost over quality. As a project manager, I make sure that the quality standard is maintained across all the different projects that I oversee. That might require adjusting to a higher cost but quality should never be compromised for cost.

What are your future plans?

I don't have a concrete future plan, but I do see myself continuing to work for monasteries because they give me inexplicable solace.