Political Scientist, Computer Scientist
ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Karma
WHERE I COME FROM
I come from a very poor family in Temal, Kavre. I am the eldest among 6 siblings (2 died before the age of 2). Apa (my father) struggled a lot to make ends meet. When I was around 4 years old, we went to Kathmandu where I grew up and went to school. We moved (डेरा) 11 times until we bought a house in Dhumbarahi. I remember those days when we had nothing to eat and no money.
I am still very much attached to my village. My grandparents and lot of elders are no more but a whole bunch of relatives still live there. I visit my roots as often as I can and try to help with whatever I can. I am very proud of my culture.
SCHOOL & GROWING UP
I went to Guheswari school at Pani Pokhari and joined RIBS at Kalanki in grade 7. I did my plus 2 at St. Xavier's, Thapathali. Thankfully, I have always been very good with my studies such that I got scholarships. But I must say I worked very hard so that I am not too much of a burden for my parents ;). I love activities. I danced a lot and I joined Taekwondo. I was an elected member of LTS (Leadership Training Service) and Student Council. My first job was as a dance teacher at the Sheperd School at the age of 17.
Kathmandu back then was so nice and green. We used to visit all temples (Pashupati, Bhadrakali, Boudha, Swayambhu, Narayanthan ...) from Maharajgung on foot. We played gucca गुच्चा, cungi चुंगी, lukamari लुकामारी, डन्डी बिउ. We played seven stone on the main road after 8 pm. There were not many vehicles ... sigh!
The era of computer had just started back in 90s. I learned typing and took a one month "DOS/Windows" course. I knew I wanted to study Computer Science. Helga invited me to study in Germany. At the age of 17, I left Nepal with one way ticket.
THRIVING CAREER
Hard Work Meets Opportunity
I believe in hard work and trust my good luck. Life has not been easy but I have achieved everything that I have wanted in my life. Apa leaving us so early was a huge blow. It took me two years to accept the fact. I suppose taking responsibility at an early age and taking care of the family has made me a strong and empathetic adult. There were other ups and downs like all of us. But I have no complaints. Whatever happens, it happens for its own good. All is good when the end is good. Above all, I am extremely grateful for good health, loving family and friends.
I must admit that I almost gave up my studies. 2 to 3 parallel jobs to survive and send money home, competitive studies, tasteless food, cold weather, homesickness - all together at once was a torture. But I survived - phew! Having secured the Computer Science degree, I had a very satisfying and thriving career in the IT industry for altogether 16 years both in terms of financial and personal growth. Although I had intended to return to Nepal immediately after graduating, the death of Apa and the instability caused by Maoists led me to remain in Germany.
By 2012, my desire to go back home was immense. Having engaged in social work in Nepal for over a decade through various organisations, including NGOs like "Stimme für notleidende Kinder", I realized that politics was the most effective means to create significant change in Nepali lives. Whilst an NGO could provide education to thousands of children, a government could educate an entire nation. Consequently, I began studying politics and joined the Bibeksheel movement, which later became Bibeksheel Nepali and then Nepal Bibeksheel. I started working for a German government agency to gather knowledge about how bureaucracy works. Previously, between 2004 - 2007, I had also been involved with CDU as a guest member. In June 2018, I resigned from my job and spent most of my time in Nepal, where I tended to my family, continued my research, and remained politically active.
My experience with Bibeksheel has been tumultuous, and I often jested about writing a book someday, suggesting that if nothing else came from my political journey, at least I would have material for an excellent book. :)
On the 27th of November 2022, I resigned as the president of the Nepal Bibkesheel party to focus on my PhD thesis and children's book. "Can I Become Prime Minister?" was published on the 18th of October 2023. I passed the PhD viva on the 20th of September 2024.