Basanta Dhakal is the Principal of DAV College of Management, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur. He has also been associated with the college’s faculty of finance for the past 10 years, and his career as a financial management faculty started from the college. Currently a student of MPhil in Finance at Tribhuwan University, he has so far published two books, including Fundamentals of Investment (2066 BS) and Basic Financial Management (2069 BS).

In an interview with My City’s Sonam Lama, Dhakal talked about his experiences and challenges in the field of teaching.

How has your experience been so far? 
During my 10 years of teaching experience, I have learned much while teaching finance. I have been able to successfully negotiate with the possible challenges by virtue of knowledge gained at the M Phil level and my analytical skills sharpened during my stint as a student of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). I managed to write finance-related books through my long exposure to the field. Moreover, it has been a motivating journey in the college as this platform has boosted the level of confidence within me and encouraged me to keep up with the pace of new developments. 

What challenges do you witness as the principal of an educational institution?
Financial management itself is an interesting topic to deal with. Analyzing the financial scenario and arriving at the rational result out of the complex situation is something that has enhanced my awareness on the field of financial management. The greatest satisfaction for me is when I see my pupils occupying high positions at different top-ranking organizations and agencies of this country. Moreover, there are numerous responsibilities associated with this position, the most challenging of which is to keep the college stand capable to invite further developments through creative programs. This could further enhance the academic ambiance besides making the college graduates highly preferred in the job market and be successful in whatever they undertake as a career.

In your view, how has the scenario of education changed over the decades?
The education system of Nepal has undergone a paradigm shift. The traditional approach to theoretical knowledge has given way to research-based learning pedagogy.  The present education scenario of our country has been focusing on the balance between theoretical, practical and research-based learnings. This certainly marks a growth in the learning process.

What changes do you feel are required in Nepali education? What measures can be adopted to improve management system in Nepal? 
The recent emphases in the imparting of management education on practical-based learning approach, research-based pedagogy supplemented by extra co-curricular activities should not be just limited to a few colleges. Management education should be tailored to meet the demands of the ever-changing world. The students should be equipped with technical skills in their respective fields, so that they may be professionals after the completion of their academic life. College level curriculum should incorporate the views of industrialists and entrepreneurs. I believe a consideration of their input in the syllabus-design will make management education in Nepal more effective and meaningful.

Would you like to convey any word of advice to our readers?
Do not just rely on book knowledge, rather explore the world. Be curious, dynamic, inquisitive, free-minded and sensitive to the world and society. As ideal management education calls for a pronounced stress on practice, my message is to be wise in opting for the colleges which provide small classrooms with extra-curricular and practice-based programs galore.