Bhakta: Making a claim on the future
Sunday, June 25, 2023
“If you had asked me what I wanted to do 7 years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to answer you. I was too busy and too involved in my childhood. I was a young boy tasting everything that came my way.” Meet Bhakta Sijali, who graduated from Kopila Valley School in 2020. He is now doing wonders in the world and making a difference in many ways.
Losing his parents at a very young age was an earth-shattering moment for Bhakta. It was a time he lost everything, including his hope for the future and going to school. Kopila Valley Children’s Home took him in and showed him a new and exciting journey when he least expected it. He has people to call family and siblings to share his ups and downs, to laugh at his silliness, to listen to his problems. Now he marvels that he has lifelong dreams to achieve.
“I actually was toying with the idea of taking BBS (Bachelor’s of Business Studies) IT, BBM (Bachelor’s of Business Management?), or something else. After doing research and talking to people and my family members, I knew what I wanted to do.”
At 21 years old, Bhakta is enrolled in King’s College in Kathmandu, studying for a Bachelor’s Of Business Administration (BBA) and majoring in Digital Marketing. He’s in his fourth semester and loves it. Moving to Kathmandu all on his own was a proud moment for him, he tells us. It was like a different world. He felt all grown up, with dreams and aspirations waiting for him, along with immense responsibilities. He was out in the world to fend for himself and map out plans and goals. It thrilled him, but at the same time it made him nervous.
“During my first year of College I was overwhelmed and challenged by too many things. Growing up in a big family had its pros, and it also had its cons. I found it exhausting and difficult to approach new people who don't know my story. The unfamiliarity of the education system came crashing onto me, which felt like a demeaning and dismissing of my dreams. However, I was taught to hold my ground and never give up.
“I navigated my ways toward making friends, communicating with teachers, and taking extra time on my course work. Now, I am doing well in my studies,” shares a hard-working and determined Bhakta. He wants to open a business in the future that contributes to the world. “I think business has been very focused on how we earn but not so much on how we create opportunities. I want to create opportunities that make a difference to people.
“Family and the people around me inspire me every day. Because of their support and love, it gives me hope and inspiration to keep moving in life, even if I am alone on this path. I have a long way to go. I have many challenges to face head-on, I have yet to figure out my trails and paths after my bachelor’s. All I know right now is, I love the freedom I am getting. It makes me wonder things about life and what I can do to pursue purpose and meaning. I never thought my journey would take this route, but I'm learning every day what matters the most,” he reminds himself.
“I strongly believe in freedom and love because I want to be free to pursue my dreams and goals,” Bhakta says. With this, he is soaking in every moment he is living in.
“If I had been anywhere but Kopila Valley, I wouldn't be here today. I feel lucky to have stumbled upon a life-changing opportunity,” states Bhakta. “To young people out there who are clueless, ambitionless, and who are yet to find a way, I would say grab opportunities and do whatever you feel like doing. Nothing will get in your way if you take care of yourself.”
We are thrilled to have one of our very own Kopila Valley School graduates write this guest blogger series and share alumni stories! Anjali Karki graduated in 2019 and is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism along with a journalism career. We can’t wait to see what each of these world-changers does next. Follow us on social media with the series hashtag (#NarrateYourKopilaStory) for more about these young adults and their adventures.