Insights with Shekhar Thakur

In this episode of Insights with Shekhar Thakur, I sit down with Suman Joshi, Executive Director at White Lotus Power Limited, for an insightful conversation about Nepal’s hydropower sector.We explore hydropower from a developer’s perspective—from investment, project development and financial viability to the challenges of transmission, grid connectivity, government policies and the evolving power market.We also discuss **Take-or-Pay vs. Take-and-Pay**, the role of IPPAN, post-RCOD challenges, the future of Nepal’s electricity exports, private-sector participation, and what it will take for Nepal to realise its enormous hydropower potential.Most importantly, Suman shares her personal experiences, leadership perspective, and vision for the future of Nepal’s energy sector.🎙️Watch & listen to the full episode:    https://insightswshekharthakur.com🎧 **Also available on Spotify and Apple Music.**Details and links to all platforms are available on the website.If you found the conversation valuable, please like, share, and subscribe/follownInsights with Shekhar Thakur for more conversations with leaders and experts across Nepal.#Hydropower #Nepal #Energy #RenewableEnergy #PowerSector #HydropowerNepal #Leadership #Podcast #InsightsWithShekharThakur #sumanjoshi

In this episode of Insights with Shekhar Thakur, I’m joined by Er. Ashok G.M., Associate Professor, Computer Engineer and IT Consultant at Himalaya College of Engineering.We have a practical and Nepal-focused conversation about Computer Engineering, college admission, student skills, IT jobs and the future of technology.In this episode, we discuss:🎓 Computer Engineering admission and what students should know before choosing a college🏫 The current condition of engineering education and colleges in Nepal💻 What skills Computer Engineering students should develop beyond the syllabus🤖 AI and its impact on software development and future jobs💼 The reality of IT employment for fresh graduates in Nepal🌏 Nepal vs. global opportunities for Computer Engineers🔬 Research, innovation and industry-academia collaboration🚀 What students should do during their engineering journey to become job-ready🔮 The future of Computer Engineering and Nepal’s IT industryThis episode is especially useful for **+2 graduates, students planning to study Computer Engineering, current engineering students, parents, educators and anyone interested in Nepal’s technology sector**.🌐 Website: https://insightswshekharthakur.com📧 Email: [email protected] you found the conversation useful, like, comment, share and subscribe to Insights with Shekhar Thakur for more conversations on technology, education, careers, business and digital transformation.#ComputerEngineering #Nepal #EngineeringEducation #AI #ITJobs #ComputerEngineeringNepal #HimalayaCollegeOfEngineering #Students #Technology #InsightsWithShekharThakur #Podcast

In this episode of Insights with Shekhar Thakur, I had the opportunity to sit down with  Er. Suvarna Singh Raut, Head of the Civil Engineering Department at Himalaya College of Engineering, for an insightful conversation about Civil Engineering education, career opportunities, and the mindset students need to succeed.We discuss what students actually study in Civil Engineering, the opportunities available to graduates in Nepal, industry expectations, career choices, and how students can better prepare themselves for the professional world.In this episode:🎓 Civil Engineering education at Himalaya College of Engineering💼 Career opportunities for Civil Engineering graduates🧠 Student mindset and career decisions📚 Course structure and what students learn🏗️ Industry expectations and practical skills🚀 Preparing students for future opportunities in Civil EngineeringA big thank you to Er. Suvarna Singh Raut for sharing her experience, practical insights, and valuable advice for aspiring engineers.If you are a Civil Engineering student, aspiring engineer, graduate, or someone considering Civil Engineering as a career, this conversation is for you.#CivilEngineering #CivilEngineeringNepal #EngineeringEducation #EngineeringStudents #EngineeringCareer #Nepal #CareerGuidance #StudentMindset #HimalayaCollegeOfEngineering #Podcast #InsightsWithShekharThakur

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern—it affects businesses, governments, and every individual connected to the internet.In this episode of Insights with Shekhar Thakur, I sit down with Bijay Limbu Senihang, Founder of Vairav Tech, to discuss the realities of cybersecurity, cyberattacks, artificial intelligence and Nepal's evolving digital landscape.We explore:* Cyberattacks and the biggest cyber threats today* AI's impact on cybersecurity* Digital banking, QR payments, and fintech security* The dark web and common cybersecurity myths* Passwords, phishing, and online safety* Cloud security and Zero Trust* Building a global cybersecurity company from Nepal* The future of cybersecurity careers and Nepal's potential as a cybersecurity hubWhether you're a business owner, technology professional, student, or simply someone who uses the internet every day, this episode offers practical insights into staying secure in an increasingly digital world.🌐 Website: https://insightswshekharthakur.com🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this conversation.#CyberSecurity #CyberAttacks #AI #Fintech #DigitalBanking #DarkWeb #CyberSecurityNepal #Nepal #Podcast #InsightsWithShekharThakur #podcastnepal #Bijaylimbusenihang 

🐶 How is Nepal's pet care industry evolving, and what does it take to build a trusted brand from scratch?In this episode of Insights with Shekhar Thakur, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nikita Jalan, Co-Founder & CEO of @PetMama Nepal.From turning a personal loss into a purpose-driven business to building one of Nepal's leading pet care brands, Nikita shares her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of creating a new market, and her vision for the future of pet care in Nepal.🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:• Nikita's entrepreneurial journey• The story behind PetMama Nepal• Responsible pet ownership• Dog behaviour and training• Grooming and preventive pet care• Common mistakes dog owners make• Nepal's growing pet care industry• Building a consumer brand in Nepal• Future opportunities in the pet ecosystemWhether you're an entrepreneur, startup founder, pet owner or simply curious about Nepal's evolving pet care industry, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories.💬 Which insight resonated with you the most? Let us know in the comments!👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Share, Subscribe and turn on notifications for more conversations with entrepreneurs, innovators and industry leaders.🌐 Website: https://insightswshekharthakur.com📺 YouTube: @InsightsWithShekharThakur📘 Facebook: @InsightsWithShekharThakur📸 Instagram: @insightswshekharthakur🎵 TikTok: @insightswshekharthakur📧 Business Enquiries & Collaborations:[[email protected]]#InsightsWithShekharThakur #NikitaJalan #PetMamaNepal #PetCare #DogBehaviour #DogTraining #Entrepreneurship #StartupNepal #Leadership #Podcast #Nepal #podcastnepal Timestamps:00:00 - Highlights01:15 - Guest Intro and Journey03:47 - Petcare Data in Nepal12:02 - Did Nikita do pet training14:06 - Petmama Nepal started Pet Hotel15:40 - Petcare market Potential & Customer Trust18:29 - How do different dogs react23:33 - What Petmama do34:20 - Is owning a pet just a trend41:40 - Can the Pet Care Industry Grow Beyond Urban Areas50:55 - Is there any policies for pet care industry01:02:38 - What kinds of pets does PetMama cater to01:08:04 - How easy or difficult it is for female Entrepreneur

Hydropower is often seen as Nepal's greatest opportunity for clean energy and sustainable economic growth. But as we build more projects, an important question remains: How can we develop responsibly while protecting the environment?In this episode, Pranav Acharya shares valuable insights into the environmental aspects of hydropower development in Nepal. From Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and public hearings to river ecosystems, forests, and aquatic biodiversity, this conversation explores the challenges of balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation. In this episode, we discuss:🌿 The environmental impact of hydropower projects💧 How hydropower affects rivers and environmental flows🐟 The importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity🌲 The role of forests in sustainable development📋 Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and their effectiveness🗣️ Why public hearings matter and how communities can participate🌍 Global best practices Nepal can learn from for sustainable hydropower developmentThis conversation is for engineers, environmental professionals, students, policymakers and anyone interested in Nepal's energy future and environmental sustainability.💬 What do you think? Can Nepal achieve rapid hydropower development while protecting its rivers and natural ecosystems? Share your thoughts in the comments.👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, like the video, subscribe to the channel and share it with others who care about Nepal's sustainable future.Insights with Shekhar ThakurConversations that inform, inspire and create impact.Timestamps:00:00 - Highlights01:27 - what is environment for you03:06 - Guest Introduction and Journey15:20 - Hydropower impact on environment22:18 - EIA on Hydropower28:00 - How Hydro impact the aquatic lives32:15 - Does assessment done after project completion51:18 - Flood Assessment in Hydro01:05:10 - Do Investor take interest on environment01:12:08 - Do solar impact environment01:16:42 - is impact on environment is considered if dam has to be removed01:23:10 - what policy you would change01:28:51 - What is hydropower sustainability alliance01:33:52 - Thanks#Hydropower #Environment #Nepal #PranavAcharya #Sustainability #EnvironmentalImpact #Rivers #AquaticLife #Biodiversity #podcastnepal #RenewableEnergy #EnvironmentalImpactAssessment #Podcast #InsightswithShekharThakur

Nepal's fintech ecosystem has evolved rapidly over the past decade—but what does it take to build and scale digital financial services in a changing regulatory landscape?In this episode of Insights with Shekhar Thakur,  Amit Agrawal, Cofounder & Director of IME Khalti Limited, to discuss the evolution of fintech in Nepal, digital payments, government policies, AI and the role of innovation in shaping the country's digital economy.In this episode, we cover:• The growth of Nepal's fintech ecosystem• Digital wallets and the future of digital payments• Government policies and their impact on innovation• The relevance of SMS in today's digital world• AI and its role in financial services• The biggest misconception people have about Amit AgrawalIf you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to *Like, Share, and Subscribe* for more insightful discussions with leaders from diverse industries.Connect with me:🌐 https://insightswshekharthakur.com#InsightswithShekharThakur #FinTech #DigitalPayments #AI #GovernmentPolicy #Nepal #Innovation #Leadership #Podcast

How is data transforming healthcare? What opportunities does Healthcare Analytics offer? And how do you find purpose while building a meaningful career?In this episode of Insights with Shekhar Thakur, Bidha Rimal shares her insights on the rapidly evolving field of Healthcare Analytics, the career opportunities it offers and the skills needed to thrive in this data-driven era.The conversation goes beyond technology and careers to explore personal growth, the importance of meaningful work and Bidha’s perspective on finding purpose while creating impact.In this episode we talked about:What Healthcare Analytics is and why it mattersCareer opportunities and future trends in the industryEssential skills for aspiring professionalsThe role of data and technology in improving healthcareBidha’s professional journey and key learningsFinding purpose and creating meaningful impactA thoughtful conversation on healthcare, technology, careers, and life—packed with insights for anyone looking to learn, grow and make a difference.🎧 Watch the full episode and share your thoughts in the comments.👍 Like, Share & Subscribe for more conversations with leaders and professionals from diverse industries.Insights with Shekhar ThakurExploring ideas, careers and stories that inspire growth.

In this episode, I am joined by Ashok Neupane, entrepreneur, business leader, and builder of ventures across software, technology, and logistics.We explore the mindset behind building successful businesses, the realities of entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned from scaling operations in competitive industries. Ashok shares his journey, the challenges he faced along the way, and how technology continues to create new opportunities for growth and innovation.From software exports and digital transformation to logistics and business strategy, this conversation offers practical insights for entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone interested in building something meaningful.🔹 Topics Covered:• Ashok Neupane's entrepreneurial journey• Building and scaling businesses• Software exports and opportunities from Nepal• Technology and digital transformation• Logistics industry insights• Challenges and lessons from entrepreneurship• The builder's mindset for long-term successWhether you're a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, business professional, or student, this episode provides valuable perspectives from someone who has turned ideas into thriving businesses.🎧 Watch the full conversation and share your biggest takeaway in the comments.#InsightswShekharThakur #AshokNeupane #Entrepreneurship #Business #Leadership #Technology #SoftwareExport #Logistics #Startup #NepalPodcast

Most people only think about the law when they face a problem.In this podcast from Insights w Shekhar Thakur, Advocate Barsha  B. Bhattaraii explains why legal awareness is important for every citizen and how understanding your rights and responsibilities can help you make better decisions in everyday life.🎙️ Watch this insightful discussion and share your thoughts in the comments.#LegalAwareness #Law #KnowYourRights #Nepal #Podcast #insighswshekharthakur

In this episode of ‪@insightswshekharthakur‬ we are joined by Shilpi Saxena, CHRO and Human Capital Specialist, for a deep and insightful conversation on the evolving role of HR, leadership, people strategy, workplace culture, and enterprise transformation.With experience across both India and Nepal, Shilpi shares why HR should not be viewed merely as a support function — but as a critical business enabler that directly influences organizational growth, culture, and long-term sustainability.In this conversation, we discuss:• Why HR leaders must understand business first• The connection between people strategy and business strategy• Leadership, culture, and managing large workforces• Employee engagement and workplace well-being• AI and the changing future of HR• Enterprise transformation and organizational alignment• Ethical growth and sustainable leadership• The realities of family-run businesses and workforce managementA thoughtful conversation for business leaders, HR professionals, entrepreneurs, managers, and anyone interested in the future of organizations and people leadership.🎙️ Hosted by Shekhar ThakurERP Trainer & Consultant | Host – Insights with Shekhar ThakurIf you enjoyed the conversation, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more meaningful discussions and insights.

Everyone talks about digital transformation — but real transformation also requires people, mindset, and wellbeing. 🎙️In this episode of Insights with Shekhar Thakur, Vineet Rathi shares insights on leadership, workplace wellbeing, organizational growth, and the human side of transformation.A thoughtful conversation on balancing technology with people and sustainable growth.🎥 Hosted by: Shekhar Thakur       Guest: Vineet RathiSubscribe to Insights with Shekhar Thakur for more meaningful conversations on various domains.

In this episode of Insights with Shekhar Thakur, I speak with Aditi Goyal, CEO of Learn Infinity, about the importance of corporate training, Learning & Development (L&D), leadership, and building strong organizational culture.We discuss the mindset difference between Nepal and global organizations, why companies should invest in people, and how learning culture impacts long-term growth and performance.

In this episode, I sit down with Pradeep Sigdel — Entrepreneur, Chartered Accountant, Financial Analyst, and Business Consultant — for a deep conversation on entrepreneurship, financial discipline, investment, and the mindset required to build sustainable businesses in Nepal.