Rarely does a Nepalese living abroad hear of amazing groups in Nepal like the Entrepreneurs for Nepal. A group that is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in Nepal, Entrepreneurs for Nepal organizes a gathering every Last Thursday of the English month and brings well-known speakers to come and speak to the audience.

On Thursday, March 29th I walked into the United World Trade Center at Tripureshwor with nothing short of excitement. I had heard about the Entrepreneurs for Nepal group when I was abroad and looked forward to attending my first Last Thursdays event. I had high hopes for a session filled with knowledge and inspiration and I got just that.

The speaker for this Thursday was Rajendra Khetan from the Khetan Group, Chairman of Laxmi Bank, Everest Insurance, Prime Life Insurance, Gorkha Brewery and holds other respected positions. I was introduced to Rajendra Khetan by my dad who had known him a few years back. After chatting with other attendees, I sat in the front row keen to hear the speaker.

After an introduction of the Entrepreneurs for Nepal group by the hosts, the main speaker of the night took the stage. Rajendra Khetan gave a power-point presentation and touched on how the Khetan Group started, the organizational structure of the Group, the diversification of the Group and markets they are in. His presentation was very informative and inspiring.

I especially liked the Question and Answer session. The audience asked some very thought-provoking questions and the speaker eloquently and frankly answered them. It was intellectually stimulating to be in the room. Some of the questions addressed to the guest speaker were: Looking at the portfolio of your investments, you're only focused on service businesses, what about manufacturing? Shouldn't banks offer more financing options for individuals who do not have much collateral to take out a loan for their business? What are the skills that young people could work on to be ready for the marketplace?

After close to a two hours session, there was a networking reception and attendees could mingle with each other and enjoy some food. I was very happy to have attended this event and I urge and encourage other people (especially young people) to attend them. Who knows what one can learn from attending a FREE event that is full of positivity, inspiration and ambition.

So, if you are living abroad, stay updated through the group's website (www.e4nepal.com) and if you are coming to Nepal soon then you have to attend a Last Thursdays event. If you are already in Nepal and are interested in listening to innovative ideas, inspiring stories and want to be in a positive environment and network, then I can't suggest a better gathering than the Entrepreneurs for Nepal group.

http://www.parakhi.com/blogs/2012/04/01/last-thursdays-with-rajendra-khetan-at-entrepreneurs-for-nepal